📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sessional Lecturer, INF2164H - UX Research and Design for Video Games
🔹 Company: University of Toronto
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Sessional (Part-Time)
🔹 Category: Higher Education, Teaching
🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Teaching a specialized course on UX Research and Design for Video Games
- Developing and delivering course content, including lectures, seminars, and labs
- Grading assignments, tests, and exams
- Holding regular office hours for student support
- Contributing to the academic mission of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in UX Research and Design, with a focus on video games. Teaching experience is preferred but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Prepare course materials, including syllabus, lecture slides, and assignments
✅ Deliver engaging and informative lectures, seminars, and labs
✅ Develop and administer assignments, tests, and exams to assess student learning
✅ Grade assignments, tests, and exams in a timely manner
✅ Hold regular office hours to provide support and guidance to students
✅ Contribute to the academic mission of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and expertise in their field, as well as a commitment to student success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course, or a Master's degree with extensive professional experience in an area related to the course
Experience: Teaching experience is preferred but not required
Required Skills:
- Expertise in User Experience Design and Research, with a focus on video games
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to develop and deliver engaging course content
- Proficiency in using learning management systems and educational technologies
- Ability to grade assignments, tests, and exams in a timely and fair manner
Preferred Skills:
- Experience teaching in a higher education setting
- Familiarity with the video game industry and trends
- Ability to incorporate accessibility and inclusivity principles into course design and delivery
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in UX Research and Design, along with a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success, are encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 10,300 - 11,485 per course (Sessional Lecturer I - III)
Benefits:
- Access to university facilities and resources
- Opportunities for professional development
- Health and dental benefits (for eligible employees)
Working Hours: Flexible, with a commitment to holding regular office hours and being available for students
ASSUMPTION: Salary ranges are based on the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: Large (over 5,000 employees)
Founded: 1827 (University of Toronto), 1965 (Faculty of Information)
Company Description:
- The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, located on the grounds that surround Queen's Park
- The Faculty of Information offers a range of programs focused on information studies, including a specialization in User Experience Design
- The Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE) is a dynamic and inclusive learning community comprised of scholars focused on educational leadership and administration, policy and change, social justice, and community engagement
Company Specialties:
- Research and teaching in the fields of information studies, user experience design, and educational leadership
- Providing a high-quality education to a diverse student body
- Contributing to the academic and cultural life of Toronto and beyond
Company Website: https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/lhae
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto is a highly regarded institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Sessional Lecturer reports directly to the Administrative Coordinator, Academic
Work Arrangement: On-site, with a commitment to holding regular office hours and being available for students
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to teach additional courses or take on other academic responsibilities
- Potential for career advancement within the University of Toronto's academic ranks
- Access to professional development opportunities and resources
ASSUMPTION: This role offers the opportunity to gain teaching experience in a higher education setting, as well as the chance to contribute to the academic mission of a prestigious university.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus
Office Location(s): 140 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts and culture scene
- The University of Toronto's St. George campus is located in downtown Toronto, near many amenities and attractions
- The city is home to a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and offerings
Work Schedule: Flexible, with a commitment to holding regular office hours and being available for students
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is academic and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on student success and intellectual rigor.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit a CV and completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form in one PDF file to the attention of Melissa Szopa, Administrative Coordinator, Academic
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview
- Interviews may include a teaching demonstration or other assessments of the candidate's qualifications
Key Assessment Areas:
- Expertise in UX Research and Design, with a focus on video games
- Ability to develop and deliver engaging course content
- Commitment to student success and accessibility
- Alignment with the academic mission of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and application form to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to teaching and your vision for the course
- Demonstrate your familiarity with the video game industry and trends
ATS Keywords: User Experience Design, User Experience Research, Video Game Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation, Usability Testing, Accessibility, Inclusivity, Course Development, Teaching, Grading, Office Hours, Seminars, Lectures, Labs, Assignments, Tests
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to highlight their unique qualifications and experiences.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Learning Management Systems (e.g., Quercus, Blackboard)
- Educational Technologies (e.g., lecture capture software, interactive learning tools)
- UX Research and Design Tools (e.g., user testing software, prototyping tools)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be expected to be proficient in using learning management systems and educational technologies, as well as UX Research and Design tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching and research
- Student success and accessibility
- Collaboration and intellectual rigor
Work Style:
- Academic and collaborative
- Student-centered and supportive
- Innovative and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong background in UX Research and Design, with a focus on video games?
- Are you committed to student success and accessibility?
- Do you thrive in an academic and collaborative work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are passionate about teaching and committed to student success, as well as those who align with the academic mission of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information, are encouraged to apply.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Teaching a specialized course with a focus on video games may require additional preparation and expertise
- The course may have a large enrollment, requiring effective classroom management and student support
- The academic environment can be competitive and demanding
- The work-life balance may be challenging, with a commitment to holding regular office hours and being available for students
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to navigate these challenges and thrive in the academic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on UX Research and Design for Video Games within a higher education setting
- Similar roles may include teaching positions in related fields, such as Human-Computer Interaction or Information Systems
- Career paths may include advancement within the academic ranks, as well as opportunities in industry or research
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to teach a specialized course in a higher education setting, with the potential for career advancement and growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a user research plan for a new video game
- Designing and conducting usability tests for an existing video game
- Creating a heuristic evaluation report for a video game interface
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of activities that may be required in this role, but the specific projects may vary depending on the course and the needs of the students.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the expectations for course preparation and development?
- How does this course fit into the broader curriculum and academic mission of the Faculty of Information?
- What resources and support are available to help me succeed in this role?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the University of Toronto?
- How does the University of Toronto support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role and the work environment, as well as to demonstrate their interest and engagement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Application Form
- Tailor your CV and application form to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications
- Prepare a teaching philosophy statement that outlines your approach to teaching and your vision for the course
- Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with the video game industry and trends
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Melissa Szopa, after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
