"Associate or Full Professor in Cognitive Science (Canada Excellence Research Chair)"

Vibrant, multidisciplinary and innovative, the Faculty of Arts and Science is one of Université de Montréal’s largest faculties. Through its 28 departments, schools, centres and one institute, it offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, some of which are unique in Quebec. It is also home to some 30 interdisciplinary research centres and groups. Every day, its 650 faculty members are helping shape a better tomorrow by advancing knowledge and encouraging the convergence of perspectives.

Founded in 1942, the Department of Psychology is the oldest French-speaking psychology department in North America. With its 60 career professors, it plays a leading role in research and clinical training, with an international reputation in psychology, cognitive sciences, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.

As part of the 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) competition, the Department of Psychology is recruiting a professor of exceptional caliber at the associate or full professor level to develop an innovative field of research and teaching in cognitive science, in line with the Department's strategic priorities. These priorities include: auditory, sound, and music cognitive sciences; data science and computational approaches; citizen science and gamification; assessment and intervention modalities in the field of sound and music; infant and child development; and research linking basic science to health outcomes.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work within CerebrUM et BRAMS, two research entities that are central to the Department's scientific activities.

This position is contingent on the candidate’s success in obtaining a CERC chair in this competition.

The CERC program supports two chair categories, with maximum values of either $1,000,000 or $500,000 per year. The chair offered under this call will have a value of $1,000,000 per year for a duration of eight years. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate in preparing the application, leading up to its submission in March 2026.

Day-to-day responsibilities

Through your undergraduate and graduate-level teaching, and your research activities, you will contribute to the faculty’s pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, you will promote your discipline and actively participate in the daily activities of a renowned institution. As a professor and holder of a Canada Excellence Research Chair, you will:

• Leverage your world-class leadership in cognitive science in alignment with the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priorities, with the potential to generate positive social and economic benefits for Canadians;
• Actively foster co-creation of research projects and initiatives with partners from all sectors (academic, public, private, and non-profit) to increase the application of research outcomes in cognitive science, for the benefit of society at large. You will also facilitate the mobilization and application of the Chair’s research results in diverse ways to stimulate economic growth and social innovation;
• Have the opportunity to apply for infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI);
• Teach at all levels of study;
• Supervise master’s and doctoral students as well as postdoctoral fellows in the completion of theses and dissertations;
• Lead major interfaculty projects with national and international reach;
• Contribute actively to the academic and scientific life of the Department and the Faculty through your participation in committees and working groups;
• Contribute actively contribute to strengthening ties between the Department and the community, as well as to research impact through conferences, publications, and scientific activities.

Qualifications

• Be eligible for the CERC Program and apply to the 2026 CERC competition;
• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. psychology, neuroscience, education). This requirement is set by the Université de Montréal; not by the CERC program;
• Demonstrate outstanding expertise and international recognition as a leader in cognitive science on one or more topics aligned with the strategic priorities of the Department of Psychology outlined above;
• Have an international profile in the field and show strong leadership in major international networks;
• Be able to lead ambitious, productive research teams;
• Possess the qualities required to conduct research that mobilizes and applies knowledge to deliver social and economic benefits for Canada and beyond;
• Demonstrate the ability to provide interdisciplinary teaching of high quality;
• Have the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary context, in complementarity with faculty members;
• Have adequate proficiency of the French language or be committed to learning it once hired, through the Université de Montréal’s French language support program, in accordance with the Université de Montréal language policy.

Additional information about the position

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits
• Expected start date: June 1st, 2026;
• Located at the Montreal Campus

How to submit your application

Submit your application through our online recruitment system (click on the “Apply for job” button) during the posting period, from January 15 to February 15, 2026, inclusively. Your application must include the following documents:

• A cover letter;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Copies of, or links to, three recent publications or research papers;
• A statement outlining your teaching and mentoring experience and approach;
• A research program proposal;
• Three letters of recommendation submitted directly by the referees to the department;
• A statement on the philosophy of equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and teaching;
• Important: the research program proposal should cover 8 years (suggested length: 4 pages).

Contact information for recommendation letters

Michelle McKerral, Chair

Département de psychologie

Faculté des arts et des sciences

direction@psy.umontreal.ca