Psychology – Assistant Professor (Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience)

Université de Montréal

Location: Quebec

Date posted: 2023-09-29

Advertised until: 2023-11-20

Deeply rooted in Montreal and dedicated to its international mission, Université de Montréal is one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Like the city whose name it bears, it is effervescent and multicultural. 

UdeM attracts over $500 million in research funding every year, making it one of the top three university research hubs in Canada. It also ranks among the top 100 universities wor1dwide and among the five best French language universities. 

Through the achievements of the members of its community, UdeM participates in building today’s and tomorrow’s world.

Job description

The Department of Psychology invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in cognitive and computational neuroscience.

The research field of potential candidates should be cognitive and computational neuroscience. Specific research directions of interest include, but are not limited to, the following areas: learning and memory; perceptual and attentional processes; evolution or development of the brain and cognition; decision-making; emotional and affective processes; sleep; consciousness; and language. Expertise in functional imaging of the human brain using advanced tools such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); or in-depth knowledge of statistics, signal processing and dynamical systems are assets.

The appointed candidate will be considered for a Courtois Philanthropic Research Chair in Fundamental Neuroscience. In addition, the successful candidate, depending on their expertise and interest, could be proposed for an IVADO professorship, which offers improved start-up conditions. IVADO Professors participate in the ambitious project (IAR3) aimed at developing and adopting robust, reasoning and responsible artificial intelligence for which IVADO has just obtained a substantial grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (Apogée Canada).

The Department of Psychology has 60 career professors and represents a strong force in cognitive and computational neuroscience, neuropsychology and mental health. It brings together several technological platforms on campus (e.g., MEG, EEG, TMS, augmented/virtual reality, motion capture, eye tracking) and maintains privileged links with affiliated research centers (hospitals and rehabilitation centers) within which several professors from the Department have developed research infrastructures (e.g., MRI, EEG, NIRS, polysomnography, smart apartment). The appointed candidate will also have the opportunity to develop collaborations with researchers from other departments/centers/institutes of the University in the field of computer science, data science and AI (notably Mila), neuroscience and mental health.

The appointed candidate will teach in a leading-edge undergraduate program in cognitive neuroscience, the only one of its kind in French in the world, as well as research training at the masters and doctoral levels for which the cognitive and computational neuroscience component is booming. These programs rely on the cutting-edge expertise of professors in the Department of Psychology, but also on solid interdepartmental and interfaculty collaborations.

The appointed candidate will also have the opportunity to experience an environment that offers two doctoral programs in clinical neuropsychology. These contribute to the integration of knowledge in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology with the aim of better understanding, treating and rehabilitating health issues having an impact on cognition and mental health. At the heart of these programs is the University Psychology Clinic, a clinical training environment for doctoral students which offers psychological services to persons from the community. A clinical research infrastructure is currently being developed within the Clinic in order to accelerate applied research in these areas.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to be involved in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in several departmental programs (e.g., B.Sc. in cognitive neuroscience, M.Sc. and Ph.D. in psychology within the cognitive and computational neuroscience option), mentoring of graduate students, active research, publishing and knowledge transmission, and will contribute to the activities of the Department and University.

Requirements

• Hold a doctorate (Ph.D.) in psychology, cognitive or computational neuroscience, or a related field, as well as sufficient postdoctoral experience to rapidly develop a cutting-edge research program that will attract competitive research funding in cognitive and computational neuroscience;
• Be at the beginning of a professoral career since the position is open at the assistant professor rank;
• Assets: expertise in imaging the human brain using cutting-edge tools such as MEG, EEG, NIRS or MRI; in-depth knowledge of statistics, signal processing and dynamic systems.
• Excellent record of contributions in the field, including traditional scientific publications and contributions to open science (e.g., software or dataset development);
• Ability to provide high quality university teaching;
• An adequate knowledge of the French written and spoken language or a strong commitment to mastering the proficiency level required, in accordance to Université de Montréal’s Language Policy;
• An institutional learning support program is offered to all professors wishing to learn French or improve their communication skills.

How to submit your application

The application file sent to the Department Chair should contain the following documents:

• A letter outlining your interests and career goals; application must include in the cover letter one of the following statements: “I am a citizen/ permanent resident of Canada.” or “I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.”
• A curriculum vitæ;
• A presentation of your teaching philosophy (no more than two pages);
• A presentation of your research program (no more than three pages);
• A diversity and inclusion statement (no more than two pages);
• Recent publications or research papers;
• Three letters of recommendation are also to be sent directly to the Department Chair by the referees.

The application and the letters of recommendation must be sent by e-mail to the Chair of the Department of Psychology no later than November 20th 2023:

Michelle McKerral, Chair

Department of Psychology
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Université de Montréal  
Phone: 514-343-6503
Email: direction@psy.umontreal.ca

More information about the Department of psychology is available on its website www.psy.umontreal.ca 

Additional information about the position

Reference number – FAS 09-23/9
Application deadline – Until November 20th 2023 inclusively
Salary – Université de Montréal offers competitive salaries and a full range of benefits
Starting date – As of June 1st, 2024

Diversity And Inclusion

Université de Montréal is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Through its Equal Access Employment Program (EAEP), UdeM invites applications from women, Aboriginal people, visible and ethnic minorities, as well as persons with disabilities. We will –confidentially – adapt our recruitment mechanisms to the specific needs of people with disabilities who request it.

UdeM embraces a broad and inclusive definition of diversity that goes beyond applicable laws, and therefore encourages all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of their characteristics. However, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadians and permanent residents.

In order to measure the impact of its equity, diversity and inclusion actions, UdeM is collecting data on applicants identifying themselves with one of the groups targeted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, namely women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities, ethnic minorities and people with limitations. To this end, we thank you for completing this self-identification questionnaire. The information you provide through this form is strictly confidential and will be shared only with those responsible for the UdeM EAEP. If you wish, you may also indicate that you belong to one of the targeted groups in your cover letter, which will be reviewed by the selection committee and the assembly of peers.

Université de Montréal’s application process allows all members of the Professor’s Assembly to review the application files submitted. If you wish to keep your application confidential until the shortlist is established, please mention it in your application.