Assistant Professor, Clinical/Developmental Psychology – Indigenous Communities

York University

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health

Aanii, Boozhoo, Koolamalsi, Shekoli, Shekon, Tansi, Greetings,

The Department of Psychology http://psyc.info.yorku.ca/ in the Faculty of Health at York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor position in Clinical/Clinical-Developmental Psychology, with a specialization in Mental Health with Indigenous Peoples and Communities. This is a tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2026.

We seek a scholar whose work is grounded in Indigenous knowledges and who has experience with service delivery and/or community-based research involving Indigenous children, youth, adults, and/or families. The successful candidate will engage in scholarship related to mental health and well-being in Indigenous communities, including but not limited to areas such as cultural continuity, resilience and strength, or mental health difficulties.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of Indigenous faculty, this position is open only to qualified scholars who identify as Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/the-haudenosaunee-creation-story/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (i.e., First Nations, Inuit, or Métis). The appointment is part of the University’s Affirmative Action program, which is based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. To be considered, applicants must identify as an Indigenous Person of Turtle Island and complete the Affirmative Action self-identification form in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (see below).

York University is committed to providing an inviting, rich and supportive work, study and research environment to Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. This includes: cultivating understanding of, respect for and connections with Indigenous communities; integrating Indigenous cultures, approaches and perspectives into curricular offerings and research; collaborating with Indigenous communities; and supporting the recruitment and success of Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. These efforts are guided by the Assistant Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Council, and the Indigenous Framework for York University https://indigenous.yorku.ca/files/2017/08/Indigenous-Framework-for-York-University-A-Guide-to-Action.pdf and include the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages https://www.yorku.ca/research/cikl/, the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services https://aboriginal.info.yorku.ca/ and Skennen'kó:wa Gamig https://aboriginal.info.yorku.ca/skennenkowa-gamig/, a space for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students.

York acknowledges the potential impact of various life circumstances (e.g., illness, disability, caregiving, family commitments) on a candidate’s record of research and other achievements. Candidates are encouraged to describe such circumstances and their impact in their application. This information will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

Candidate Qualifications:
• Degree: A relevant doctorate in psychology or a related field (PhD, PsyD, EdD, or DPhil) by the appointments’ start date. Preference will be given to candidates who are registered or eligible for registration as a Psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario or in another jurisdiction. Applicants with a relevant background in psychology and Indigenous mental health who are not yet eligible for registration are also encouraged to apply and will be supported in obtaining registration. We also welcome applicants who are mental health professionals who are registered or eligible for registration with another College within Ontario or in another jurisdiction.
• Scholarship:
o A coherent and well-articulated program of research related to mental health and well-being in Indigenous Peoples or Communities.
o A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and, as appropriate, externally funded research.
o A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (e.g., research statement that clearly articulates the purpose, context, impact, and outcomes of their work and methodologies).
o Experience with service delivery and/or community-based research involving Indigenous children, youth, adults, families, and/or communities. A demonstrated commitment to Indigenous Communities and knowledge systems is essential.
• Teaching:
o A record or evident promise of teaching, mentoring or engaging with Indigenous Peoples or Communities.
o A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., teaching activities and achievements, pedagogical innovations, and/or student and peer evaluations).
o Suitability for promot appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
• Additional: We expect the successful candidate to have the potential for service contributions within the Department, Faculty and/or University.

Hiring Policies:
• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here https://www.yorku.ca/vpepc/faculty-affairs/affirmative-action/ or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities http://secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca/policies/accommodation-in-employment-for-persons-with-disabilities/ and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Alistair Mapp, Chair, Department of Psychology, psychair@yorku.ca.

Application Process:
• Due date for completed applications: December 23. However, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
• Required materials: 1) cover letter; 2) up-to-date curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research interests, including proposed research plans, methodologies, collaborations, and funding strategies; 4) a teaching statement outlining teaching activities, accomplishments, innovations, mentorship, and peer support activities,—particularly in areas such as experiential education and Indigenous perspectives on health, wellbeing, and healing. If you wish to include teaching evaluations, you may include them here; 5) one to three reprints or preprints; and 6) contact information for three referees, one of whom must be a community-bases reference discussing your work in and with Indigenous Peoples and/or Communities. Only shortlisted candidates’ references will be contacted.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application. .
• Direct questions about the position to the Search Chair, Dr. Jonathan Weiss, jonweiss@yorku.ca.
• Submit materials: at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HH_PSYC_Clin

Learn More About York:
• York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan https://www.yorku.ca/research/strategic-research-plan-2023-2028/ showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.
• York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy https://www.yorku.ca/dedi-strategy/, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion https://www.yorku.ca/abr/ and the Indigenous Framework for York University https://indigenous.yorku.ca/framework/.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile https://www.yorku.ca/yfile/.


York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been stewarded by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is included in of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.