Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Digital Mental Health - University of Saskatchewan

October 04, 2023 10:52 AM | Diane LaChapelle (Administrator)

The Department of Psychology and Health Studies in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track appointment as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Digital Mental Health. The Canada Research Chair program is a national strategy which aims to attract and retain world-class researchers to reinforce academic research and training excellence in Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Access to mental health services is limited, particularly in remote areas and among marginalized populations. Digital health, broadly defined as the use of digital technologies (e.g., smartphone apps, Internet-based interventions, Telehealth, wearable devices) to improve health and mental well-being, are innovative and effective at promoting health equity and improving quality of life for persons with mental health concerns. Digital health is an emerging area of expertise at the U of S and we are seeking a rising research star to develop a world-class research and training program within our department.
The CRC will join, support, and champion the mission of the department’s Clinical Psychology Program. The Clinical Psychology Program, which provides generalist clinical training, was established in 1971 and has been continuously accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) since 1990. The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at U of S is undergoing an exciting multi-year, multi-million-dollar expansion. This expansion will include additional tenure-track clinical faculty, increases to the clinical student body, targeted funding for clinical psychology trainees, the addition of multiple Staff Psychologists, in addition to this CRC Tier 2 Chair in Digital Mental Health.

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in its faculty complement and is proud to support career opportunities that address the under-representation of members of the Four Designated Groups (women and gender minorities, members of a racialized minority, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities).This position is restricted to individuals who self-identify as a member of any of the four designated groups. All qualified candidates, Canadian and other nationalities, are encouraged to apply. Recruitment will be guided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices and by the strong commitment of USask to diversity, inclusion, and equity.

About the Position
The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly

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activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.
Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., applicants must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please contact the Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI) unit for more information.

The successful applicant will be appointed as a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the College of Arts and Science and will be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. The CRC nomination is subject to review and final approval by the Canada Research Chairs Program.

The standard salary bands for this position for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows: Assistant Professor – $99,945 - $120,099; Associate Professor – $120,099 – $140,253, with the possibility of merit-based additions. A chair stipend is also provided to those who hold a Canada Research Chair.
This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which consists of a dental, health and extended vision care plan; a pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance and death benefits; an employee assistance program; a professional expense allowance; and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess the following:
• A doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with eligibility to become registered with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists as a Registered Doctoral Psychologist with Authorized Practice Endorsement.
• A program of outstanding, creative, and innovative research related to Digital Mental Health as demonstrated by high quality peer-reviewed publications, successful research funding, and/or equivalent community-engaged research products.
• Self-identify as a member of any of the four designated EDI groups (women and gender minorities, members of a racialized minority, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities).
• Evidence of effective teaching, training, supervision, and mentorship of research engaged students.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research, teaching, training, and service.
• Leadership ability and experience in an interdisciplinary academic environment.
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• Experience working with diverse populations, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing mental health services.
• Ability to champion the mission of the department’s Clinical Psychology Program.
• Ability to engage stakeholders in knowledge dissemination and mobilization, sustained implementation, and integration of services into existing healthcare systems.
• Skills in research co-design and collaboration, particularly with diverse stakeholders such as patients, clinicians, and technology developers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively manage multiple research projects and priorities.

Applications for this position should include:
• Cover letter outlining the candidate’s fit with the advertised position and with the Clinical Psychology program (max 3 pages),
• Detailed curriculum vitae,
• EDI statement indicating how the candidate identifies in relation to the four designated EDI groups and how their identity informs their research and practice (max 2 pages),
• Research statement (max 5 pages) which:
• Details a proposed program research which meets the standards expected for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair
• Describes possible studies including timelines, recruitment and engagement, methodology, and dissemination
• Incorporates the candidate’s utilization of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP; clinical graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research personnel, research support staff)
• Teaching philosophy, training, and clinical supervision statement (2 pages max).
• 3 letters of reference

How to Apply
Interested candidates must visit the posting at the following link to view instructions on how to apply: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#top . As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary employment equity survey. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
The impact of leaves (e.g., parental leave, extended leave due to illness or disability, COVID-19 impacts, etc.) will be carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged to explain in their application how personal or professional circumstances may have impacted research productivity.
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We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. For more information on the University of Saskatchewan’s accommodation policy, please contact Abdur Rehman Ahmad, Talent & EDI Consultant, abdur.ahmad@usask.ca.
Review of applications will begin after 1 December 2023; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is contingent upon the timeline for review and approval of the Tier 2 CRC proposal.

For questions related to this position or the selection process, please contact Dr. Karen Lawson, Department Head, Psychology and Health Studies, karen.lawson@usask.ca.
Department: Psychology and Health Studies

Posted Date: 2 October 2023

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