"Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Healthy Development Across the Lifespan at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor"

About the Position

The Faculty of Social Sciences and the Lifespan Development Research Institute invite applications from world-leading researchers for a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Healthy Development Across the Lifespan at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor (subject to qualifications), tenured, to commence May 1, 2027.

This CERC addresses one of Canada’s most pressing challenges: advancing the mental, physical, and social well-being of individuals across the lifespan within increasingly diverse, complex and changing environments. The successful candidate will lead an internationally competitive, high-impact research program that advances understanding of the psychological, social, physiological and/or neural mechanisms underlying developmental processes and their links to physical and mental health across the lifespan. The CERC is designed to attract a global research leader whose scholarship and knowledge mobilization expertise will drive external investment, foster collaborative local, national, and international partnerships, and strengthen meaningful community engagement.

Brock University offers a strong and well-established foundation in lifespan research, with 90 active researchers spanning psychology, physiology, neuroscience, education, health sciences, sports science, and social contexts. The CERC will be a core member of Brock’s Lifespan Development Research Institute, a vibrant interdisciplinary hub that connects scholars across the Faculties of Social Sciences, Applied Health Sciences, Business, and Education. Brock University also is strategically located within a short drive of a dense cluster of research-intensive universities in southern Ontario, facilitating collaboration networks.

The CERC will hold a primary appointment in a department within the Faculty of Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology or Child and Youth Studies) with a possible cross-appointment to departments such as Kinesiology or Health Sciences, depending on the candidate’s expertise.

The CERC aligns with two national CERC priority challenge areas: Healthy People and Populations and Innovative and Resilient Communities. We particularly welcome candidates whose research examines how psychological, social, physiological or neural mechanisms shape how individuals develop, adapt, and thrive in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or aging populations.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, which is a requirement of Brock University for this position. CERC nominees must be full professors or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within one or two years of the nomination. The successful candidate will be a recognized national and international leader in lifespan development, bringing an outstanding record of research excellence and impact. We are open to a diverse range of methodological approaches. In addition to research leadership, applicants must demonstrate a sustained commitment to the training and development of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Applicants are also invited to describe their contributions to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (e.g., inclusive mentorship, accessible teaching, equitable team practices, community partnership, etc.).

Application Process and Timeline

Applications should be submitted electronically through the Brock Careers website. Please apply online using the “Apply” button. A single PDF document containing all application elements is preferred. (Note: File maximum of 5MB per attachment upload.) If needed, supplemental application information beyond the 5 MB limit can be sent to Lisa Betts (dsocsci@brocku.ca).

1. A letter of interest (suggested 2 pages) outlining:
   1. your qualifications for a successful CERC nomination;
   2. alignment of your profile and expertise with this CERC position; and
   3. evidence of research excellence and impact.
2. A description of your program of research (suggested 3 pages), including:
   1. your short-term and long-term vision for your future research program as a CERC at Brock;
   2. opportunities for training/supporting scholars and/or students within a variety of research contexts; and
   3. the potential for the Chair to enhance your scholarly leadership and innovation capacity within the Department, Faculty, and University in strategic areas.
   4. How equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous engagement (where applicable) will be meaningfully integrated into your proposed research design and research practices (e.g., research questions/methods, team training and mentorship, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization).
   5. Note: Please include your alignment with the CERC priority challenge areas: Healthy People and Populations, and Innovative and Resilient Communities.
3. An updated and complete curriculum vitae, which may include highlighting both traditional (e.g., grants, publications (peer-reviewed journals, books, and monographs), presentations, etc.) and non-traditional (e.g., community engagement initiatives, reciprocity in the form of partnerships and collaborative practices, knowledge translation, and other modes of scholarship that are relevant to your program of research) metrics around research excellence.
4. A statement of mentorship philosophy, teaching philosophy, interests related to departmental programs, and strategies to support diverse students.
5. A statement of strengths, experiences and future plans in supporting Indigenous engagement (where appropriate) and equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID) in their discipline through research design and practice, curriculum, mentorship, advocacy, community outreach/engagement, and student support.
6. The names and contact information of three referees who could provide confidential letters of assessment that speak to the candidates’ suitability to hold a faculty position and CERC at Brock University. Letters will not be requested unless an applicant is short listed.

The closing date for the position is February 15, 2026, at 12:01 am EST.

Applications can be sent to the following link: Apply Here

Review of applications will begin upon closing. Candidate interviews will be held in February 2026. Although we appreciate all applications received, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The effective date for the academic appointment may be as early as May 1, 2027, but is negotiable with the Faculty Dean. The target hiring range for this position is $128,000 to $178,000. The final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, internal equity and budget considerations. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval.

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Teena Willoughby, Chair of the Search Committee at twilloughby@brocku.ca.