Sessional Lecturer, INF2217H - Designing UX for Extended Reality Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sessional Lecturer, INF2217H - Designing UX for Extended Reality Systems

Company: University of Toronto

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contract, Part-time (Sessional)

Category: Higher Education / Academic Instruction

Date Posted: May 5, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Professional Experience or equivalent academic progression)

Remote Status: On-site (Must be located in geographical proximity to the University)

🚀 Role Summary

• Deliver specialized instruction in User Experience (UX) design principles and methodologies for Extended Reality (XR) systems, including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications.

• Develop and curate comprehensive course materials, assignments, and assessments that align with advanced UX design concepts within the XR domain.

• Facilitate engaging learning environments through lectures, seminars, and practical lab sessions, fostering critical thinking and hands-on application of XR UX design techniques.

• Evaluate student performance through grading of assignments, tests, and exams, providing constructive feedback to support academic and professional development.

• Conduct regular office hours to provide academic support and guidance to students enrolled in the INF2217H course.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Sessional Lecturer, indicating a contract-based position for a specific academic term (Fall 2026). The emphasis on "Designing UX for Extended Reality Systems" positions this as a highly specialized academic offering within the Faculty of Information, requiring deep expertise in a rapidly evolving technological field. The role is not a typical Revenue or Sales Operations position but rather an academic instructional role. The following enhancement will adapt operations-focused frameworks to this unique context, focusing on curriculum delivery, process management, and stakeholder engagement within an academic setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and refine course syllabus, lecture notes, presentation slides, and supplementary materials for INF2217H, ensuring content is current with XR UX design best practices and academic rigor.

• Deliver engaging and informative lectures, seminars, and lab sessions covering core XR mechanics, embodied interaction, prototyping methods, and evaluation techniques for mixed reality UX.

• Design and implement a variety of assessment tools, including assignments, projects, mid-term tests, and final examinations, to measure student comprehension and application of course concepts.

• Provide timely and constructive feedback on all graded components, adhering to university and faculty grading policies and supporting student learning outcomes.

• Maintain a professional and accessible presence through scheduled office hours, offering personalized guidance on course content, project work, and career-related inquiries within the XR UX field.

• Manage all aspects of course administration, including timely submission of grades, adherence to academic deadlines, and effective communication with students and administrative staff.

• Critically analyze XR applications, discussing their potential social, cultural, and societal impacts to foster a well-rounded understanding among students.

• Collaborate with the Faculty of Information administration to ensure smooth course delivery and compliance with university policies and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to reflect the academic context of a Sessional Lecturer. While not directly "revenue operations," the "process management" aspects of course delivery, assessment, and administration are analogous to operational duties in a business setting. The focus shifts from business metrics to academic outcomes and student learning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed PhD degree in a field directly related to UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, Information Studies, or a closely allied discipline is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in UX design, with a specific focus on Extended Reality (XR) technologies (VR, AR, MR).

• Prior experience in curriculum development, instructional design, or teaching at the post-secondary level is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of User Experience (UX) design principles and methodologies as applied to Extended Reality (XR) systems.

• Proficiency in XR technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) platforms and concepts.

• Expertise in XR interaction design, embodiment, and the unique challenges of designing for immersive environments.

• Ability to develop and deliver engaging educational content, including lectures, seminars, and practical exercises.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate XR applications and their societal impact.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective student interaction and instruction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research and evaluation techniques specific to XR environments.

• Knowledge of academic curriculum development standards and best practices.

• Familiarity with the University of Toronto's academic policies and procedures.

• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard.

• Understanding of the broader technological and societal implications of XR.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements are adapted for an academic role. The "experience level" is interpreted broadly to encompass both academic progression and professional industry experience, as is common in university hiring for specialized technical courses. The skills are tailored to the specific subject matter of XR UX design and instructional delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in teaching or training, showcasing an ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.

