The Department of Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University invites applications for one (1) probationary Tenure-Track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin July 1, 2025. We are interested in Psychology candidates with research expertise in the areas of Digital Health. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Candidates from any sub-disciplines of Psychology will be considered if their research is related to health or wellness and intersects with digital communication technologies in some way. Examples of research areas include but are not limited to the following:

• Digital Health Interventions: Development and evaluation of digital platforms designed to assist and support the lives of individuals living with various conditions, including (but not limited to) dementia, stroke, ADHD, and/or learning disabilities.
• Digital Tools for Stress Management: Evaluating digital platforms (e.g., mobile apps or wearable devices) that help users track various stress indicators and implement management strategies (e.g., meditation, breathwork).
• Social Media and Well-Being: Investigating the impact of social media use on wellness-related outcomes, including (but not limited) to life satisfaction, mental health, attention span, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, body image, and social comparison.
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Researching the psychological effects of cyberbullying, or online harassment or violence, and developing prevention/intervention strategies.
• Virtual Support Communities: Studying the role of online support groups for individuals with chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, or disabilities, and their effectiveness in providing emotional support.
• Behavioural Data Analytics: Using big data and behavioural analytics from digital platforms to predict mental health outcomes, identify patterns in user behaviour, and inform interventions.
• Impact of Screen Time on Cognitive Functions: Investigating the relationship between screen time (from video games, smartphones, etc.) and cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and learning across the lifespan.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Health Applications: Utilizing VR for improving learning or cognitive training, behavioural change for health habits, moral and ethical decision-making, etc.

About the StFX Psychology Department:

The Psychology Department at StFX, the largest Department in the Faculty of Arts, attracts students from across the University. We offer degrees with the Faculty of Arts (BA, BA Honours) and the Faculty of Science (BSc, BSc Honours). The Department also offers a well-subscribed four-year direct entry program in Applied Forensic Psychology. The Psychology Department is led by a team of professors and lab instructors who have expertise in developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, interpersonal relationships, neuroscience, mental health, clinical and forensic, sexual health, and cross-cultural research. Our faculty and staff are committed to offering meaningful research, Service Learning, and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities for students.

Candidate Qualifications:

Applicants should have a PhD in Psychology. Eligible candidates will have demonstrated a successful independent research program in digital health. Although we are open to applications from candidates in all sub-disciplines of Psychology, we are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds that will either strengthen existing areas or help us expand to complementary areas not yet represented within the Department (e.g., Community Psychology).

Teaching Expectations

Successful candidates for the tenure-track position will be expected to teach courses within their subdiscipline of Psychology. Candidates should also be prepared to teach Introduction to Psychology (Psychology 101/102). Candidates are encouraged to identify courses that they would be willing to teach for the Department (both courses that would support our current courses offerings and those that would enhance our program). Previous teaching experience and demonstrated ability in fostering a climate of inclusion in the classroom is an asset.          

Application Instructions

Consideration of applications will commence December 9th, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your application package.  

Applicants should compile their application into a single PDF document. The PDF application package should include the following information:

1. a cover letter highlighting suitability for the Psychology Tenure-Track position in Digital Health or Applied Health
2. curriculum vita
3. statement of research that includes evidence of an established or promising program of research
4. statement of teaching philosophy, teaching interests, and evidence of teaching preparedness (e.g., engagement in professional development opportunities focused on teaching; description of past teaching experience; copies of course syllabi for courses taught previously; samples of course materials and teaching strategies)
5. candidates are encouraged to include a statement (max. 2 pages) on how they have and/or will advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in their scholarship, teaching and/or service
6. names, addresses (including email), and telephone numbers of three references. Please note that references will be contacted only for those applicants who are being considered for an interview.

St. Francis Xavier University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), minoritized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Qualified candidates will be provided the opportunity to self-identify through a process with People & Culture. The successful candidate may be required to provide additional self-identification information prior to hiring.  Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year.  

For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.