Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY



All required documents must be uploaded to Additional Documents with correct titles for each required document.



The Department of Psychology in the School of Science and Technology at Cape Breton University (CBU) invites applications for a Tenure-Track position in Psychology at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of behavioural neuroscience. This position will commence July 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).



One of Canada's youngest and most ambitious universities, CBU recognizes its location on Cape Breton Island as part of Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. CBU offers a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science, and professional programs and a unique commitment to community, economic development, aboriginal learning, and research into many aspects of environment and culture. Currently home to approximately 5000 students, CBU's vision of higher education allows students to pursue diverse fields of study in programs with national reputations in final year student satisfaction, faculty-student interaction, and employability.



CBU delivers an authentic multicultural experience to all who become part of its academic community. Surrounded by pristine natural landscape, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities on Canada's stunning east coast, CBU attracts students from more than 50 countries around the world. Our faculty bring passion to their teaching and research and we are known for our friendly and inclusive culture. Strong community involvement and a spirit of entrepreneurship enhance CBU's position in post-secondary education.



The Department of Psychology has 10 full-time members with 9 tenured or tenure-track faculty members whose research spans several fields and who strongly commit to undergraduate teaching and research.



CBU offers teaching programs both on and off campus, including online options, across Canada and beyond. Faculty members may have opportunities to teach in various formats and locations as part of their regular workload. While not all faculty positions will have the same opportunities, applicants should express their willingness to teach in diverse modes and settings.



The successful candidate will teach a variety of undergraduate courses that fit departmental needs. The ability to teach upper-level courses in the areas behavioural neuroscience and learning is a requirement. The ability to teach in additional areas including drugs and behaviour, sensation and perception, environmental psychology, and introductory psychology would provide additional assets to fit our needs. The candidate will also be expected to supervise undergraduate honours thesis students and participate in program development.



The successful candidate is expected to develop a strong research program and should demonstrate their research background will support their research plans. The capacity to seek funding for their research program and supervise undergraduate student research assistants in their research program is also expected. Applicants must demonstrate their research can be successful in the CBU context.



Applicants are expected to demonstrate potential and commitment with regard to teaching, research/creative/scholarly activities, and service to Cape Breton University, community and profession. The successful candidate is expected to undertake appropriate service activities within the university community.



Candidates should have a relevant PhD in psychology with a specialization in behavioural neuroscience. In exceptional cases, candidates who are in the very late stages of their PhD may be considered with the successful completion of the PhD being a condition of employment.

Applications for the successful candidate will include a:

cover letter describing the expertise of the applicant statement of teaching philosophy evidence of effective teaching statement of research accomplishments and research program plans statement of how they incorporate equity, diversity and inclusiveness in their work and services complete CV including a list of publications list of at least three references.

Short-listed candidates will be required to submit three reference letters.



Please upload all required documents to Additional Documents if no designated area is listed. Incomplete applications may not be considered.



The union affiliation of this position is with the Cape Breton University Faculty Association.



Applications must be received by February 6, 2026



Cape Breton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

CBU is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and applicants are encouraged to self-identity if they are part of a marginalised community, or have experience working with Indigenous communities.

If we contact you for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance.



Cape Breton University

Human Resources Dept.

HumanResources@cbu.ca

1250 Grand Lake Road,

Sydney, NS B1M 1A2