The Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Comparative Cognition and Behaviour, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024.

Department/Faculty Summary

The Department of Psychology currently has strengths in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, cognition, comparative cognition and behaviour, developmental science, and social and cultural psychology. We offer a highly collegial and supportive work environment for new and established academics, with outstanding support for research and teaching.

The Faculty of Science is globally recognized for excellence in research and education, working to position our community ahead of economic cycles, ecological shifts, competitive opportunities, and disruptive technologies by pushing the boundaries of discovery, knowledge, and innovation (Science Strategic Plan 2020-2025).

Position Summary

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an innovative and robust externally-funded research program and other activities relating to Comparative Cognition and Behaviour; regularly engage in relevant domestic and international research networks; supervise and mentor graduate students; and provide service to the Department, the Faculty, the University, as well as to professional and external communities. We have laboratory space for housing many different species, including (but not limited to) rodents, birds, fish, insects, etc. Candidates whose work includes field populations are also welcome and encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or a closely related field (e.g., Animal Behaviour, Animal Cognition, Behavioural Ecology, Neuroscience) by the date of the appointment or shortly thereafter.
• Postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Active research program in the area(s) listed above.
• Demonstrated potential to develop an innovative research program that is externally funded.
• Research record that displays potential for excellence in any area of Comparative Cognition and Behaviour, such as animal cognition, animal learning and memory, cognitive ecology, mechanisms of behaviour, neuroethology, or social behaviour.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the Departmental teaching mission in Comparative Cognition and Behaviour and related areas by offering psychology courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Clear potential to mentor graduate students.
• Evidence of commitment to and engagement with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles and the EDI values of the Department.
• Interest in (and, possibly, record of) pursuing interdisciplinary connections to develop and advance the interactions of comparative research with other disciplines or for areas of societal concern, including (but not limited to) neuroscience, artificial intelligence, conservation efforts, mental health, and behavioural treatment programs.

Working at the University

The University of Alberta is one of the largest and most research-productive universities in Canada. With more than 40,000 students from 146 countries, the U of A regularly ranks in the top 5 universities in the country and in the top 100 universities in the world according to QS Worldwide university rankings. The University of Alberta is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (Strategic Plan for EDI) and to reconciliation (Indigenous Strategic Plan). Greater Edmonton, Amiskwacîwâskahikan, in the language of the Plains Cree, is situated on Treaty Six Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We recognize and respect the history, languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our institution.

Location: The successful candidate is expected to be located in Edmonton. For more information about the University of Alberta and Edmonton, please visit http://www.ualberta.ca and https://infoedmonton.com.

Salary and Benefits: This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA). The university offers highly competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications in accordance with the Faculty Agreement’s negotiated salary scales.

How to Apply

Please read application instructions carefully as incomplete applications will not be considered.

As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requirements, the university must conduct recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a temporary foreign worker. To ensure we remain in compliance with these regulations, please include the appropriate statement in your cover letter: “I am a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident” or “I am not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident”.

Please select the Apply Online icon below and submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter with TFWP statement that includes highlights of their profile and explains how they can contribute to the Department (submit under “Cover Letter”).
2. CV (submit under “Curriculum Vitae”).
3. Contact information for three references (submit under “References”). Please alert potential references in advance, as the reference letter collection phase will be limited in duration for short-listed candidates.
4. Reprints of 3-5 of their most impactful publications (submit under “List of Publications”).
5. Research Statement (1-2 pages) that outlines their main areas of current and future research and describes how their research aligns with the Department (submit under “Research Plan”).
6. A 2-page statement of their teaching philosophy, demonstrated experience in teaching and mentoring, and proposed contributions to teaching within the Department (submit under “Statement of Teaching/Research Interests”).
7. An EDI Statement (1-2 pages) that identifies their strengths and experiences with equity, diversity and inclusion and includes their plans to advance EDI in their research, teaching, and service to the scientific community (submit under “EDI Philosophy”).

Inquiries regarding the position can be addressed to the Department Chair, Dr. Anthony Singhal (psychair@ualberta.ca), and the Executive Assistant, Llyn Madsen (psyea@ualberta.ca), using “Comparative Cognition 2023” as the email’s subject.

Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, with a targeted start date of July 1, 2024. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement for their interview and/or subsequent recruitment meetings can contact psyea@ualberta.ca to arrange appropriate accommodations.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; persons with non-traditional career paths; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.