Contractually Limited Appointment

McMaster University

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and, within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement.

Position Description

McMaster University’s Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for a 12-month full-time, contractually limited position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Social Psychology Program, located on the main university campus, for the period covering July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.

Applicants must have an area of specialization in social psychology, psychology, or a related field that complements or enhances the Social Psychology Program, including (but not limited to) the social psychology of mental health and well-being, close relationships, and industrial and organizational psychology.

The successful applicant must have or be very near completion of a PhD in social psychology, psychology, or a related discipline by the time of the appointment. The applicant must also demonstrate a record of excellence in teaching and a willingness and ability to contribute to the Program’s collegial and collaborative intellectual community as well as university-wide inclusive excellence goals and priorities. Experience supervising undergraduate research projects and previous engagement in service are assets.

The successful applicant will teach seven 3-unit undergraduate-level courses in the Social Psychology Program, such as Psychology of Well-Being (SOCPSY 2B03), Psychology of Close Relationships (2F03), Industrial/Organizational Psychology (SOCPSY 3H03), or Mental Health (SOCPSY 3A03). Four of the candidate’s courses (12 units) will be allocated to teaching the Program’s Level 4 Social Psychology Research Project (Capstone) course (SOCPSY 4ZZ6). The Capstone course requires familiarity with institutional ethics review processes and an ability to review, approve, supervise, and monitor approximately 20 group-based research projects, both qualitative and quantitative, from September 2024-April 2025. If desired, candidates will be offered additional opportunities to supervise and mentor undergraduate student research projects.

An example of the teaching schedule is listed below, with anticipated enrolment in parentheses. Some courses may be offered online/hybrid, whereas others require in-person teaching at McMaster’s main campus. Final courses and format will be determined in conjunction with the Program Director.

FALL 2024
SOCPSY 2B03 (115; 3 units; in person/hybrid): Psychology of Well-Being
SOCPSY 4ZZ6 (120; 6 units; 2 sections; in-person/hybrid): Social Psychology Research Project (Capstone)

WINTER 2025
SOCPSY 3A03 (100; 3 units; in-person/hybrid): Mental Health
SOCPSY 4ZZ6 (120; 6 units; 2 sections; in-person/hybrid): Social Psychology Research Project (Capstone)

SPRING 2025
SOCPSY 3H03 (75; 3 units; online): Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The Social Psychology Program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that allows students to explore the relationship between individuals and society through courses in a broad range of disciplines. We have been experiencing an exciting period of growth over the past few years and would welcome a CLA who can bring diverse and innovative perspectives to our Program. Please see our website for more information: https://socialpsychology.mcmaster.ca/

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. McMaster has a vision to achieve international distinction for creativity, innovation and excellence as a student-centred, research-intensive university. McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences comprises over 130 faculty members advancing education and research in collaboration with one or more of the Faculty’s 13 schools, departments and program areas. Its disciplines are preparing societal leaders to respond to economic, political and cultural shifts in Canada and abroad. Discover more about the Faculty of Social Sciences and the City of Hamilton.

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
We invite all applicants to complete a brief Diversity Survey as part of the application process. It takes approximately two minutes to complete. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. Inquiries about the Diversity Survey may be directed to hr.empequity@mcmaster.ca.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Office of the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at 905-525-9140 ext. 26156 or admstsoc@mcmaster.ca to communicate accommodation needs.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following materials through the University’s electronic portal: www.workingatmcmaster.ca/careers/[Job Opening #61947] by May 24, 2024, to:

Jessica Maxwell
Incoming Acting Director/Search Committee Chair, Social Psychology Program

• Cover letter (please describe the impact of any career interruptions, if applicable)
• Curriculum vitae
• A teaching portfolio that includes a statement of teaching interests, philosophy, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations, sample course outline)
• A brief statement describing any contributions you have made or planned in relation to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion or inclusive excellence in teaching, research, or service within higher education, community-based or other professional settings (maximum 2 pages double-spaced)
• The names of at least three referees; letters of reference are not required and will not be reviewed at the application stage. The search committee will request letters of recommendation from referees at later stages of the search process. Referees will be asked to comment on your:
o demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in social psychology successfully
o ability to supervise undergraduate research projects
o ability to work in a collaborative environment
o contributions to university and/or community service

The committee will begin reviewing applications on May 13, 2024, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The effective date of the appointment is negotiable, but July 1, 2024 is strongly preferred. All applicants will receive an online confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University gathers information about applicants’ status as either a permanent resident of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements:

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

Direct any inquiries about this position to Dr. Jessica Maxwell (maxwej9@mcmaster.ca).