Urban Studies Postings
Sessional Instructor, URB 605: Great Urban Thinkers | Spring 2026
The Graduate Program in Urban Studies invites applications for the position of
Sessional Instructor, URB 605: Great Urban Thinkers
Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU)
Please note that all Sessional Instructor (SI) positions involve membership in the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) and are subject to both sufficient enrollment in the course and budgetary authorization. The Urban Studies Program follows Article XIV (E.2) of the TSSU-SFU Collective Agreement when hiring sessional instructors. Sessional instructor salaries are based on teaching contact hours.
Application deadline: October 1, 2025 (5 PM)
Work load: 4 contact hours
Course: URB 605: Great Urban Thinkers
Location: SFU Vancouver campus (Harbour Centre)
Time: Tuesdays (5:30-9:20 PM)
Start date: January 5, 2026
A sessional instructor is required for the graduate course URB 605: Great Urban Thinkers. This course examines the thought of key urban thinkers who have defined the field of urban studies, drawing from architecture, planning, sociology, history, anthropology, political science, public policy, and geography.
Course-Specific Qualifications:
- PhD preferred, ABD required, in Urban Studies or related field in the social sciences.
- Demonstrated knowledge of critical theories and perspectives in urban development, planning and policy as demonstrated by one or more of: doctoral training and research; publications; and teaching experience. Professional experience related to critical perspectives in urban development, planning and policy will also be considered in combination with demonstrated research or teaching expertise in these areas.
General Qualifications: (in addition to course-specific qualifications):
- Teaching experience in Urban Studies or a closely related field
- Knowledge of course delivery through relevant teaching tools, including Canvas, Microsoft Office, and Zoom applications
Employment Duties and Responsibilities:
- Works closely with the program director and manager
- Delivers instruction, the content of which is approved by the program director
- Manages electronic and/or other platforms for the effective delivery of instruction
- Holds regular online office hours for students
- Undertakes the grading of assignments and other evaluation items per the grading and evaluation policies and practices of the program, and, if relevant, oversees the work of Teaching Assistants to ensure that grading standards are maintained and that marks are both appropriate and uniformly applied
- Compiles final term course marks and submits the final grades for students in the course
- Manages grade appeals, as necessary, in a timely mannerAcademic background in urban studies or related fields
Please note:
- The appointment will be from January 5 to May 1, 2026.
- Applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada must have a valid study/work permit, a Canadian bank account, and a valid Canadian SIN in order to be appointed.
In addition to the listed qualifications for each position, Urban Studies will define qualification in accordance with Article XIII F of the Collective Agreement with the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU). Evaluation of the adequacy of qualifications is at the director’s discretion. Interviews may be requested of a short list of candidates.
Equity: The University is committed to the principle of equity in employment. (See Policy GP 19.)
Privacy: The information submitted with your application is collected under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468, s. 27(4)(a)), applicable federal and provincial employment regulations and requirements, the University's non-academic employment policies and applicable collective agreements. The information is related directly to and needed by the University to initiate the employment application process. The information will be used to contact references supplied by you, evaluate your qualifications and complete the employment process by making a hiring decision. Applicant information may also be disclosed to the Teaching Support Staff Union in accordance with Article XIII F.3.1.b of the Collective Agreement. If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of this information please contact the Associate VP, Human Resources, 91ÅÝܽ, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6. Telephone: 778-782-3237.
To apply, please submit the following to urban@sfu.ca:
- A current resume or curriculum vitae
- A list of past courses taught at SFU and/or another university or college and a summary of teaching evaluations for these courses.
- Two letters of reference from within the past two years, including at least one from a unit for which courses have been taught.
- Proof of highest degree.
- A sample course outline (showing required texts, evaluation criteria, and week by week topic coverage).
- A statement of the applicant’s approach to pedagogy.
For questions and inquiries, please email the Urban Studies Director Dr. Tiffany Muller Myrdahl at tmullerm@sfu.ca or the manager, academic and administrative services, at urban@sfu.ca.
Link to the PDF of the Sessional Posting (Spring 2026): Click Here
