Sessional lecturer-FSC360H5F - Evidence, Law and Forensic Science in Canada

Description:

Course Description: This course will explore the position of forensic science within the law in Canada. The focus will be on the evolution of the acceptance of forensic science in Canadian criminal law and its current position within the legal system. Topics include: Evidence law, expert evidence law, defining the expert, differing standards of legal acceptance for police sciences and others. Important historical documents and legal advancements will be surveyed. [24L, 12S]

Session: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Lectures : Thursdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (In-person)

Practicals/Tutorials :  None

Estimated Course Enrolment : 150

Estimated TA Support : 225 hours (total number of assigned hours for all positions is dependent on course enrolment and course approvals).

Salary :

• $9,997.48 for Sessional Lecturer I
• $10,699.22 for Sessional Lecturer I - Long Term
• $10,699.22 for Sessional Lecturer II
• $10,953.96 for Sessional Lecturer III

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Qualifications: Ph.D. (completed or ABD with active student status at issuing institution) in Law or closely related topic, or completed law degree (LLB/JD or LLM) with practice experience in criminal law, including with respect to trial and/or appellate work involving evidence law, expert witness evidence and the forensic sciences. Please note: If co-teaching, both instructors must meet the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:  Ideal candidate will have trial experience with cases involving expert witness evidence and the role that expert witnesses/the forensic sciences play in the criminal justice system. Knowledge and experience specific to the criminal justice system in Ontario (Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice) would be an asset. Demonstrated commitment to education within the legal and/or expert witness communities would be an asset. We are seeking previous experience in teaching/education, mastery of subject area, forensic science and/or law background, and professional experience. Experience with management and delivery of courses using University of Toronto or similar systems (e.g., Quercus, Canvas-based technologies, Zoom, etc.) is preferred.

Duties: Preparation and delivery of course material, preparation and delivery of assignments, tests and/or exams; supervision of teaching assistants (includes providing instruction on how to mark, as well as holding office hours); marking of students’ work (during the term and beyond if an extension of time is granted by the university officials); submission of grades to university officials; and holding regular office hours. The mode of instruction for this course is expected to be in-person. However, if this changes for any reason, you will be provided with as much advance notice as practicable.  

Application instructions:

1. Apply online through the on the Institute of Forensic Sciences website
2. Email your CV to Carolyn Loos (Department Manager) at View email address on jobs.utoronto.ca by 11:59pm on July 13, 2026.

Both requirements are necessary to be considered. Questions can be directed to Carolyn Loos, Department Manager, at the above email.

Applicants not able to apply online should contact Carolyn Loos (Department Manager) at View phone number on jobs.utoronto.ca or by email at: View email address on jobs.utoronto.ca .

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. 

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.  

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.