Qualifications

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. with a focus on developmental psychology by the time

of appointment; however, PhD candidates with a solid indication of imminent completion may be considered. We encourage applications from scholars committed to excellence in teaching who will contribute to and complement existing strengths in our Developmental stream. Research interests of current developmental faculty can be found at https://www.sfu.ca/psychology/about/areas-of-study/developmental-psychology.html

We especially value prior experience and expertise teaching and mentoring BIPOC and other minoritized students. We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate courses. The ideal applicant will have experience teaching large classes in Developmental Psychology and will demonstrate knowledge of developmental theories with a focus on early developmental experience, language and cognition, and sociocultural learning. Experience teaching upper-division and graduate-level courses is an asset. Applicants should have experience using creative teaching methods and tools and be knowledgeable about curriculum development and learning outcomes in Developmental Psychology. Applicants must demonstrate involvement in service to the academic profession, university and community. The ideal candidate will support and contribute positively to the respectful, inclusive, and collegial culture of the Developmental Area specifically and the Department of Psychology generally through open, collaborative engagement with colleagues, staff, and students.

Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to teach an equivalent of eight undergraduate courses annually, including but not limited to: Introduction to Developmental Psychology, Language Development, Culture and Development, and Infancy. Other possible courses include Moral Development, Cognitive Development, Social Development and the potential to teach upper-division and graduate courses.  In addition, the successful candidate will also contribute to the department, university, and community through providing various forms of service.

About SFU and Metro Vancouver:

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive universities in Canada and offers classes on three urban campuses across metro Vancouver. The Department of Psychology at SFU has a positive, collegial atmosphere and strongly supports faculty members’ strengths, interests, and career progress. More information about the department and the university can be found on our website at http://www.sfu.ca/psychology. 

Nestled between the coastal mountains and the ocean, Vancouver is a beautiful, clean, safe, and multicultural city. It is consistently voted one of the world’s best cities in which to live and work.  

How to Apply:

Application materials should be submitted electronically, via email to psyclec@sfu.ca (please include the candidate’s name in the email subject line). Applications will be reviewed starting on October 15, 2026 and will be accepted until the position has been filled. Preference will be given to applications received by that date.

Applications must include:

a)       a cover letter, addressed to Dr. Tanya MacGillivray, Chair, Developmental Lecturer Search Committee, Dept. of Psychology, SFU

b)      a teaching statement and dossier of supporting materials, such as samples of course outlines, lecture materials, and teaching evaluations

c)       evidence of commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion

d)      a curriculum vitae (please include a detailed section on previous teaching experience & indicate whether you are legally eligible to work in Canada)

e)       three confidential letters of reference (please arrange to have these independently submitted by your referees to psyclec@sfu.ca and request that your referees include your name in the email subject line). Also, please remind your referees to submit their reference letter by the application deadline of October 15, 2026.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This position is subject to funding availability.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for the Lecturer rank is $98,340 to $114,241, dependent on experience. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices. 

SFU is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the workforce, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates who belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them in their application. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and nontraditional areas of research and/or research outputs.

SFU is also committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require accommodations or have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, or equity considerations, please contact the Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Faculty Relations.

Inquiries should be directed to:

Dr. Tanya MacGillivray                                                          
Chair, Developmental Lecturer Search Committee              
Simon Fraser University
tmacgill@sfu.ca                                              

Dr. Tim Racine
Chair, Department of Psychology 
Simon Fraser University
psyc_chair@sfu.ca

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details, see the full Collection Notice