At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach a unique course on positive psychology tailored for engineering students.
- Company: Join the University of Toronto's Woodsworth College, a hub for innovative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, academic growth, and a chance to inspire future engineers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by blending happiness with engineering principles in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have teaching experience in Positive Psychology and Leadership; a graduate degree preferred.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 11000 ÂŁ per month.
Course description: Many disciplines have explored happiness – philosophy, anthropology, psychology, sociology, neurobiology, film, art and literature – to name a few. Why not engineering? During the first part of the course we will play catch-up, examining the scholarly and creative ways that people have attempted to understand what makes for a happy life. Then we turn our attention to our own domain-expertise, applying engineering concepts like “balance”, “flow”, “amplitude”, “dynamic equilibrium”, “momentum” and others to explore the ways that your technical knowledge can contribute to a deep understanding of happiness. This course is designed to challenge you academically as we analyze texts from a variety of disciplines, but it is also designed to challenge you personally to explore happiness as it relates to yourself, your own personal development and your success and fulfillment as an engineer.
Posting end date: July 18, 2025
Number of positions (est): One (1) position
Estimated TA support: TBA
Estimated course enrolment: Approximately 80 students
Class schedule: One two-hour lecture per week; timetable to be determined.
Sessional dates of appointment: September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Hours: 1 HCE (up to a maximum of 230 hrs)
Salary: CUPE minimum salary rates for a half course (HCE), inclusive of vacation pay, are: Sessional Lecturer 1 - $9,820.70; Sessional Lecturer 1 Long Term - $10,510.04; Sessional Lecturer 2 - $10,510.04; Sessional Lecturer 2 Long Term - $10,760.28; Sessional Lecturer 3 - $10,760.28 and Sessional Lecturer 3 Long Term - $11,013.89. Should rates stipulated in the Collective Agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the Collective Agreement shall prevail.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have extensive experience teaching both Positive Psychology and Leadership. The applicant must have experience and knowledge of evidence-based research that links a variety of positive psychology concepts to leadership effectiveness. Applicants should have a strong record of presenting lectures with an ability to explain concepts clearly and creatively. Preference will be given to candidates with a graduate degree in Positive Psychology, Leadership or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications: PhD in psychology, education or leadership studies. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in leadership development theory and practice. Proven track record of effective teaching and curriculum design. Understanding of the engineering profession and context. Capacity to deliver experiential pedagogy.
Description Of Duties:
- Preparation of lectures and course materials
- Delivery of lectures
- Possible supervision of Teaching Assistants
- Setting and marking of projects, tests and exams
- Evaluation of final grades
- Contact with students
Application Procedure: Applicants should submit: Unit 3 application form. Application documents must be submitted via the link found in the application form in one (1) file.
If during the application and/or selection process you require accommodation due to a disability, please contact Chanelle Small-Reid at istep.academic@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.
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. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Diversity Statement: The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes.
Accessibility Statement: The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.
TEP1026H1 F - The Happy Engineer - Positive Psychology for Engineers employer: University of Toronto - Woodsworth College
Contact Detail:
University of Toronto - Woodsworth College Recruiting Team
istep.academic@utoronto.ca
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land TEP1026H1 F - The Happy Engineer - Positive Psychology for Engineers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key concepts of positive psychology and how they relate to engineering. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the course content.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of positive psychology and engineering. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you would engage students in experiential learning. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to connect with students.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University of Toronto's approach to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to articulate how your background and experiences align with their values, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace TEP1026H1 F - The Happy Engineer - Positive Psychology for Engineers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Course Content: Familiarise yourself with the course description and objectives. Highlight how your experience in Positive Psychology and Leadership aligns with the course's focus on happiness and engineering.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects your teaching experience, particularly in Positive Psychology and Leadership. Include specific examples of courses taught, curriculum designed, and any innovative teaching methods you have employed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for teaching and your understanding of the engineering context. Mention how you can contribute to students' personal development and success.
Prepare for Diversity and Inclusion: Be ready to discuss your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your application. Reflect on how your experiences and perspectives can enhance the learning environment for all students.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Toronto - Woodsworth College
✨Show Your Passion for Positive Psychology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for positive psychology and its application in engineering. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to the subject, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Teaching Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous teaching experiences, especially in positive psychology and leadership. Highlight specific examples of how you've engaged students and made complex concepts accessible, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Connect Engineering Concepts to Happiness
Be ready to articulate how engineering principles can be linked to happiness and personal development. Think of examples where you’ve applied concepts like 'balance' or 'momentum' in a way that enhances well-being.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared about the course structure or student engagement strategies. This shows your interest in the role and your proactive approach to teaching.