Department of Psychology - Tenure Track Appointment (Clinical Forensic Psychology)

The Department of Psychology’s Applied Forensic Psychology (AFP) Program at St. Francis Xavier University invites applications for one (1) probationary Tenure Track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology, to begin July 1, 2026. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

About the Applied Forensic Psychology Program:

The Applied Forensic Psychology (AFP) Program is a direct entry four-year undergraduate program offered within the Psychology Department at StFX. Students enrolled in this program take core courses related to criminal justice (psychology and law; corrections) and mental health (clinical psychology; psychopathology); as well as research methods and statistics; and practicum and professional skills training. AFP faculty and staff work with students to develop practicum opportunities with community-based organizations; mental health settings; federal and provincial corrections; traditional and diversion courts; and law enforcement agencies. The success of this rapidly growing program requires that Clinical Psychology candidates have research and/or practical experience in Forensic Psychology, and are willing to adopt an experiential learning approach to teaching; are committed to the goal of helping students acquire skills for working with diverse and vulnerable populations; and maintain our approach to building a strong sense of community within the program.  

Candidate Qualifications:

Applicants should have (or be nearing completion of) a PhD in Clinical Psychology with research and/or practical experience in Forensic Psychology. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from a CPA- or APA-accredited program who are eligible for registration as a psychologist in Nova Scotia. Eligible candidates will have demonstrated (or show potential for developing) a successful independent research program. We invite candidates with research experience or practice in any area relevant to clinical (and clinical forensic) psychology. Current research areas of particular interest to AFP faculty are related to promoting mental health and well-being among justice-involved, at-risk, and rural populations; identifying psychological and social determinants of behavior to inform early intervention and prevention strategies; addressing systemic inequities impacting marginalized communities; gender-based and interpersonal violences; supporting mental health resilience among law enforcement and first responders; and enhancing youth mental health supports within juvenile justice, protections, and community health.

Teaching Expectations

Previous teaching experience (and/or professional practice) in fostering a climate of inclusion in classroom settings is an asset. Successful candidates for the tenure track position will be expected to teach courses at the intersection of Clinical and Forensic Psychology (e.g., Introductory Clinical and Psychopathology courses; junior- and senior-level practicum and professional skills training courses; Correctional Psychology; Psychology and Law). The successful candidate will also assist with the development of practicum placements. Over time, the successful candidate may have an opportunity to teach other courses based on their own area of expertise.

About the Psychology Department

The Psychology Department at StFX, the largest Department in the Faculty of Arts, attracts students from across the University.  The Psychology Department is led by a team of professors and lab instructors who have expertise within developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, interpersonal relationships, neuroscience, mental health, clinical and forensic, sexual health, and culture. Our faculty and staff are committed to offering meaningful research, Service Learning, and work integrated learning opportunities for students. Our faculty have an excellent record of success in obtaining competitive research grant funding, and chairships (e.g., internal research chairships and directorships; Canada Research Chair appointments). In the StFX Psychology Department, you will be joining a supportive and collaborative department that fosters a strong integration of research, teaching, and applied work.

Application Instructions

Consideration of applications will commence October 14th, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.  Applicants should compile their application into a single PDF document.  The PDF application package should include the following information:

1. a cover letter highlighting suitability for the Clinical Psychology Tenure Track position and relevant research and/or practice related to forensic psychology.
2. curriculum vita
3. statement of research that includes evidence of an established or promising program of research
4. statement of teaching philosophy, teaching interests, and evidence of teaching preparedness (e.g., engagement in professional development opportunities focused on teaching; description of past teaching experience; copies of course syllabi for courses taught previously; samples of course materials and teaching strategies)
5. candidates are encouraged to include a statement (max. 2 pages) on how they have and/or will advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in their scholarship, teaching and/or service
6. names, addresses (including email), and telephone numbers of three references. Please note that references will be contacted only for those applicants who are being considered for an interview.

• Please send your application package to:
• Dr. Erin Austen, Search Committee Chair
• Clinical Psychology Tenure Track in AFP, StFX University
• c/o Breagh MacDonald, Administrative Assistant for PsychologyDepartment of PsychologyFaculty of ArtsSt. Francis Xavier Universityemail: psychology@stfx.ca

St. Francis Xavier University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), minoritized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Qualified candidates will be provided the opportunity to self-identify through a process with People & Culture. The successful candidate may be required to provide additional self-identification information prior to hiring.  Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.