The School of Occupational Therapy in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health invites applications from qualified candidates for a 24-month full-time limited-term faculty position at the Instructor rank (subject to final budgetary approval). This academic position encompasses teaching, teaching support, lab coordination, fieldwork teaching, and fieldwork support in the MSc(OT) entry-to-practice program. This position reports to the Dean of the Faculty of Health through the Director of the School of Occupational Therapy. There is no expectation of a research workload associated with this position. This position is available to begin immediately following completion of the search process, or at a mutually agreed-upon date.
Dalhousie University is comprised of 6,000 faculty and staff among its 13 faculties. Current enrollment is 21,000+ graduate and undergraduate students across four campuses. 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, over 1,000 employees, and more than 3,000 students. With the most programmatically diverse health faculty in Canada, offering 45 academic programs, diplomas, and certificates at the entry, graduate, and advanced professional levels, our students are exposed to a broad range of health topics and learning experiences.
Known for its theory-driven approach, commitment to social justice, and diverse educational approaches, the School of Occupational Therapy’s vision is advancing well-being in everyday life through occupation, leadership, community, and challenging the status quo.
Key responsibilities of the position include the following:
- Instruct and evaluate students in the MSc (Occupational Therapy) entry to practice program across courses with content that includes physical health, mental health, neurotherapeutics, fieldwork, social and theoretical foundations, and research.
- The roles across these courses will vary (e.g., Instructor of Record, Co-Instructor, tutor, student access support) and will involve teaching, skill demonstration, coordinating and leading labs, teaching support, individual student support, and conducting student evaluations.
- Support the implementation of simulations and OSCEs across courses in the curriculum, including evaluating students.
- Participate in and facilitate interprofessional health education (IPHE) activities and IPHE in-class activities across the curriculum.
- Develop instructional materials for courses involving research, program evaluation, knowledge translation, and innovation.
- Support the adaptation of instructional resources across the curriculum to meet student access needs, including for access using screen readers and other technology
- Additional duties may include contributing to administrative functions within the School of Occupational Therapy and the Faculty of Health.
Candidates must hold an entry-level degree in Occupational Therapy (a Master’s degree is preferred) and be licensed with the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator (NSOTR), with at least three years of clinical experience and one year of teaching-related experience. They should demonstrate strong knowledge of current Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada, equity-focused and anti-oppressive teaching practices, and the ability to support fieldwork education and preceptor development. Excellent communication, organization, leadership, and time management skills are essential, along with a commitment to professional development.
Preferred qualifications include proficiency with online platforms such as Brightspace, demonstrated ability in course development, lab coordination, simulation, and student evaluation methods such as OSCEs.
Applications must include a cover letter stating qualifications and experience; a Curriculum Vitae; a statement of teaching experience and interests; copies of teaching evaluations (if available); and a copy of license with the NSOTR (upload as “Portfolio”).
Please submit your complete application package via the PeopleAdmin portal by October 4, 2026.
For further information regarding this position, contact:
Dr. Paula Rushton, Director
School of Occupational Therapy
Faculty of Health
This position is a part of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) Bargaining Unit.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.
If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.
