The Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mathematics offers an attractive annual salary starting at $67,000. It is designed for motivated individuals who have recently completed a PhD and are passionate about undergraduate mathematics education. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain further teaching experience and develop innovative learning strategies in mathematics instruction.

The position focuses on teaching first- and second-year undergraduate mathematics, collaborating with faculty members and TAs, and supporting large coordinated courses. Applicants will also get involved in developing curriculum, innovating pedagogical practices, and possibly conducting educational research.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach the equivalent of four semester-long courses per year and be actively involved in curriculum administration. Mentorship from experienced faculty is provided, and collaborative opportunities for educational initiatives are available. The minimum qualification includes a recently completed PhD in mathematics or a related area, along with relevant teaching experience.

Key Responsibilities and Daily Life

As a postdoctoral fellow, your main responsibility is delivering high-quality undergraduate mathematics instruction. Guiding large, multi-section courses, you will coordinate activities and help set curriculum goals with colleagues.

Curriculum development is central, allowing you to design new learning materials or refine existing ones based on student needs and feedback. Administrative skills are also strengthened as you support course logistics.

There is plenty of teamwork in this role, with frequent interaction between mathematics faculty and teaching assistants. This fosters a collaborative, supportive teaching environment and offers learning opportunities every step of the way.

Pursuing pedagogical research is another exciting aspect, giving you the chance to measure and improve the effectiveness of different teaching methods in large courses.

Throughout your tenure, you’ll be guided by faculty mentors, furthering your professional development and preparing you for advanced teaching careers.

Notable Advantages

This fellowship provides a strong financial package starting at $67,000 per year, with a guaranteed base regardless of collective agreement changes. The well-structured compensation ensures job security and stability.

Working within a reputable mathematics department, you’ll benefit from faculty support and join an active network of over twelve teaching professionals. It’s the perfect launchpad for a teaching-focused career and deep professional relationships.

Potential Drawbacks

The workload can be intense, especially when juggling teaching, curriculum planning, and research. Managing multiple course sections and supporting TAs requires excellent organizational skills and stamina.

Applicants are expected to submit a comprehensive application, including several documents and multiple references. Completing these requirements can be time-consuming and demanding, especially for early-career academics.

Final Thoughts

The University of Toronto Mathematics Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship stands out as an ideal pathway for those seeking growth in undergraduate mathematics education. With comprehensive support, strong compensation, and an emphasis on pedagogical innovation, it represents a clear stepping stone towards a fulfilling teaching career.