Part-Time Instructor - PSYC 327 - The Psychology of Pain - Winter 26/27

The Department of Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University invites applications for a part-time academic instructor to teach PSYC 327 (The Psychology of Pain) in the winter term of the 2026-2027 academic term. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Course Number and Title: PSYC 327 - The Psychology of Pain

Course Description: Contrary to popular belief, the experience of pain is not necessarily linked to bodily injury or detection of intense energy. Pain can be caused by various factors, including tissue injury, visibility of wound or noxious stimulus, attentional state, expectation, mood, previous pain experience, conditioned responses, etc. This course provides a basic understanding of pain perception and of the physical and psychological means of modulating pain. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

Start and End Dates: January 1, 2027 to April 30, 2027

Class Schedule: O1/O2 blocks (Wednesdays 10:00-11:15am, Fridays 8:30-9:45am)

Delivery Mode: In-person or online synchronously

Duties

Part-Time Academic Instructor positions involve the normal duties related to the design and teaching of a university credit course including but not limited to preparation and delivery of course content; development, administration and marking of assignments, tests and exams; calculation and submission of grades; and, holding regular office hours.

Qualifications

We seek applicants with a PhD or Master’s degree in Psychology with experience in teaching. Candidates are asked to provide evidence of their readiness to teach PSYC 327 (e.g., evidence of past relevant teaching experience, evidence of strong interest and knowledge of the area). The successful candidate should employ an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible teaching approach to promote a respectful environment for all students, staff, and faculty.

About the Department

To learn more about the Department of Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University, please visit our website: https://www.stfx.ca/department/psychology

Application Instructions

The review of applications will commence November 16, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter (outlining one’s suitability for the position), a curriculum vitae, any supporting materials, as well as the names and contact information of three references via electronic submission to this posting.

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), racialized 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. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians 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 People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world. In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.