AGRI Research Chair in Gambling, Mental Health, and Technology

Competition 1414

Position Summary

The Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta invites applications for the AGRI Research Chair in Gambling, Mental Health, and Technology. This is a full-time tenure-track faculty position, at the rank of Assistant professor, with an anticipated starting date of July 1, 2025.

The Position

The Research Chair will be a scholar in Developmental or Clinical Science with a growing international reputation for their research at the intersections of gambling behaviours, mental health, and addiction in relation to technology. We welcome applicants with expertise that complements and broadens our current strengths in Developmental Science coupled with substantive expertise in advanced developmental research and statistical methodology. We particularly welcome applicants with research programs that use innovative developmental methods and technology.

This position is supported by funding from the Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI).  AGRI is a consortium of the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. AGRI’s mission is to facilitate evidence-based broad research that informs gambling public policy and educates Albertans and the wider public about the effects of gambling. The Institute values independent and excellent multi-disciplinary research; scientific knowledge and information; collaboration; accountability; and informing public policy. 

Responsibilities for the position include maintaining a world-class and externally funded research program in the field of Developmental or Clinical Science with a focus on gambling behaviours, mental health and addiction studies; teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on courses in developmental and clinical science; and supervising undergraduate and graduate students (MA and PhD) and postdoctoral fellows. Teaching load for this position is two courses per year. The AGRI Chair will also be expected to build networks and partnerships within the U of A, and externally, to support the advancement of research and scholarship in the field of gambling, mental health and addiction studies. The AGRI Chair will be expected to maintain awareness of major AGRI events, funding opportunities, and strategic research priorities. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications in accordance with the Faculty Agreement as per the negotiated salary scales. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The appointment as AGRI Research Chair is for an initial 5-year term, renewable depending on funding availability. Thereafter, the chair-holder will hold a regular faculty appointment in the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• a PhD in Psychology or a related/relevant academic discipline (e.g., Human Development and Family Studies) by the date of appointment. Postdoctoral experience is preferred;
• evidence of an impactful research program in the fields of gambling behaviours, mental health, and addiction or risky behaviours in adolescent and/or adult populations using innovative research methods and technology;
• a track-record of publications in developmental journals;
• a track-record of successful research funding or the potential for securing external research funding in the future;
• teaching experience at the university level commensurate with their career stage. Ability to teach or experience teaching courses in developmental psychology, introduction to clinical psychology, and abnormal psychology is an asset.

Hiring decisions for this position will be made on the basis of demonstrated research excellence, strong teaching ability, leadership, and fit with Department needs.

Working at the University of Alberta

Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is one of Canada's largest and most-respected research universities. It serves over 41,000 students in over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate and professional programs. In 2022, the University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan was implemented, reflecting an important step in our institution’s commitment to reconciliation in post-secondary education and research, addressing the historical legacy of the residential school system and Canada’s colonial history. The University’s principles and actions and its EDI Strategic Plan are underpinned by respect for the dignity, rights, and full participation of all those who live, work, and learn within the university.

The Faculty of Arts is the oldest and most diverse faculty on campus and is one of the largest research and teaching centres in Western Canada. The Department of Psychology has 29 Faculty members including 3 Canada Research Chairs, approximately 3,000 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students across its multiple degree programs, and teaches around 20,000 students per year. The Department of Psychology has a long and distinguished history and a lively, productive present. Current research themes include behavioural, cognitive and social neuroscience; developmental science; cognition; comparative cognition and behaviour; and social and cultural psychology. Our faculty and trainees hold grants from all Canadian Tri-Council funding agencies, as well as provincial, international, and university funding sources. Collectively, we publish 200-300 research articles and chapters per year, participate as editors in leading Psychology journals, serve on major grant review committees, and regularly receive major awards for research, teaching, and service.

With a metropolitan area population of approximately 1.5 million people, Edmonton has a thriving cultural scene including music, visual arts, theatre, festivals, and dining, and boasts the largest system of urban parkland in North America. It has the second largest Indigenous population and the fourth largest Black population of any Canadian city. It has a large population of people of South Asian background. The Edmonton public school system offers bilingual education for children in Hebrew, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Ukrainian, and American Sign Language.

How to apply

To apply, please select the Apply Online icon below and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae, including the names/titles of three referees (note that we are not requesting letters of reference in the initial application)
• 2-page research statement that outlines the applicant’s main areas of current and future research (submit under “Research Plan”)
• Copies of up to three publications (submit under “Publications”)
• Teaching dossier with a brief teaching philosophy; a statement about the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion to your teaching and research; evidence of teaching effectiveness; and sample course outline(s) for courses you have taught or would like to teach in the position (submit as an attachment under “Interests”).

Referees should be prepared to send their letters by October 28, 2024  (if requested).

Questions about the position can be addressed to the attention of Dr. Wendy Hoglund, Chair, Department of Psychology, via psyea@ualberta.ca, using “AGRI position” as the email’s subject.

Review of applications will start on October 28, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.