From it’s “It’s Hell Out There” to being one of the “Lucky Ones”: The Trends and Tales of the Canadian Psychology Academic Job Market from 2012-2022

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 is 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 2012-2022/3, data was collected via 1) an online search of Canadian Psychology departments (Study 1: N = 439) and 2) an online survey (Study 2: N = 76). Study 1. On average, excluding those hired into teaching positions, candidates were on the job market for M=4.05 years and had M=20.25 publications upon hire. These numbers varied depending on the year, gender, and area of research. There was a 24% 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 US compared to comprehensive or undergraduate universities. Study 2. In a smaller sample of self-reporting faculty members, research-stream professors took an average of 2.34 years to obtain their first position and reported an average of 15.12 (SD=15.13) total publications upon hire. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses identified the following themes: 1) frustration and hopelessness, 2) location and moving barriers, 3) feelings of “luck,” and 4) high standards in the field. Findings will inform current job market expectations and guide students toward successful career choices.