Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science of Language and Communications

Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science of Language and Communications and Assistant Professor in Social Cognition/Social Cognitive Neuroscience
Department of Science, Psychology Program, Glendon College

The Program of Psychology, in the Department of Science, at Glendon College, York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor position in Cognitive Science of Language and Communications, as well as an Assistant Professor position in Social Cognition/Social Cognitive Neuroscience. These are tenure-track appointments to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2025.

For the position in Cognitive Science of Language and Communications: The Department of Science is looking for a scholar with a specialization related to language and communication and uses computational (e.g., modelling, machine learning, artificial intelligence) and behavioral techniques to investigate the neurocognitive processes that shape how we communicate. It would contribute to advancement and innovation in AI and language models (e.g., ChatGPT) as applied to social interactions within multicultural environments.

For the position in Social Cognition/Social Cognitive Neuroscience: The Department of Science is looking for a scholar with a specialization related to social cognition and uses computational (e.g., modelling, machine learning, artificial intelligence) and behavioral techniques to investigate the neurocognitive processes that support inferences about the social world (e.g., psychological states, morality, social prejudice, and/or mental health). Scholars in cognitive neuroscience with applications relevant to social cognition and/or health are encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from individuals investigating AI-human social interactions.

York acknowledges the potential impact of various life circumstances (e.g., illness, disability, caregiving, family commitments) on a candidate’s record of research and other achievements. Candidates are encouraged to describe such circumstances and their impact in their application. This information will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

This is a research-enhanced faculty position partially funded by the Connected Minds https://www.yorku.ca/research/connected-minds/ program, funded in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The successful candidates will be eligible for enhanced start-up funds, an annual research grant, and a reduced teaching load. In addition, the successful candidates will engage with, and benefit from, the Connected Minds program, which focuses on scholarship in three main research goals: 1) to understand how the interplay of humans and intelligent technologies produces unexpected, emergent properties at the community/whole society levels, 2) predict how new technologies will disrupt the techno-social collective and, 3) use these predictions to drive new research and technology development. The Connected Minds program is supported by a total of $318 million in funding over seven years.

Candidates will have opportunities to collaborate with other York University Connected Minds members from Keele’s Faculties of Health and Science who share related research interests, particularly those working in Social Cognition/Social Cognitive Neuroscience and the Cognitive Science of Language and Communication. Keele research facilities (e.g., the Sherman Extension) will also be available to candidates.

Scholars who are not directly specialized in language and communication or social cognition but have psychology expertise’s within the Connected Minds mandate may also apply.

Glendon College, York University’s bilingual (English and French) Faculty, is situated on its own scenic campus in the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Toronto. Glendon is committed to high-quality teaching in the tradition of the liberal arts and offers a unique undergraduate academic experience for students within one of Canada’s largest research universities. For information about Glendon College and its programs, please consult the faculty webpage at www.yorku.ca/glendon.

Candidate Qualifications:
Degree: a PhD in Psychology or near completion by the appointment’s start.

Scholarship:
• A coherent and well-articulated program of research and specialization in social cognition, cognitive neuroscience (with applications to social cognition or health), and/or computational modeling, broadly defined. Experience in computational modeling, machine learning, cognitive neuroscience and/or human-machine interactions is preferred.
• A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research and/or research creation (e.g., from research or arts councils, foundations).
• A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (e.g., the establishment of research, creation of digital apps/works, publications in peer-reviewed journals, non-peer reviewed reports, knowledge mobilization with/for communities, presentations at conferences and workshops, and influence on policies and programs for socially responsible technologies).
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, or the potential to do so, in supporting multicultural community engagement activities.

Teaching:
• A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., teaching accomplishments and pedagogical innovations). Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.

Additional:
• Demonstrated commitment to policy engagement through the co-creation of research and the development and/or use of socially responsible technologies. Programs of research for this position could include how social neuroscience and human machine interface technologies can benefit societal needs.
• Given Glendon’s bilingual mandate, the selected candidate will also be expected to be fluent in both English and French, to be able to teach as well as participate actively in College-wide service activities in both languages.
Hiring Policies:
• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here https://www.yorku.ca/vpepc/faculty-affairs/affirmative-action/ or by contacting Christal Chapman, EDI Program Manager (chapman7@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities http://secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca/policies/accommodation-in-employment-for-persons-with-disabilities/ and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Josée Rivest, Search Committee Chair, jrivest@yorku.ca.

Application Process:
• Due date for completed applications: November 12, 2024
• Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) cover letter; 3) statement of research experience; 4) a teaching statement; and 5) contact information for three references. Only short-listed candidates’ references will be contacted.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
• Direct questions about the position to contact Josée Rivest, Search Committee Chair, jrivest@yorku.ca

Submit materials for the Cognitive Science of Language and Communication position at link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GL_CogSci

Submit materials for the Social Cognition/Social Cognitive Neuroscience position at link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GL_SocialCog

Learn More About York:

• York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan https://www.yorku.ca/research/strategic-research-plan-2023-2028/ showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.
• York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy https://www.yorku.ca/dedi-strategy/, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion https://www.yorku.ca/abr/ and the Indigenous Framework for York University https://indigenous.yorku.ca/framework/.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/.

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