Assistant Professor (Research)

The Department of Psychiatry at McGill University and the Lady Davis Institute (LDI)/Jewish General Hospital invite applications for a position in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience of Mind-Body Regulation. The successful applicant will hold an academic appointment as a member of the Contract Academic Staff at the rank of full-time Assistant Professor (Research). This position does not confer eligibility for tenure.

The Psychosocial Axis of the LDI includes researchers from the fields of psychiatry, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, public health, anthropology, and nursing and is a leader in the study of behavioural and social determinants of symptom expression, diagnosis, access to and compliance with treatment, and outcomes of physical and mental illness. Multidisciplinary, multiple methodologies, and the consideration of intersectional factors are hallmarks of the work of this Axis. McGill is also home to the Culture, Mind and Brain program, which promotes research and training to explore the complex biological, psychological, and social processes that underpin brain function, cognitive development, mental health, treatment, recovery, and prevention.

We are looking for a researcher to join the Department of Psychiatry and the LDI Psychosocial Research Axis, the Culture, Mind and Brain program, and the Culture and Mental Health Research Unit. The ideal candidate works at the interface of cognitive neuroscience of altered mental states (i.e.: induced by meditation and other contemplative practices, psychedelic agents or primary psychiatric disorders), psychological anthropology, and clinical applications in mental health, with methodological expertise in brain imaging as well as qualitative research methods (including experience-near ethnography). The candidate should be interested in working with clinical trialists in the LDI Psychosocial Research Axis to develop and test meditation-based interventions for psychiatric patients, and evaluate novel treatment protocols to address mental health issues in patients with chronic and life-threatening medical illness. In addition to developing their own research program in these areas, they should have a strong interest in and demonstrated capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Job Duties

Carry out an independently funded research program in the field of Cognitive Neuroscience of Mind-Body Regulation (e.g. meditation, mindfulness, prayer, visualization practices, avatar therapy).

Independently acquire sufficient funds to support training of graduate students at the MSc and PhD level.

Participate actively in all aspects of McGill’s academic mission, with demonstrated strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas (research, teaching, and administration).

Qualifications And Education Requirements

PhD in cognitive neurosciences, with advanced postdoctoral training in neuroimaging and qualitative ethnographic research methods.

Evidence of strong research productivity, with a demonstrated ability to attract competitive funding.

We are looking for a candidate early in their career, within 5 years of completing their postdoctoral training.

A working knowledge of French, or a commitment to acquiring it within a few years of appointment, is essential.

Faculty/Department/Unit
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry

Job Type
Contract Academic Staff

Rank
Assistant Professor (Research)

Length Of Appointment
3 years

Salary
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Posting Period
Please submit your application within 30 days of the publication of this advertisement.

Required Documents

The following supporting documents are required (one document):

• cover letter and curriculum vitae
• statement of research
• names and contact information of three referees

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, this email or phone at 514-398-2477.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.