Assistant Professor

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track contingent Assistant Professor position, affiliated with the Neuroscience Institute, with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2027. This non-clinical position comprises 80% research, 15% classroom teaching and 5% administration. The successful candidate will establish an independent research program in sleep neurobiology and non-invasive neuroimaging, with particular emphasis on sleep disruption, neurodevelopment, and cognitive and emotional functioning in pediatric populations, including autistic children and adolescents. Research will examine brain fluid and glymphatic clearance using advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods and develop or evaluate biomarkers relevant to child and adolescent mental health. Responsibilities include seeking external research funding, publishing and disseminating findings, collaborating across disciplines, supervising research trainees, teaching in the classroom, and contributing to departmental administration and service. Applicants must hold a PhD in neuroscience or a closely related discipline and demonstrate relevant expertise in sleep neurobiology and non-invasive neuroimaging, including advanced MRI methods; scholarly contributions appropriate to the Assistant Professor rank; potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program; and ability to contribute to university teaching, mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Experience in brain fluid clearance, neurodevelopment or pediatric research is an asset; transferable expertise supported by a credible research plan will also be considered. The appointment is contingent on continued funding, with initial salary support identified for five years, subject to confirmed appointment terms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical research related to sleep neurobiology including Clinical Assessment of Brain Fluid Clearance in Disease.
• Research the impact of longitudinal sleep variability on cognition in humans; Longitudinal sleep variability and MRI-visible perivascular spaces in humans
• Conduct multi-modal neuroimaging of brain fluid clearance dynamics in children and adolescents with autism

Qualifications

• PhD is Neuroscience
• Minimum 3 years post-doctoral research in Chronic Sleep Disruption, Glymphatics, and Neurodegenerative Disease
• Expertise in sleep neurobiology and non-invasive neuroimaging directly targets sleep disruption, which is a major driver of cognitive and emotional dysregulation in autistic youth.
• Minimum 5 years experience applying established MRI methodologies, such as parenchymal CSF mapping, to pediatric cohorts allows for novel research into how early-life sleep fragmentation impacts neurodevelopment and brain fluid clearance. 

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of Publications
• Research Plan

The successful candidate will be offered a contingent tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Profesor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

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