The Urban Studies Program

invites applications for the position of
Sessional Instructor – Summer 2026
URB 630 - Urban Development, Planning and Policy

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. Urban Studies follows Article XIV (E.2) of the TSSU-SFU Collective Agreement when hiring sessional instructors. Sessional instructor salaries are based on teaching contact hours.

DURATION: May 8 – Aug 28, 2026
SEMINAR TIME: Wednesdays, 5:30-9:20 PM

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2026

Submit your complete application, including the application form, and all documents noted below by email to urban@sfu.ca. Applications may be addressed to the attention of the Director, Urban Studies Program, Simon Fraser University.

POSITION AVAILABLE: URB 630 Urban Development, Planning and Policy
LOCATION: In-person, Vancouver campus, Harbour Centre
CONTACT HOURS: 4

COURSE DESCRIPTION (from SFU Calendar): The focus of this course is the evolving relationship between state interventions into the city, and dynamics of urban development.  This class emphasizes the historical context to urban planning and policy, with particular reference to the Canadian city.

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

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

All qualifications must be evidenced via the following documents:

• 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.

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 manner

OTHER INFORMATION

The Urban Studies Program may interview a short list of candidates.

EQUITY

The University is committed to the principle of equity in employment per GP 19 (https://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/general/gp19.html).

PRIVACY

The information submitted with an 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 an applicant, evaluate an applicant’s qualifications, and complete the employment process by making a hiring decision. Applicant information may also be disclosed to the TSSU 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, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6. Telephone: 778-782-3237.

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