Sessional Course Instructor

The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo is seeking expressions of interest for sessional course instructors.  Openings for these positions may occur on short notice ranging from days to months in advance, and would typically be to teach a one-term undergraduate course. If you would like to be considered for these positions when and if they become available, please submit an application as described below.  Applicants should ideally have a M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Biology and some experience in teaching biology at the University level.  Duties range from instructing upper year biology courses to instructing first year biology classes for science, engineering and mathematics students and may occur in Fall, Winter or Spring academic terms.


Winter 2025 Sessional Opportunities:

  • BIOL 220 (Introduction to Plant Structure and Function) - Lecture; 11:30-12:20 MW

  • BIOL 365 (Methods in Bioinformatics) - Lecture and managing TAs; 4:30-6:20 M

  • BIOL 485 (Conservation Biology) - Lecture; 1:00-2:20 MW


  • International Teaching Opportunity:

    - BIOL 241 (Introduction to Applied Microbiology)

    - BIOL 350 (Ecosystem Ecology)

    * This position requires the delivery of both courses (lectures only with teaching materials provided) in person at the partner institution, China University of Geosciences Wuhan (CUGW; Wuhan, China). The expected lecture period is expected to begin on or about February 15, 2025 until late April. The salary will be the standard sessional rate for each course, and a 10,000rmb/month stipend paid by CUGW. The University of Waterloo will provide accommodation at CUGW, airfare from and returning to Ontario and a standard travel insurance policy covering the lecture period. A standard Z VISA will be required for the travel and employment of the sessional.


Sessional Instructors are responsible for the Lecture component only unless otherwise stated. Full course descriptions can be found on the Undergraduate Calendar.

The salary is $8,735 per one term course (4 months). Applications should submit a CV and a teaching statement that focuses on expertise and experience in teaching undergraduate biology, especially as it relates to our Undergraduate courses in our curriculum. If there are specific courses available that you are interested in teaching, please include course names and course codes within the teaching statement. Additional material such as a summary of student evaluations for previous teaching assignments or a letter of recommendation from a previous employer may also be submitted but are not required. If possible, please advise if you have any restrictions on when you would be available teach.

Applications should be submitted as a single pdf document with the subject heading ‘Sessional teaching’ by email to biougchair@uwaterloo.ca . Applications will be kept on file for one year.

The University of Waterloo regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. At Waterloo, you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with an international community of scholars and a diverse student body, situated in a rapidly growing community that has been termed a “hub of innovation.” We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the cover letter of their application. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will receive priority in the recruitment process.