Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Human Neuroscience: Department of Psychology

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The successful candidate will be a tenure-track Assistant Professor in human neuroscience developing an interdisciplinary, original and impactful research program that complements and expands the Department’s strengths in behavioural, cognitive, developmental, and social neuroscience. We welcome applicants whose research addresses fundamental questions about brain-behaviour relationships and who bring substantive expertise in one or more contemporary neuroscience approaches. Relevant methods may include, but are not limited to, functional or structural MRI, electrophysiology, psychophysiology, computational modelling, or multimethod approaches.

Working for the Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology has strengths in behavioural, cognitive, developmental and social neuroscience; cognition; comparative cognition and behavior; 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, and an active Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Reconciliation (EDI-IR) Committee. The Department of Psychology serves approximately 21,000 undergraduate students per year, including 4,500 students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs with Psychology as their declared major or minor. In addition, the Department offers Masters and PhD programs.

The Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) is a multi-faculty, interdisciplinary teaching and research institute located at the University of Alberta. It is home to over 190 scientists and clinicians, spanning across all areas of neuroscience and mental health research.

The Peter S. Allen MRI Research Centre is a state-of-the-art, research-dedicated neuroimaging facility located at the University of Alberta Hospital. The Centre houses a 3T Siemens Prisma MRI scanner and a 4.7T high-field human MRI system, supporting advanced structural and functional neuroimaging research. With specialized technical expertise and infrastructure, the Centre provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research spanning cognitive, behavioural, and clinical neuroscience.

Responsibilities for the position include maintaining an impactful and externally funded interdisciplinary research program in the field of human neuroscience; teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on courses in neuroscience, research methods, and behavioural, cognitive, developmental or social psychology; and supervising undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Teaching load for this position is three courses per year. The successful candidate will be expected to build networks and partnerships within the U of A, and externally, to support the advancement of research and scholarship in the field of neuroscience.

• A PhD in Psychology or a related/relevant academic discipline (e.g., Neuroscience) by the date of appointment. Postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Evidence of a research program in the field of human neuroscience using one or more contemporary neuroscience approaches.
• A strong track-record of original and impactful research contributions, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, scholarly works, and/or presentations in venues relevant and respected in their fields of research.
• Evidence of engaging in interdisciplinary research networks and collaborations, or strong evidence of such potential.
• Evidence of seeking and obtaining competitive external research funding, or demonstrated potential for securing external research funding.
• Teaching experience at the university level commensurate with career stage. Ability to teach, or experience teaching, courses in neuroscience, research methods, and/or behavioural, cognitive, developmental or social psychology.
• Evidence of effective mentorship and supervision of highly qualified personnel, commensurate with career stage.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of practices to foster equity, diversity and inclusion in research and teaching; to foster belonging and meaningful access for members of the university community; and living out commitments to Indigenization and decolonization.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae: Including the names and titles of three referees. Please note that we are not requesting letters of reference in the initial application.
• Research Plan: Outlines the applicant’s main areas of current and future research.
• List of Publications: Copies of up to three publications or other scholarly works.
• Statement of Teaching Interests: With a brief teaching philosophy, any evidence of teaching/mentoring effectiveness, and description of courses you have taught or would like to teach in the position.
• Access, Community, and Belonging Philosophy: A statement about understanding of the importance of practices to foster equity, diversity and inclusion in research and teaching; belonging and meaningful access for members of the university community; and commitments to Indigenization and decolonization.

Review of applications will begin on December 7, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration. Applications will be accepted until January 7, 2027. Referees should be prepared to send their letters, if requested.

Questions about the position can be addressed to the attention of Dr. Wendy Hoglund, Chair, Department of Psychology, via [email protected] or [email protected], using “Neuroscience Position” in the subject line.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

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.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. 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, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.