• Examples of curriculum development or course design, highlighting structure, learning objectives, and assessment strategies.

• Case studies or project examples demonstrating expertise in designing and prototyping UX for XR applications.

• Evidence of user research or evaluation methodologies applied to XR systems.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate the pedagogical approach and course structure for INF2217H.

• Development of clear guidelines and rubrics for student assignments and grading.

• Processes for managing course administration, including grade submission and student communication.

• Methodologies for staying current with advancements in XR technology and UX design to inform course content.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an academic role, the "portfolio" shifts from business process optimization to pedagogical and technical expertise demonstration. This section focuses on showcasing teaching capability, curriculum design, and practical experience in the specified technology domain.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for this Sessional Lecturer position is determined by the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement and depends on the lecturer's rank. The provided rates for the Fall Term 2026 are as follows:

• Sessional Lecturer I: CAD $10,889

• Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: CAD $11,652

• Sessional Lecturer II: CAD $11,652

• Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: CAD $11,924

• Sessional Lecturer III: CAD $11,924

• Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: CAD $12,202

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed based on the collective agreement and the lecturer's rank. The highest stated rate is used as a reference point for the salary range. The currency is specified as CAD based on the location.

Benefits:

As a sessional lecturer under CUPE 3902 Unit 3, benefits may be available as per the collective agreement, which typically include:

• Access to dental, vision, and extended health benefits plans (eligibility and contributions are subject to the collective agreement).

• Potential for contributions to a pension plan, as outlined in the collective agreement.

• Access to university resources, library services, and potentially some computing facilities.

Working Hours:

The role is sessional and contract-based, with specific hours dictated by the course schedule and associated duties. This includes:

• Delivering scheduled lectures, seminars, or labs (typically 3 hours per week for a standard fall term course).

• Time allocated for course preparation, assignment development, grading, and office hours.

• Total estimated workload of approximately 75 hours, particularly if enrollment exceeds 36 students, in addition to direct teaching time.

• Flexibility in scheduling office hours, subject to student availability and university guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits for sessional faculty are typically governed by the collective agreement and may differ significantly from full-time faculty or industry roles. The working hours are estimated based on standard course delivery and the stated workload.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Academic Research & Instruction

Company Size: Large (University of Toronto is one of Canada's largest universities, with tens of thousands of employees and students).

Founded: 1827 (The University of Toronto has a long and distinguished history of academic excellence and research).

Team Structure:

• The Sessional Lecturer will be part of the Faculty of Information (iSchool) at the University of Toronto.

• The role reports to the course director or department head responsible for INF2217H and the overall curriculum within that specialization.

• Collaboration will occur with other faculty members, administrative staff within the Faculty of Information, and potentially teaching assistants (though none are anticipated for this specific course).

Methodology:

• The Faculty of Information emphasizes a research-informed and practice-oriented approach to education.

• Courses like INF2217H are designed to integrate theoretical foundations with practical skills development in emerging technology fields.

• Data-driven insights are used to inform curriculum development and student assessment, ensuring educational relevance and impact.

• Emphasis on critical thinking, ethical considerations, and societal impact of information technologies.

Company Website: https://www.utoronto.ca/ and https://ischool.utoronto.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context is adapted to an academic institution. The "company culture" emphasizes academic rigor, research, and a forward-thinking approach to technology education, aligning with the specialized nature of the course.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Academic Instruction / Specialized Subject Matter Expert

This role is for an experienced professional or academic with expertise in XR UX design. It represents an opportunity to contribute to the education of future information professionals in a highly specialized and in-demand field. As a sessional position, it is typically a contract role for a single term, offering valuable teaching experience.

Reporting Structure:

The Sessional Lecturer reports to the academic leadership within the Faculty of Information responsible for the course. This typically involves reporting to a Program Director or Department Chair who oversees curriculum and faculty.

Operations Impact:

While not a traditional business operations role, the impact is significant in shaping the next generation of UX designers and XR professionals. Effective instruction contributes directly to the university's reputation for excellence in emerging technology education and prepares students for impactful careers in the tech industry. The course's critical perspective on XR's societal impact also contributes to a more informed and responsible technological future.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepening Expertise: Opportunity to refine and expand knowledge in XR UX design through course preparation and interaction with students.

• Teaching Experience: Gaining valuable experience in curriculum delivery, student assessment, and academic pedagogy, which can be applied to future teaching opportunities or professional development.

• Networking: Building connections with faculty, researchers, and students within the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information, a leading institution in the field.

• Potential for Future Contracts: Successful performance may lead to opportunities to teach other specialized courses within the iSchool's curriculum, potentially progressing through sessional ranks (Lecturer I, II, III) as per the collective agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth in this context refers to advancing within the academic instructional framework, building a teaching portfolio, and potentially securing future sessional appointments or developing expertise in pedagogical methods for emerging technologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus Environment

The role is based on the University of Toronto's St. George campus, within the Faculty of Information facilities. This is a traditional academic setting.

Office Location(s):

• University of Toronto, Faculty of Information

Workspace Context:

• Access to university facilities, including classrooms, lecture halls, and potentially specialized labs for XR development (subject to availability and course needs).

• Collaborative spaces for faculty and students within the Faculty of Information.

• Access to university IT support and resources.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is dictated by the course timetable, which will be determined closer to the Fall 2026 term.

• Classes, seminars, and labs will occur at specific times on campus.

• Significant portion of work (preparation, grading, office hours) can be managed flexibly, provided it meets deadlines and student needs, but on-campus presence is required for teaching duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is clearly defined as an on-campus academic setting. The emphasis is on the physical presence required for teaching and student interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The application process for sessional positions at the University of Toronto typically involves:

1. Application Submission: Applicants submit a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form.

2. Review of Applications: The hiring committee (often including faculty members and the department chair) reviews applications based on qualifications and teaching experience.

3. Shortlisting and Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. This interview might involve a teaching demonstration, a discussion of their qualifications, and their approach to teaching the specific course.

4. Selection: The committee makes a recommendation for appointment, which is then approved by the relevant academic authority.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Ensure your CV clearly highlights academic credentials, teaching experience (courses taught, levels, institutions), relevant professional experience in XR UX, publications, and any pedagogical training.

• Application Form: Complete the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form thoroughly and accurately, detailing all relevant experience and qualifications.

• Teaching Philosophy/Statement: If requested, prepare a concise statement outlining your teaching philosophy, your approach to instructing XR UX, and how you engage students in learning complex technical subjects.

• Sample Course Materials: Be prepared to discuss or provide examples of course materials you have developed (syllabi, assignments, lecture notes) if requested. This demonstrates your ability to structure and deliver content effectively.

• Professional Experience: Frame your professional experience in XR UX to highlight skills directly transferable to teaching, such as problem-solving, project management, and communication.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your pedagogical approach for teaching complex topics like XR UX design.

• Anticipate questions about how you would handle student challenges, diverse learning styles, and maintaining an inclusive classroom environment.

• Familiarize yourself with the course description for INF2217H and be ready to articulate how your expertise aligns with its objectives.

• Understand the University of Toronto's academic mission and the Faculty of Information's specific focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and review process is tailored to academic hiring practices, emphasizing pedagogical skills and relevant subject matter expertise over traditional business operations metrics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• XR Development Platforms: Unity, Unreal Engine (familiarity with one or both is highly beneficial for understanding student projects and potential demonstrations).

• XR Hardware: Experience with various VR headsets (e.g., Oculus/Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Valve Index), AR devices (e.g., HoloLens, mobile AR platforms), and associated controllers.

• Prototyping Software: Tools for rapid prototyping of XR interfaces, such as Adobe Aero, Figma (with XR plugins), or specialized XR prototyping tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Familiarity with platforms like Canvas (used by UofT) for course management, assignment submission, and grade tracking.

