The School of Occupational Therapy in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health invites applications from qualified candidates for a full-time, tenure stream faculty position at either the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, depending on the candidate. Exceptional cases at the Professor level may be considered. This position will commence on July 1, 2024, or as negotiated.

Dalhousie University is comprised of 6,000 faculty and staff amongst its 13 faculties. Current enrollment is 18,500 graduate and undergraduate students. As part of Canada’s U15 research-intensive group, Dalhousie University is an influential driver of the region’s intellectual, social, and economic development. It is the largest university in Atlantic Canada and is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq in the heart of Halifax (Kjipuktuk). This scenic coastal city is the capital of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is home to 13 Mi’kmaq First Nations, a deeply rooted African Nova Scotia community, and an increasingly diverse population which also includes a vibrant workforce of people living with (dis)Abilities.

The Faculty of Health’s faculty, staff, and students are committed to improving the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and populations through diverse health programming, collaborative research and strong community partnerships. The Faculty of Health is one of the largest faculties at Dalhousie, comprised of eight schools, one college and one program, more than 200 faculty members, 80 staff members, and approximately 3,000 students. With the most programmatically diverse health faculty in Canada, our students are exposed to a broad range of health topics and learning experiences. Research revenues in the Faculty have increased nearly 70% over 5 years, totaling $10.6M in 2021-2022 from 293 grants awarded to more than 100 researchers, including 8 research chairs.

The School of Occupational Therapy’s Strategic Plan , which aligns with that of the Faculty of Health and Dalhousie University , guides realization of our vision of advancing well-being in everyday life through occupation, leadership, community, and challenging the status quo. The School offers an entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT), an online Master of Science in Occupational Science (MScOS), and online Certificate in Disability Management, as well as undergraduate courses in occupation. The School of Occupational Therapy is known for its theory-driven approach, commitment to social justice, and diverse educational approaches. Our MScOT program is currently undergoing a curriculum renewal in response to the 2022 Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada and the 2015 Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action for health care and education. We value interprofessional education which is facilitated through Dalhousie’s state-of-the-art Collaborative Health Education Building .

Eligible candidates will hold a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy, Occupational Science, Health, Rehabilitation Sciences or a related discipline. Preference will be given to candidates who are eligible to hold a license to practice occupational therapy in Nova Scotia and have experience in occupational therapy practice, as well as those who have demonstrated evidence of substantial contribution to scholarship appropriate to the field of study and career stage. Evidence of experience with and commitment to anti-colonial and/or anti-oppressive approaches to teaching and research is an asset.

The successful candidate is expected to establish and conduct a program of occupation-based research which aligns with one or more of the Faculty of Health’s priority research areas of health equity and resilience, health and health systems transformation, and body function and mobility across the health continuum. The incumbent will be required to teach undergraduate/graduate students as well as mentor and supervise graduate students in the MScOs and PhD in Health programs. Teaching assignments will include core required courses as well as courses that reflect the expertise of the successful candidate within the needs of the School. The candidate is expected to become an active and engaged member of the School, Faculty, and University. Activities at local, national, and international levels are expected to promote continuous improvement in research, teaching, and learning at Dalhousie.

Applications must include:
• a cover letter stating qualifications and experience;
• a Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications, major projects and relevant community and/ or professional engagement;
• a statement of teaching experience and/or interests; including copies of teaching evaluations (if available);
• an original, innovative 5-year research program plan with clear objectives that describes methodological approaches including partnerships or collaborations, fits with the School and Faculty priority research areas, identifies supports that might be beneficial, and addresses how proposed activities will be funded; and
• the names and contact information of three referees (two of whom must be from academic backgrounds) who may be contacted for references if required.

Please mention Search #510 in your cover letter.

For further information regarding this position, contact:

Dr. Paula Rushton, Director

School of Occupational Therapy

Faculty of Health

Applications will be considered starting October 31, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity .