Job Description

The Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University is pleased to invite applications for the Joan and Jack Craig Chair in Autism Research. Building on the excellent work of the two previous Chairs, the new Chairholder will develop and direct an internationally recognized research program in autism, emphasizing the potential for translation and application to clinical practice. Of equal importance is the ability of the Chair to interact with the broad community both to educate and to increase public awareness and understanding of autism. The Chair will become a leader in efforts being or undertaken in the origins, early identification, diagnosis, and interventions, services and supports for children and youth with autism and their families.Now is an exciting time for the autism community in Nova Scotia with significant investment in preschool autism services by the Government leading to the development of the Provincial Preschool Autism Services (PPAS), a partnership between IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS), and Autism Nova Scotia (ANS). The mandate is to move to a more timely and flexible service based on the needs of children and families, that provides equity throughout the province. A centralized diagnostic assessment waitlist, a centralized clinical intake and care coordination team, a broader range of interventions, and a new outcomes-based measurement digital platform that will facilitate robust data collection and tracking of clinical outcomes at a child/family level, clinician level, and system/ program level going forward are some of the changes developed over the past two years. This provides an outstanding opportunity for a clinician researcher with PhD and/or MD qualifications and experience in autism research to help shape this transformation, not only getting evidence into practice but gathering new evidence as to the most effective way to support children suspected of, or with a diagnosis of autism and their families. In addition, the Government has recently announced commitment to a Provincial Autism Action Plan, a collaboration between 10 government departments and Autism Nova Scotia, co-led with the Executive Council Office.The successful candidate will have a PhD and/or MD in research areas including Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology and Developmental Paediatrics, along with a record of, or clear potential for sustained research funding from national and international granting agencies. Demonstrated expertise and success in research in autism and evidence of achievements in clinical care, teaching and professional development are essential. The successful candidate must have experience in developing and maintaining partnerships and collaborations, along with the ability to communicate information to the public and others e.g. policy makers to diverse partners.The successful candidate will receive academic rank and cross appointments commensurate with qualifications and experience within the Department of Pediatrics. For clinician scientist applicants, the candidate must hold, or be eligible for, a clinical practice license with the appropriate licensing authority. The Chairholder will, if appropriate based on experience and qualifications, have the opportunity to participate directly in the care of children with autism along with other members of the professional community at the IWK Health Centre.Applicants are invited from any relevant discipline. Candidates must be inclusive and collaborative in leadership style and knowledge sharing, and interested in shaping a strategy for autism research, clinical practices and community outreach in the region and beyond.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit .Dalhousie University is located in Halifax , a cosmopolitan port city and capital of Nova Scotia . Halifax is an ocean city that is alive with culture and heritage and has terrific access to outdoor life.Application period will close on February 28th, 2025 or until the position is filled. Please include a curriculum vitae that includes information about current clinical interests and knowledge translation activities, a three-page description of your proposed research program and vision for supporting the current transformation of services, a brief statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for 3 referees.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed .Posting Detail InformationOpen Date
Close Date 02/28/2025
Open Until Filled Yes
Quick Link for Direct Access to PostingDocuments Needed to ApplyRequired Documents * Rxc3xa9sumxc3xa9 / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Cover Letter
• Teaching Statement
• Research Statement
• List of referees

Optional Documents * Teaching Dossier

Dalhousie University