Mount Royal University

Assistant Professor, Psychology - (999911)

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Psychology

The Faculty of Arts houses the following departments: Economics, Justice & Policy Studies; English, Languages & Cultures; Humanities; Interior Design; Psychology; and Sociology & Anthropology.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Psychology.

About the Role

Mount Royal University is accepting applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Psychology to commence July 1, 2023, subject to budgetary approval. The Psychology program at MRU offers a major, minor, and Honours program; all Psychology majors also have the opportunity to participate in courses focused on work integrated learning.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Psychology at the level of Assistant Professor and will be expected to either have an established research agenda or the ability to immediately develop a research program. Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students. MRU’s Research Office provides support for research and for applications for Tri-Council and other funding opportunities. The Department of Psychology also has a cutting-edge research space, the Centre for Psychological Innovation, where faculty carry out research and scholarship and provide students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to engage in innovative research.

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) focuses on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member establishes and maintains a research program and is involved in service to the Mount Royal community. The teaching service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. The successful candidate for this position will be hired into the teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) and will therefore be expected to teach six 3-credit 3-hour courses per academic year (typically 3 courses in the fall semester, 3 courses in the winter semester). Class sizes typically average between 30-35 students. There is an option to change work patterns after tenure.

How to Apply

The selection committee will begin reviewing applications on April 17, 2023. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to occur in mid-late April 2023 and early May.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials using the “Apply to the Job” link below:

1. Cover letter that describes the candidate’s interest in the position, qualifications, and potential contributions to Mount Royal University.

2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Research Portfolio, including

• Statement of research interests/expertise
• Proposed research plan for the upcoming 5-years
• Sample publication (PDF only—maximum of 1 publication)

4. Teaching Portfolio, including 

Qualifications

The successful candidate is expected to have a completed PhD in Psychology or disciplinary equivalent, or be near completion; a PhD from an accredited Clinical or Counselling Psychology program is preferred. An incomplete PhD must be completed by the end of the successful candidate’s first semester (December 31, 2023). Candidates will be expected to become a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, if not already registered. Preference will be given to candidates with teaching experience at the postsecondary level, and those with curriculum development experience, as well as those with a demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and diversity awareness. The successful candidate must be able to teach introductory level courses in psychology as well as senior level courses in psychopathology and counselling and must be capable of supervising Honours students. Successful candidates may also have the opportunity to develop courses in their specialty area; Forensic psychology, Cultural psychology, and qualitative research methods are areas of identified need. Preference will also be given to candidates with lived experience as an Indigenous person, knowledge of Indigenous content relating to psychopathology or counseling, and/or those who incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into their research, scholarship, and teaching.

• A one-to-two-page double-spaced statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and accomplishments
• No more than two sample syllabi that demonstrate teaching across junior and senior undergraduate levels, preferably including syllabi from a clinical/counselling course, if available, or, if not, a forensic or multicultural course
• Sample student evaluations as well as peer/chair teaching evaluations, if available

Academic reference letters are not required with the application, but candidates may be asked to provide up to three confidential references as the competition progresses.

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Nancy Ogden, Chair of the Department of Psychology at nogden@mtroyal.ca.

All applications will be reviewed, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as required by Canadian immigration laws, Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Inuit, and Métis), Canadians, and permanent residents will be given priority.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

Due to changing Covid-19 precautions, this role may possibly require the incumbent to temporarily work from home. Access to a secure personal computer and stable internet connection is required.

MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.

Closing Date:  April 10, 2023