Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne, Vol 67(3), Aug 2026, 214-227; doi:10.1037/cap0000426
There is a perception among those on the Canadian psychology academic job market that hiring expectations (e.g., number of publications, grants, accomplishments) have increased dramatically over the past decade. However, no data on hiring expectations across all areas of psychology are available to inform career planning decisions. The purpose of this study was to understand the current psychology academic hiring experience through a mixed-methods approach. Focusing on faculty members hired from 2012 to 2022, data are collected via (a) an online search of Canadian psychology departments and (b) an online survey. Excluding those hired into teaching positions, candidates were on the job market for 4 years and had 20 publications upon hire. These numbers varied depending on the year, gender, and area of research. There was a 27.6% increase in the number of publications between those hired in 2012–2016 versus 2017–2022. Universities with medical schools were more likely to hire candidates trained in the United States compared to comprehensive or undergraduate universities. In the smaller sample of self-reporting faculty members, research-stream professors took an average of 2 years to obtain their first position and reported an average of 15 publications upon hire. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses identified the following themes: (a) frustration and hopelessness, (b) location and moving barriers, (c) feelings of “luck,” and (d) high standards in the field. Findings inform current job market expectations and guide students toward successful career choices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)