Sessional Lecturer - PHY1487HF - Quantum Theory of Solids EMERGENCY POSTING

Date Posted: 07/29/2026
Req ID: 49638
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Physics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Course number and title: Sessional Lecturer – PHY1487HF – Quantum Theory of Solids EMERGENCY POSTING

Course description: Introduction to the physics of solids and their electronic properties. Topics include crystal structure and symmetry, X-ray and neutron diffraction, electronic band structure, lattice vibrations and phonons.

Textbook: Solid State Physics by Ashcroft and Mermin:

1. The Drude Theory of Metals.

2. The Sommerfeld Theory of Metals.

3. Failures of the Free Electron Model.

4. Crystal Lattices.

5. The Reciprocal Lattice.

6. Determination of Crystal Structures by X-Ray Diffraction.

7. Classification of Bravais Lattices and Crystal Structures.

8. Electron levels in a Periodic Potential: General Properties.

9. Electrons in a Weak Periodic Potential.

10. The Tight-Binding Method.

11. The Semiclassical Model of Electron Dynamics.

12. Measuring the Fermi Surface.

13. Classical Theory of the Harmonic Crystal.

14. Quantum Theory of the Harmonic Crystal.

15. Measuring Phonon Dispersion Relations.

16. Phonons in Metals.

Number of Positions: 1

Estimated course enrolment: 20 students

Estimated TA support: TBA hours (contingent upon enrolment)

Class schedule (Lectures): Monday 10:00am-11:00am; Thursday 10:00am-11:00am

The delivery method for this course is currently in-person. Please note that, in keeping with current circumstances, the course delivery method may change as determined by the Faculty or the Department.

Sessional dates of appointment: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Salary: Pay for half course, vacation pay included:

Sessional Lecturer I: $9,997.48
Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $10,699.22
Sessional Lecturer II: $10,669.22
Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $10,953.96
Sessional Lecturer III: $10,953.96
Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $11,228.90

Please note that 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:

• PhD in Physics or a closely related field
• At least 3 years research experience in the field of theoretical condensed matter physics
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the University level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience and demonstrated ability in teaching a similar course

Description of duties:

• Coordination of a graduate course
• Preparation and delivery of lectures in this course
• Supervision and training of teaching assistant(s) assigned to course, including overseeing the TAs DDAH forms
• Preparation, supervision and grading of tests and examinations in accordance with University regulations; submission of final grades
• Providing scheduled office hours for academic counseling of students

Application instructions:

All applications must be submitted via email as one combined PDF to: physics.ugprogram@utoronto.ca (Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Physics) by the posted deadline. The PDF must include:

1. Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
2. Evidence of teaching in the relevant area (including student evaluations, if available)
3. Completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form, available at: https://uoft.me/CUPE-3902-Unit-3-Application-Form

Applications submitted through any method other than email will not be reviewed or processed.

Closing Date: 08/07/2026, 11:59PM EDT
**

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.