Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ), located in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia, stands as one of the country's premier private Catholic universities. Founded in 1623 by the Society of Jesus, it is the oldest university in Colombia and a beacon for higher education in Latin America. Jobs at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana attract academics, researchers, and professionals passionate about education, research, and community impact. The university employs thousands across its Bogotá and Cali campuses, offering roles in teaching, research, administration, and support services.
Working at PUJ means contributing to a Jesuit tradition that emphasizes intellectual rigor, ethical formation, and social justice. With over 20 faculties including medicine, law, engineering, and humanities, opportunities span faculty positions, research jobs, and more. The Bogotá campus, the largest, hosts most academic jobs, blending urban vibrancy with green spaces for a dynamic work environment.
PUJ consistently ranks among the top universities in Colombia and Latin America, drawing top talent seeking meaningful careers. Salaries are competitive within Colombian higher education, with benefits including health insurance, pension plans, and professional development funding.
The story of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana begins in 1623 when Jesuits established it as the Colegio Máximo de San Francisco Javier in Bogotá. It evolved into a full university in 1931, receiving pontifical status from Pope Pius XI in 1937—hence the 'Pontificia' designation. Today, it serves over 30,000 students, with a legacy of excellence in education and research.
Throughout its nearly 400-year history, PUJ has adapted to Colombia's needs, pioneering programs in medicine (since 1948) and engineering. This rich heritage influences jobs at the university, where faculty engage in cutting-edge research while upholding Jesuit values like magis (doing more) and cura personalis (care for the whole person). Historical expansions, like the 1952 move to its current Bogotá campus, have created modern facilities ideal for academic professionals.
For those interested in the broader landscape, explore university rankings to see PUJ's standing.
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offers diverse positions tailored to higher education careers. Faculty roles include tenured professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers. Research positions encompass postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, and principal investigators leading funded projects. Administrative jobs cover department heads, HR specialists, and executive roles in higher ed executive capacities.
Specialized opportunities exist in medicine at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, engineering labs, and social sciences centers focused on Colombian issues. Adjunct professor jobs and lecturer jobs provide entry points for emerging scholars. For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page.
Many roles emphasize interdisciplinary work, reflecting PUJ's 21st-century focus.
To secure jobs at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, candidates need robust academic credentials. Full-time faculty positions generally require a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in the relevant field, such as a Doctor en Medicina for medical roles or Doctor en Ingeniería for engineering. Lecturer positions may accept a master's degree with proven teaching experience.
Postdoctoral researchers often hold a PhD plus 1-3 years of postdoc experience. Administrative roles in academia might require advanced degrees like an MBA for business admin jobs. Fluency in Spanish is essential, with English proficiency valued for international projects. Colombian work authorization is needed for non-citizens.
PUJ prioritizes research aligned with societal challenges in Colombia. Key areas include biomedical sciences, sustainable development, human rights, and AI applications in health. Faculty jobs demand expertise evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in journals like Scopus-indexed ones, with at least 5-10 for senior roles.
Research assistants should have specialized skills in lab techniques or data analysis. Funded projects, often via Colciencias (now MinCiencias), seek grant-writing prowess. Expertise in Latin American contexts, like peace studies post-2016 accords, is advantageous.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years of teaching or research post-PhD, international conference presentations, and grant funding. Publications in high-impact journals and supervisory roles of theses are highly valued. For admin jobs, experience in accreditation processes like those for the Ministry of Education is key.
Core skills encompass pedagogical innovation, using tools like Moodle for hybrid teaching, and soft skills like intercultural communication. Competencies in Jesuit pedagogy, emphasizing ethics and service, set candidates apart.
The application process starts on PUJ's official careers portal (javeriana.edu.co/empleos). Submit a tailored CV, cover letter highlighting Jesuit alignment, research statement, teaching philosophy, and three references. Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews, seminars, or trial lectures.
Tips: Customize for Bogotá's context, emphasizing Spanish/English bilingualism. Use free resume templates and cover letter templates. Network via academic conferences or LinkedIn. Prepare for questions on research impact in Colombia. Follow up politely; timelines span 2-6 months.
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Pontificia Universidad Javeriana champions diversity through Jesuit social justice. Initiatives include the Vice Presidency for Inclusion, supporting LGBTQ+ groups, women in STEM scholarships, and indigenous student programs. The 2020-2025 plan targets gender parity in faculty hires, with 45% women in leadership by 2023. Affirmative action aids underrepresented Colombians, fostering inclusive campuses in Bogotá.
Events like Diversity Week and anti-bias training ensure equitable environments. International faculty from 20+ countries enrich the community.
PUJ promotes work-life balance with flexible hours, sabbaticals every 7 years, and parental leave exceeding Colombian standards (16 weeks maternity). The Bogotá campus spans 45 hectares with sports complexes, libraries, cafes, and counseling services. Faculty enjoy gyms, yoga classes, and cultural events like theater at the Javeriana Cultural Center.
Proximity to Bogotá's cultural hubs (e.g., Monserrate) aids personal life. Remote work options for admin roles post-pandemic support balance. Community events, family days, and wellness programs reduce burnout, with low turnover rates indicating satisfaction.
Tenured Professor: A full-time faculty member with permanent employment, granted after probationary period based on research, teaching, and service.
Postdoctoral Researcher: A PhD holder conducting advanced research under mentorship, typically 2-5 years, to build independence.
Jesuit Pedagogy: Educational approach by Society of Jesus emphasizing holistic formation, ethics, and service to others.
Colciencias/MinCiencias: Colombian agency funding science and technology research grants.
Jobs at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation in Bogotá's thriving academic scene. Whether seeking professor jobs, research roles, or admin positions, PUJ provides growth opportunities. Explore more on higher ed jobs, get higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today.
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