• Assessment Tools: Standard university systems for grade entry and management.

CRM & Automation:

• University Administration Systems: General familiarity with university administrative software for course registration and student records.

• Communication Platforms: University email systems (e.g., Outlook), potentially Slack or Microsoft Teams for faculty/student communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is specific to XR development and UX design, reflecting the technical requirements of the course content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

In the context of the Faculty of Information, the values typically align with:

• Academic Excellence: Commitment to high standards in teaching, research, and student learning.

• Innovation: Embracing and exploring new technologies and methodologies in information science and design.

• Inclusivity: Fostering a welcoming and equitable learning environment for all students.

• Ethical Responsibility: Encouraging critical thinking about the societal impact and ethical implications of information technologies.

• Collaboration: Promoting interdisciplinary approaches and teamwork among faculty and students.

Collaboration Style:

• The Faculty of Information fosters a collaborative environment where faculty share knowledge and support each other's teaching and research endeavors.

• Lecturers are expected to work professionally with administrative staff to ensure smooth course operations.

• There is an expectation of open communication and constructive feedback regarding curriculum and teaching practices.

• Interaction with students is central, requiring an approachable and supportive collaboration style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Values and collaboration styles are interpreted through the lens of an academic institution, focusing on intellectual contribution, pedagogical support, and ethical considerations in technology education.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Field: XR technology and UX design principles are constantly changing, requiring continuous learning to keep course content relevant.

• Student Diversity: Managing a classroom with students from varied academic backgrounds and levels of prior experience in XR development.

• Technical Demands: Ensuring students have access to or can effectively utilize necessary hardware and software for XR development and prototyping.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Effectively integrating theoretical concepts with hands-on practical application within the course structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Stay Current: Opportunity to deeply engage with the latest research and industry trends in XR UX through course preparation.

• Pedagogical Skills: Enhance teaching and curriculum development skills through practical application and potential faculty development workshops.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within a leading academic institution and with students who will become future industry professionals.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in a niche and high-demand area of UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the specific demands of teaching a cutting-edge technological subject within an academic setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you structure the INF2217H course to balance theoretical foundations of XR UX with practical prototyping and evaluation skills?

• Describe your approach to teaching complex technical concepts like embodied interaction in XR to students with diverse technical backgrounds.

• How do you stay current with advancements in XR technology and UX design, and how would you integrate these into your course?

• Discuss a challenging XR UX design problem you encountered and how you approached solving it.

Company & Culture Questions:

• What interests you about teaching at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information, specifically this course?

• How do you align with the Faculty of Information's mission and values regarding technology, information, and society?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to discuss your CV, highlighting relevant teaching and professional experience.

• If you have developed course materials, be ready to present samples (e.g., syllabus, assignment prompt) and explain your pedagogical rationale.

• For professional experience, select case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, design process, and impact in XR UX. Focus on how you would translate these experiences into teaching examples.

• Clearly articulate your teaching philosophy and how it applies to an XR UX design course.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on pedagogical approaches, subject matter expertise, and alignment with the academic institution's values, rather than typical business strategy or operational efficiency questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sessional Lecturer position:

• Carefully review the course description for INF2217H and the provided qualifications.

• Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly highlights your relevant academic and professional experience in XR UX design and teaching.

• Complete the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form accurately and thoroughly.

• Submit your CV and the completed application form as a single PDF file to sessional.ischool@utoronto.ca by the deadline of May 28, 2026.

• In your application materials, emphasize your ability to prepare course content, deliver engaging lectures, develop assignments, and foster a critical understanding of XR UX design.

• If invited for an interview, prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy, pedagogical strategies, and relevant expertise in Extended Reality UX.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and academic institution-standard assumptions. All details regarding the application process, required documents, and deadlines should be verified directly with the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto.