Astronomy & Astrophysics TAship Applications

TAship postings

Fall/Winter 2024-25 - Winter 2025 Round 1 (Emergency Posting)

Posted on: 2024-11-06

Applications due: 2024-12-20

Submit applications on-line to: https://taships.iit.artsci.utoronto.ca/ast.

Course Campus Enrollment (est.) No. positions (est.) No. hours (est.) Dates Times Tutorials or laboratories/practicals Duties and responsibilities Qualifications Relevant criterion
AST121H1S - Origin and Evolution of the Universe STG This course is intended for Astronomy students. Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructors and teaching support administrator but normally involve holding office hours for review and Q&A, conducting in-person tutorials, responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, conducting observing sessions, running/assisting with review sessions, project help sessions, exam invigilation, marking of exams/tests and assignments, assisting with online delivery of course (Quercus), and participating in training meetings. Familiarity with general cosmology (via courses or research) and the physics of the early universe. Preference will be given to applicants with prior TA experience and a background in astronomy at the graduate level. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest and aptitude in teaching astronomy (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST199H1S - Astronomy at the Frontier STG Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructors but normally involve marking of tests and assignments, exam invigilation, responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, and holding office hours for review and Q&A. Current enrollment in the Astronomy and Astrophysics major or specialist program. Preference will be given to those with prior TA experience and a background in astronomy at the graduate level. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest and aptitude in teaching astronomy (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Please state in your application how you meet these requirements. Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST201H1S - Stars and Galaxies STG This course is intended for non-major students. Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructors and teaching support administrator but normally involve conducting tutorials, holding office hours for review and Q&A, responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, conducting observing sessions, running/assisting with review sessions, project help sessions, exam invigilation, marking of exams/tests and assignments, assisting with online delivery of course (Quercus), and participating in training meetings. First time TAs must complete specified paid training. Minimum qualification: Applicants must have a solid academic background in university level upper-year astronomy and/or physics courses. Preferred qualifications: Prior teaching assistant experience, familiarity with course topics, strong communication skills, and a background in astronomy at the graduate level preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest and aptitude in teaching astronomy. (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST201H1S(35hr) - Stars and Galaxies STG Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructors and teaching support administrator but normally involve holding office hours for review and Q&A, conducting in-person tutorials, responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, conducting observing sessions, running/assisting with review sessions, project help sessions, exam invigilation, marking of exams/tests and assignments, assisting with online delivery of course (Quercus), and participating in training meetings. Only select this option if you want a half-appointment (35 hrs). Prior TA experience and a background in astronomy at the graduate level. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest in and an aptitude for teaching astronomy. (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST222H1S - Galaxies and Cosmology STG Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructor but normally involve marking of tests and assignments, exam invigilation, responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, holding office hours for student review and Q&A. Background in cosmology (through coursework or research); ability to code (python). Preference will be given to those with prior TA experience and a background in astronomy at the graduate level. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest and aptitude in teaching astronomy. (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Please explain in your application how to meet these qualifications. Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST251H1S - Life on Other Worlds STG This course will be taught in-person. Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructors or teaching support administrator but normally involve responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, holding office hours for student review and Q&A, exam invigilation, marking of exams/tests and assignments, and in some instances developing project data sets. Minimum Qualification: Applicants must have a solid academic background in university level upper-year astronomy and/or physics courses. Preferred Qualifications: Prior teaching assistant experience, familiarity with course topics, strong communication skills, and a background in astronomy at the graduate level preferred.  A background in exoplanets and/or biology is an asset. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest in and an aptitude for teaching astronomy. (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST320H1S - Introduction to Astrophysics STG Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructor and may include, but is not limited to, marking submissions, providing feedback on students assignments, marking exams/tests, exam invigilation, meeting with professor, responding to student queries. Prior teaching assistant experience. Must have a solid academic background in astronomy at the graduate level. Previously taken AST320 with high standing is an asset; demonstrated timely completion of marking tasks. Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST326Y1Y(S) - Practical Astronomy STG Specific duties will be assigned by the course instructors but normally involve marking of tests and assignments, responding to student queries via email and online discussion boards, holding office hours for counseling, conducting observing sessions and support of in-person lab activities. Minimum Qualification: Applicants must have a background at the master's level of astronomy. Preferred Qualifications: Prior TA experience, a background in astronomy at the graduate level, and familiarity with the operation of telescopes and astronomical instruments. Note that this assignment includes in-person support of classroom lab activities. Preference will be given to applicants with coding proficiency (Python) and an interest and aptitude in teaching. (This also may be demonstrated through tutoring and/or mentoring experience.) Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.
AST424H1Y - Introduction to Astronomical Research STG N / A

Notes:

  1. 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. During employment, to request accommodation from the University, contact the supervisor or department chair and/or Health & Wellbeing Programs & Services at hwb@utoronto.ca. For more information about accommodations at U of T, please visit our Accommodation webpage.

  2. The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

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

  4. This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Collective Agreement. The Departmental Hiring Policy is available in the Department Office and in the CUPE, local 3902 office. The position(s) posted above is (are) tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolments.

  5. Duties of this position shall be performed at the campus on which the position is located. Where the duties are intended to be performed at another location, such other location will be specified in the posting.

  6. Although a graduate student’s preference as to the campus location of his/her TA appointment will be taken into account, both the initial TA appointment (CI appointment) and the subsequent appointment obligation related to that appointment may be met through position(s) on any one of the three University of Toronto campuses (UTM, UTSC or St George) in courses in the same discipline as the initial appointment. TAs will only be assigned to courses in fields in which they are or should be qualified to assist.

  7. Positions posted here are open to Graduate Students in the School of Graduate Studies, Postdoctoral Fellows and Undergraduate Students in the University of Toronto.

  8. Preference in hiring shall be given to Graduate Students enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto or those who have made application to be enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto.

  9. The hiring criteria for Teaching Assistant positions are academic qualifications, the need to acquire experience, previous experience and previous satisfactory employment under the provisions of this Collective Agreement.

  10. The rates of pay correspond with the current CUPE Agreement and are as follows:

    • Effective January 1, 2024: UG $51.93 per hour (+ vacation pay) / SGSI 51.93 per hour (+ vacation pay) / SGSII $51.93 per hour (+ vacation pay)

    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.