Assistant Professor: Psychology (Behavioural Neurscience)

Wilfrid Laurier University

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Behavioural Neuroscience

The Department of Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty Assistant Professor position in Behavioural Neuroscience beginning on July 1, 2026, subject to budgetary approval. The primary campus for this position is the Waterloo campus, with the possibility of teaching responsibilities at the nearby Milton campuses through in person or virtual delivery.

Anticipated Salary Range: $90,000 to $130,000 Actual salary will be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Psychology or a closely related field (e.g., Biology), or have a confirmed defense date for such a degree before September 1, 2026. The successful candidate will have a specialization in Behavioural or Systems Neuroscience and a strong record of research excellence. Their research program should use nonhuman species to address fundamental questions in neuroscience.

We particularly welcome applicants whose research complements existing departmental strengths, including comparative cognition, memory systems, social neuroscience, neuroethology, and behavioural neuropharmacology. Candidates using experimental, theoretical, or computational approaches are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to teaching at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, and to supervising graduate students in the MSc and PhD programs. A strong publication record and clear potential for securing Tri Council or other external funding are required. Experience teaching diverse student populations, and expertise and willingness to teach neuroanatomy at the undergraduate level are assets. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to service within the University and broader academic community.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Applicants are encouraged to highlight EDI related contributions in teaching, mentoring, service, lived experience, and/or scholarship.

About the Department

The Department of Psychology includes more than 30 full time faculty members conducting research and teaching in social, developmental, community, cognitive, and behavioural neuroscience areas. The Department values collegiality, collaboration, and a supportive work environment.

More information is available at: https://students.wlu.ca/programs/science/psychology/index.html

For information about working at Laurier and living in Waterloo: https://wlu.ca/about/working-at-laurier/assets/resources/living-in-waterloo.html

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching dossier
• Statement of current and future research interests
• Up to three publications
• Contact information for up to three academic referees

Applicants are encouraged to address their experience with and commitment to EDI in their cover letter.

Applications should be submitted to:

Dr. Paul Mallet, Chair,
Department of Psychology,
Wilfrid Laurier University,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5,
c/o Lucy Carreiro (email: lcarreiro@wlu.ca)

Electronic submission of applications is preferred. Applications will be accepted until Sunday April 5, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any sexual identities and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca. Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity and Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obligated to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenships; however, all applicants must include one of the following statements in their cover letter:

• I am a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• I am not a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Members of designated equity-deserving groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. You may choose to self-identify in your cover letter, or may choose to self-identify, in confidence, to Ruth MacNeil, Senior Administrative Officer, Faculty of Science (rmacneil@wlu.ca). Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html

Applicants are encouraged to address any career interruptions or special circumstances that may have affected their record of research and teaching, in accordance with SSHRC and NSERC definitions and guidelines. To obtain a copy of this job description in an accessible format, please contact hr@wlu.ca.

The Faculty of Science thanks all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed according to criteria established by the Search Committee. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.