Sessional Lecturer - PSY260H1S (LEC5101) - Introduction to Learning and Plasticity

Date Posted: 10/23/2026
Req ID: 50694
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Psychology
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Course number and title: PSY260H1S (LEC5101) – Introduction to Learning and Plasticity

Course description: Concepts, theories, and applications of classical and contemporary learning theories, including classical and operant conditioning. Current theories of the physiological and anatomical basis of learning and memory, including synaptic plasticity, the role of the hippocampus, amygdala, frontal cortex and other brain regions. Theories will be related to a practical understanding and applications such as drug addiction, phobias and other disorders.

Estimated TA support: 235 hours

Estimated course enrolment: 188-198 students

Class schedule: Wednesdays 6 - 9 p.m.

The delivery method for this course is currently in person. Please note that, in keeping with current circumstances, the course delivery method may change as determined by the Faculty or the Department.

Sessional dates of appointment: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027

Salary:

Sessional Lecturer I: $9,997.48
Sessional Lecturer I, Long Term: $10,699.22
Sessional Lecturer II: $10,699.22
Sessional Lecturer II - Long Term: $10,953.96
Sessional Lecturer III: $10,953.96
Sessional Lecturer III - Long Term: $11,228.90

*Please note that should rates stipulated in the Collective Agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates in the Collective Agreement shall prevail.

Minimum Qualifications: Completed PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Psychology, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in learning, memory, and neural plasticity in model systems. Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching, including experience teaching courses related to learning, conditioning, memory, or behavioural neuroscience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience teaching undergraduate behavioural neuroscience or associative learning courses, particularly those focused on learning and memory and their biological bases. Experience teaching large introductory psychology courses at the University of Toronto St. George campus.

Description of duties: Lecturing; counselling students; setting final exam; invigilating and reporting final marks and; supervising course TAs.

Application Procedure: Please email a PDF of your current CV, cover letter, and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form (found at https://uoft.me/CUPE-3902-Unit-3-Application-Form ) combined into one file to [email protected] . Only applications that are emailed to the above address will be considered. Kindly do not submit any other materials. The deadline to apply is November 13, 2026 .

Closing Date: 11/13/2026, 11:59PM EDT
**

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.