Politecnico di Milano, often abbreviated as PoliMi, stands as one of Europe's premier technical universities, located in the heart of Milano, Lombardia, Italy. Established in 1863, it has evolved into a global leader in engineering, architecture, and design education and research. With over 48,000 students across seven campuses primarily in Milano, PoliMi emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Jobs at Politecnico di Milano attract top talent worldwide, offering roles in teaching, research, and administration within a vibrant academic environment that bridges theory and practice.
The university's reputation is bolstered by consistent top rankings, such as #8 in Europe for engineering and technology in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Its focus on practical, industry-relevant education makes it a hub for careers in higher education, where professionals contribute to groundbreaking projects in fields like aerospace engineering, built environment, and industrial design. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions or research jobs, PoliMi provides a platform to advance knowledge while engaging with Milano's dynamic cultural and economic landscape.
Academic careers at Politecnico di Milano span a variety of roles tailored to different career stages. Common positions include full professors, associate professors, assistant professors (tenure-track), researchers, postdoctoral fellows, lecturers, PhD candidates, and support staff in labs or administration. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore common categories across institutions.
Tenure-track paths allow promising academics to progress based on merit, publications, and teaching evaluations. PoliMi also hires for specialized roles in its Schools of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering, Design, and Industrial and Information Engineering.
To secure jobs at Politecnico di Milano, candidates typically need advanced degrees. A PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca) in a relevant field is mandatory for faculty and research roles. For professorships, Italy's National Scientific Habilitation (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, ASN) is required, evaluating research output via metrics like publications in Scopus-indexed journals and h-index.
PoliMi prioritizes expertise in areas like sustainable mobility, smart cities, bionics, and digital manufacturing. Successful applicants often have experience with EU-funded projects (e.g., ERC Starting Grants) or collaborations with industry partners like Ferrari or Pirelli.
Preferred backgrounds include 5+ years of post-PhD research, 10+ peer-reviewed publications, grant management (e.g., PRIN projects), and teaching at international levels. International mobility, such as visiting professorships, strengthens applications.
Key skills encompass strong communication for multidisciplinary teams, proficiency in English (plus Italian preferred), data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python), and leadership in grant proposals. Soft skills like adaptability in a multicultural setting and commitment to open science are valued.
The application process for jobs at Politecnico di Milano begins with public calls (bandi) published on the university's career portal and platforms like Euraxess. Submit a detailed CV, motivation letter, research/teaching statements, up to 10 publications, and three references. Evaluations involve committee reviews, interviews, and seminars.
Pro tip: Emphasize impact metrics, like citations or patents, and align with PoliMi's 2030 Sustainability Plan. For resume help, use our free resume template.
Politecnico di Milano champions diversity through its Gender Equality Plan (GEP), approved in 2021, aiming for 30% women in senior roles by 2025. Initiatives include mentoring for female researchers, the Magnifica Mentoring program pairing juniors with seniors, and scholarships for underrepresented groups from Africa and Asia. The university hosts International Women in Engineering Day events and has a Diversity Committee monitoring inclusivity. With 20% international faculty, PoliMi supports visas, language courses, and anti-bias training, fostering an equitable environment in Lombardia's academic scene.
Working at Politecnico di Milano offers excellent work-life balance amid Milano's fashion capital vibe. Flexible hours (up to 50% remote for researchers), 30+ vacation days, and parental leave (5 months paid maternity) support families. Campuses feature gyms, cafeterias, libraries open 24/7, and childcare centers. The Leonardo campus hosts cultural events, while Bovisa offers green spaces. Milano's metro connects to Lake Como weekends, blending rigorous academics with la dolce vita—coffee breaks, aperitivi, and events like Design Week. Employee wellness programs include yoga and psychological support, ensuring sustainability in high-pressure roles.
Founded post-Italian unification to modernize industry, PoliMi pioneered Italy's engineering education. Key milestones: 1927 architecture school launch, post-WWII reconstruction leadership, and 2010s internationalization with English programs. Alumni like Renzo Piano shape global skylines. Careers here mean contributing to EU Horizon projects, publishing in top journals (e.g., Nature), and influencing policy via think tanks. In 2023, PoliMi secured €100M+ in grants, underscoring job stability and prestige. Explore research jobs or professor jobs for entry points.
Definitions: Tenure-track - A probationary period (3-5 years) leading to permanent faculty status based on performance. ASN (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale) - Italy's merit-based qualification for professorships, scored on research/teaching. H-index - Metric measuring productivity/impact (e.g., h=20 means 20 papers with 20+ citations each).
PoliMi combines rigorous academia with Italy's lifestyle. Competitive salaries (€45K assistant prof, €80K full prof), pension plans, and research autonomy attract global experts. Milano's economy offers collaborations with firms like Eni. For career growth, see higher ed career advice. Current openings align with AI, sustainability trends—check higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post your profile via post a job.
Related reads: Employer branding secrets, Winning academic CV, and European research post-Davos.
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