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:

The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month a year, tenure-track research faculty position in Neuroethology at the rank of Assistant Professor starting July 1, 2027.

We seek a researcher studying the neural basis of natural behaviour at any level of biological organization using state-of-the-art techniques. Working at the crossroads of neuroscience and animal behaviour, the ideal candidate will investigate phenomena at multiple levels of analysis with an ecological and/or evolutionary focus. Researchers in any area of neuroethology are welcome to apply, including candidates who study: ecological neuroscience, development, evolution of animal nervous systems; mechanisms of foraging, prey capture, mating and reproduction, migration and/or spatial navigation; mechanisms of conspecific social interactions in naturalistic settings, including group behaviour and the formation and maintenance of social networks; motor/sensory behaviour, physiology and perception; and neuroendocrinology. This hire will also contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentoring, laboratory training, and institutional service. 

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interactive, multidisciplinary department with ~30 research faculty and an excellent research record in animal behaviour, cognition, development, evolution, systems neuroscience, and perception. The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour has long-standing strengths in animal cognition and learning; auditory and visual development and perception; behavioural neuroscience; evolutionary and social psychology; and multi-sensory perception. We value and encourage collaboration among researchers and educators, and have close ties with colleagues across campus. A neuroethology hire will complement existing departmental research strengths and may also link naturally with other academic units at McMaster, including the Departments of Biology, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Kinesiology, Linguistics & Language, and Mathematics & Statistics. Many of our faculty are affiliated with McMaster’s interdisciplinary graduate program in Neuroscience, the School of the Arts, the School of Computational Science & Engineering, and the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences. 

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. Our focus on collaboratively exchanging ideas and approaches makes us uniquely positioned to pioneer ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems leading to a Brighter World. The Faculty of Science works to create global impact by advancing scientific discovery and knowledge, and promoting greater understanding. Our innovative, interdisciplinary approach generates new methods and insights, results, and lasting change. 

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, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

We invite all applicants to complete a brief Diversity Survey, which takes approximately two minutes to complete, through McMaster’s application submission portal. 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. 

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Science at baileyd@mcmaster.ca to communicate accommodation needs.

How to Apply:

Complete applications must be made online at https://hr.mcmaster.ca/careers/current-opportunities/ (Faculty Positions, Job 76218) by the deadline to the attention of Dr. Paul Faure, Professor, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1.

A complete application consists of: 

• a cover letter (including a statement regarding whether the applicant has Canadian citizenship / permanent resident status (see below))
• a current Curriculum Vitae
• three (3) representative publications (reprints or preprints)
• a statement of research interests (2-page maximum)
• a statement of teaching interests and philosophy (including evidence of teaching effectiveness) (2-page maximum)
• a statement of experience and plans for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in post-secondary education, community-based or other professional settings (2-page maximum)
• the names and full contact information of at least three (3) referees.  Letters of reference are not required and will not be reviewed at the application stage; the Department will request letters of recommendation from referees at later stages of the search process.

McMaster University recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions and personal circumstances (e.g., pregnancy, early childcare, eldercare, illness, etc.) can have on an applicant’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their applications the impact that career interruptions, or other issues, may have had.

Review of complete applications will begin on October 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.  All applicants will receive an on-line, system-generated confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.  Progressive policies are in place to assist faculty members achieve a work-life balance. The starting salary will not be less than $99,981, and will be determined based on rank, discipline, experience, and qualifications. Salaries for faculty members progress through a Career Progress/Merit Plan; average salaries by rank and Faculty for previous academic years can be found here. 

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 is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications need to include the following statement in their application package:  I am/am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.  Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.