Prospective Professors in Training

Program Description

PPIT introduces participants to curriculum, teaching, and learning within the context of engineering education, and supports participants in developing applications for academic positions. Participants learn about applying for academic positions and the construction of effective application materials. Finally, the program helps participants build the knowledge and tools required to balance time and resources between teaching, research, and administration.

Estimated Enrolment: 40 PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows

Number of Positions: 1

Posting end date: November 10, 2025

Dates of appointment: February 2 – February 27, 2025

Hours: 10 hrs – 40 hrs (dependent on number of submissions)

Salary: CUPE minimum salary rates are: Writing Instructor 1 - $54.48/hr plus 4% vacation pay; Writing Instructor 1 Long Term - $57.19/hr plus 4% vacation pay; Writing Instructor 2 - $58.57/hr plus 6% vacation pay; Writing Instructor 2 Long Term - $60.29/hr plus 6% vacation pay; Writing Instructor 2 (priority) - $59.11/hr plus 6% vacation pay and Writing Instructor 2 (priority) Long Term - $61.50/hr plus 6% vacation pay. 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

At least a Master's degree in an appropriate discipline (such as, but not limited to, Communication, English, Engineering, Education, Technology Studies) with strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

A PhD in an appropriate discipline (as above). Familiarity with engineering communication practices is highly desirable. Previous experience as a Writing Instructor for the Prospective Professors in Training (PPIT) program is considered an asset.

Description of Duties

The Writing Instructor will be responsible for assessing a set of academic dossiers from PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows in PPIT. The academic dossier will include a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching statement, and positionality statement, as well as selected supporting material. A focus will be on providing high-quality and precise feedback, allowing the participants to improve their work. A set of clear criteria for assessment will be provided, and the Writing Instructor will work with the supervisor in ensuring effective feedback. Specifically, the Writing Instructor will:

• Provide feedback on academic dossiers (including research statement, teaching statement, CV and cover letter) for a group of PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows
• Meet with supervisor to discuss trends/areas for consideration regarding further resources for participants
• Carry out all duties online

Application Procedure

• Unit 3 application form

If during the application and/or selection process you require accommodation due to a disability, please contact Chanelle Small-Reid at

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.