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Canada Research Chair (Tier 1), Behavioural Neuroscience

York University

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science

Date Posted: October 26, 2026

Application Deadline: December 18, 2026

The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science at York University invites highly qualified applicants for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Behavioural Neuroscience. This is an open tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2027.

The Department of Biology at York University is home to a vibrant community of researchers, several of whom are working at the intersection of neuroscience, behaviour, and physiology. The successful candidate will join a department with established strengths in animal behaviour, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and ecology and evolution, and will have opportunities to build cross-disciplinary partnerships across York’s neuroscience community. The Department of Biology is a collegial, collaborative community with deep interdisciplinary connections across York’s Faculties and an established network to support expanding research directions and partnerships.

We seek a highly collaborative colleague whose research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour, cognition, sensor and motor function, or adaptive responses. We welcome applications from outstanding researchers with expertise in behavioural neuroscience broadly construed; possible areas of expertise include (but are not limited to): neural circuit function, neuroethology, cognitive neuroscience, computational/theoretical neuroscience, and the neurobiological bases of learning, memory, or sensorimotor integration. Researchers using innovative, empirical, computational, and/or theoretical approaches, including those working with invertebrate, zebrafish, or rodent models, are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will complement and expand existing strengths in York University’s Department of Biology and be expected to foster or build on existing collaborative relationships within and beyond York, including with the Centre for Vision Research and the Centre for Integrative & Applied Neuroscience. York’s location in the greater Toronto area facilitates opportunities for interaction with nearby universities, research institutes, and hospitals.

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program seeks to attract outstanding researchers for careers at Canadian universities. Tier 1 Chairs are intended for outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields. Appointment to a Tier 1 Chair is for seven years, is renewable once, and comes with enhanced research support from the program. Nominees for Tier 1 Chair positions must be full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor level within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, nominees must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. Please see the CRC website http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/ for further eligibility details.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of women and gender minorities among CRCs, this position is open only to qualified researchers who indicate on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below) that they identify as women or gender non-conforming (e.g., genderfluid, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, trans man, trans woman). 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.  

In alignment with the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation https://www.canada.ca/en/research-coordinating-committee/programs/policies-directives/tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html, York University requires that Indigenous applicants provide supporting documentation to affirm their citizenship or membership to an Indigenous collective https://www.canada.ca/en/research-coordinating-committee/programs/policies-directives/directive-tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html#4.9. This policy ensures that positions and funding intended for the Indigenous chairs in the program benefit First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants. For more information regarding accepted supporting documentation, please consult the Directive on the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation  https://www.canada.ca/en/research-coordinating-committee/programs/policies-directives/directive-tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html.  

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.  

This position is intended to recruit external candidates to add to the University’s research strength in the areas identified in this ad.

This is a research-enhanced faculty position partially funded by the Connected Minds https://www.yorku.ca/research/connected-minds/ program, funded in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The successful candidate will be eligible for enhanced start-up funds. In addition, the successful candidate will engage with, and benefit from, the Connected Minds program, which focuses on scholarship in three main research goals: 1) to understand how the interplay of humans and intelligent technologies produces unexpected, emergent properties at the community/whole society levels, 2) predict how new technologies will disrupt the techno-social collective and 3) use these predictions to drive new research and technology development. The Connected Minds program is supported by a total of $318 million in funding over seven years (2023 – 2030).

Candidate Qualifications: [1]

  • Degree: PhD in biology, neuroscience, or a related discipline is required.
  • Scholarship:
  • A coherent and well-articulated program of research and specialization in behavioural neuroscience, with demonstrated excellence and eminence as recognized by peers in the field.
  • A record of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, externally funded research.
  • A record of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field of behavioural neuroscience (e.g., publications in leading journals, presentations at major conferences (including invited or keynote talks); and awards and accolades).
  • Demonstration of academic leadership e.g., leadership role in scientific societies, organizing meetings/conferences, member of editorial boards for journals, grant review committees.
    • Teaching:
  • A record of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., the teaching statement detailing teaching accomplishments, awards, and/or pedagogical innovations).
  • Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
  • A proven record of attracting, training, and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Additional: The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone, especially those who have been historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized.

Hiring Policies:

  • The anticipated starting salary for this position at the rank of Associate Professor is in the range of $147,000 to $177,000], at the rank of Full Professor will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. York University offers generous benefits and salary provisions. 
  • 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/unit/vpf/affirmative-action-program/ 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, Canadian citizens 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 Henrietta Erabhahiemen, Administrative Assistant, Department of Biology, at bioaa@yorku.ca.

Application Process:

  • Due date for completed applications: December 18, 2026.
  • Required materials: 1) cover letter; 2) current CV; 3) research statement (maximum 3 pages); 4) teaching statement (maximum 2 pages); 5) three relevant publications as a single pdf file; 6) contact information for three referees willing to provide a confidential letter of reference. Reference letters will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
  • Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application at this link: YUWorkAA.
  • Direct questions about the position to Hiring Committee Chair, Dr. Kohitij Kar, k0h1t1j@yorku.ca.
  • Submit materials: at biojobs@yorku.ca 

Learn More About York:

 

First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory. More than two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Today, York University campuses are located on the Toronto Purchase Treaty No. 13 lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the lands of the Anishinabek of the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our campuses are also situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.