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The University of Nebraska (System), often abbreviated as UN System or simply UN, is a renowned public university system headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. Comprising four main campuses—University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), and University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)—it serves over 50,000 students and employs thousands in diverse roles. Jobs at University of Nebraska (System) span faculty, research, administrative, and support positions, making it a prime destination for academic professionals seeking opportunities in higher education.
As a land-grant institution established under the Morrill Act, the UN System emphasizes research, teaching, and public service, particularly in agriculture, engineering, health sciences, and business. Located primarily in Lincoln, with key facilities in Omaha, it offers a dynamic environment for careers that contribute to Nebraska's economic and intellectual growth. Whether you're eyeing faculty jobs or research jobs, the system provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and pathways for advancement.
Founded in 1869, just two years after Nebraska achieved statehood, the University of Nebraska began as a single campus in Lincoln to fulfill its land-grant mission of accessible education in agriculture and mechanical arts. Over the decades, it expanded into a system with UNL as the flagship research university, UNO focusing on urban and professional studies, UNK on teacher education, and UNMC on health professions since 1902. This growth has created a robust job market, with historical emphasis on hiring experts in corn genetics, water resources, and veterinary medicine—fields still prominent today. The system's evolution reflects Nebraska's agricultural heritage while adapting to modern demands in biotechnology and data science, offering long-term career stability for employees.
Jobs at University of Nebraska (System) are categorized into faculty, staff, and executive roles. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjuncts teaching courses in over 200 programs. Research roles like research assistants and postdocs drive innovation in labs at the Nebraska Center for Virology or the Nebraska Governance and Technology Center. Administrative jobs cover deans, department chairs, and HR specialists, while support staff handle IT, facilities, and student services. For a full breakdown, explore university job types. Common openings include assistant professors in agronomy at UNL or clinical researchers at UNMC.
To understand jobs at University of Nebraska (System), key terms include:
For faculty jobs, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree is standard—e.g., PhD in physics for UNL's physics department or MD/PhD for UNMC's oncology roles. Administrative positions may require a master's in higher education administration or related field. Research assistants typically need a bachelor's or master's, while postdocs hold recent doctorates. The system values credentials from accredited institutions, with emphasis on fields like sustainable agriculture at UNL or public health at UNMC.
Research at University of Nebraska (System) centers on priority areas: precision agriculture, renewable energy, neuroscience, and cancer research. UNL's expertise in plant sciences requires knowledge of genomics and crop modeling. UNMC seeks specialists in translational medicine. Expertise in grant-funded projects, interdisciplinary teams, and technologies like CRISPR or AI modeling is crucial. Check postdoctoral success tips for thriving in these roles.
Candidates with 3+ peer-reviewed publications, successful NIH or USDA grants, and teaching portfolios stand out. Prior experience as a research assistant or lecturer is favored; see become a university lecturer. Administrative roles prefer 5+ years in academia, with leadership in accreditation processes.
Soft skills like adaptability in a public university setting are key.
Apply through each campus's portal (e.g., talent.unl.edu for UNL). Submit CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching philosophy, and three references. Tips: Customize documents to the job description, highlight Nebraska-relevant experience like rural health or ag tech. Network at conferences; prepare for interviews with research talks. Use free resume template and cover letter template. Track applications and follow up politely. Deadlines are strict, often December for fall hires.
The UN System commits to inclusive excellence via the Husker Advantage program for underrepresented faculty, NSF ADVANCE grants boosting women in STEM, and Presidents' Diversity Fund supporting multicultural research. UNO's Office of Multicultural Affairs and UNL's Office of Diversity and Inclusion host workshops and affinity groups. Hiring practices include bias training and diverse search committees, fostering an environment where 25% of faculty identify as underrepresented minorities.
Employees enjoy 24 vacation days, parental leave, and flexible scheduling. Lincoln's campus features Memorial Stadium for football, Sheldon Museum of Art, and wellness centers. Omaha's UNMC offers urban vibrancy with proximity to hospitals. Family-friendly perks include on-campus childcare and EAP counseling. Nebraska's low cost of living (20% below national average) and outdoor recreation like hiking in the Sandhills support balance. Staff report high satisfaction due to Big Ten sports, cultural events, and community engagement.
With R1 research status at UNL and UNMC, competitive salaries ($90K average for assistant professors), and benefits like retirement matching, it's ideal for career growth. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
