Working at NKNU, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of National Kaohsiung Normal University

National Kaohsiung Normal University (NKNU), located in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, stands as a premier institution dedicated to teacher education and multidisciplinary research. Established with a focus on cultivating educators, NKNU has evolved into a vibrant hub for academic excellence in higher education. Jobs at National Kaohsiung Normal University attract professionals passionate about shaping future teachers and advancing knowledge in fields like education sciences, mathematics, music, and environmental studies. The university's commitment to innovative pedagogy and community engagement makes it an ideal workplace for those seeking impactful careers in Taiwan's Asia Pacific region.

Kaohsiung City, Taiwan's third-largest metropolis, provides a dynamic backdrop with its port-city vibe, blending urban amenities and natural beauty. NKNU's multiple campuses, including the main one in Zuoying District, feature state-of-the-art facilities that support both teaching and research endeavors. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, research roles, or administrative opportunities, understanding NKNU's ecosystem is key to a successful application.

History and Mission of NKNU

Founded in 1954 as the Provincial Kaohsiung Normal School, NKNU traces its roots to Taiwan's post-war efforts to rebuild education. It upgraded to a college in 1969 and achieved university status in 2000 through mergers with other teacher-training institutions. Today, NKNU's mission centers on 'Nurturing Excellence in Education,' emphasizing holistic teacher development, interdisciplinary research, and global partnerships.

This evolution reflects Taiwan's investment in higher education, where normal universities like NKNU specialize in preparing educators. The institution boasts over 10,000 students and a faculty renowned for contributions to educational reforms and STEM innovations. For professionals, this history underscores stable growth and opportunities in a respected public university setting.

Academic Programs and Departments

NKNU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across seven colleges: Education, Liberal Arts, Science, Engineering, Management, Music, and International Studies & Applications. Key strengths include teacher certification programs, where graduates become certified educators in Taiwan's K-12 system.

Departments like Mathematics Education and Music Performance drive research in applied pedagogy. Jobs here often involve developing curricula that integrate technology, such as AI in teaching, aligning with Taiwan's digital education push. Explore lecturer jobs or professor jobs to see how NKNU fits into broader higher ed careers.

Types of Jobs at National Kaohsiung Normal University

Jobs at National Kaohsiung Normal University span faculty, research, and support roles. Faculty positions include assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors in education-focused disciplines. Research jobs encompass postdoctoral fellows and assistants working on projects funded by Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology.

Administrative roles cover academic affairs, student services, and international office positions. Adjunct professor jobs provide flexible entry points for experienced educators. For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page. NKNU also posts openings for specialized roles like curriculum developers amid Taiwan's emphasis on bilingual education.

• Faculty: Teaching and research in core departments
• Research: Lab-based or grant-funded projects
• Admin: Supporting operations and student success
• Postdoc: Advanced research with mentorship

Definitions

To aid understanding, here are key terms related to jobs at NKNU:

• Normal University: A higher education institution specializing in teacher training, originating from French 'écoles normales' model, focused on pedagogy and certification.
• Teacher Certification: Official qualification required in Taiwan for K-12 teaching, earned through NKNU's programs involving coursework, practice teaching, and exams.
• Postdoctoral Position: Temporary research role post-PhD, lasting 1-3 years, for skill-building and publications. Learn more via postdoctoral success tips.
• Grant-Funded Research: Projects supported by external funding, like MOST grants in Taiwan, requiring proposal writing and impact reporting.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

For faculty jobs at NKNU, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles, while master's holders may qualify for lecturers. Research focus areas include educational technology, special education, and environmental science, reflecting Kaohsiung's industrial context.

Preferred experience encompasses 3+ years teaching, peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ in Scopus-indexed journals), and grant acquisition. Skills and competencies prioritize bilingual proficiency (Mandarin/English), data analysis tools like SPSS, and soft skills such as cross-cultural communication.

These align with Taiwan's academic standards, preparing candidates for higher ed faculty jobs.

Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at NKNU starts with monitoring the official website and AcademicJobs.com listings. Submit a comprehensive packet: CV (highlighting publications), cover letter (tailored to NKNU's mission), research/teaching statements, and 3 references.

• Customize your CV using our free resume template for academic formats.
• Prepare a 20-minute teaching demo on education topics.
• Network via conferences like Taiwan Education Society meetings.
• Follow up post-submission; deadlines often align with semesters (Feb/Aug).

Tip: Emphasize Taiwan-specific experience or willingness to learn Mandarin. For CV advice, see writing a winning academic CV. International applicants need ARC visas, processed post-offer.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

NKNU champions diversity through its International Affairs Office, recruiting faculty from Asia Pacific and beyond. Initiatives include gender-balanced hiring (40% female faculty target), support for indigenous Taiwanese scholars, and LGBTQ+ ally programs. The university partners with ASEAN institutions for exchange programs, fostering inclusive campuses. In 2023, NKNU hosted diversity workshops, aligning with Taiwan's Gender Equality Education Act.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

NKNU promotes work-life balance with flexible research hours, 30+ vacation days annually, and parental leave per Taiwan law. Wellness centers offer counseling, yoga, and sports facilities like gyms and pools. Campus life in Kaohsiung thrives with night markets, Cijin Island beaches, and cultural festivals. Faculty enjoy subsidies for housing and transit, plus professional development funds. The subtropical climate and metro access make daily life convenient, enhancing retention rates above national averages.

Join communities like the NKNU Faculty Club for networking and family events, creating a supportive environment amid Taiwan's high-quality healthcare system.

Why Pursue Jobs at NKNU?

With competitive salaries (NT$1.2M-2.5M yearly for professors), research incentives, and Taiwan's stable economy, NKNU offers rewarding careers. Explore more higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post your profile to attract recruiters via post a job.