Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, commonly known as UNACHI, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in western Panama. Located in David, the capital of Provincia de Chiriquí, this public autonomous university serves over 15,000 students across multiple campuses. Established in 1995 through Law 82, UNACHI was created to meet the educational needs of the Chiriquí region, emphasizing practical training in fields vital to Panama's economy like agriculture, veterinary sciences, and health. Jobs at Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí attract professionals passionate about contributing to regional development, offering roles in teaching, research, and administration amid Panama's tropical landscapes.
The university's autonomy allows it to tailor programs to local demands, such as coffee production research or environmental studies in nearby rainforests. For those seeking jobs at UNACHI, understanding its focus on community impact is key—positions often involve collaboration with local industries and government initiatives.
Before UNACHI's founding, higher education in Chiriquí relied on extensions from the University of Panama. Law 82 granted it full autonomy, enabling rapid expansion. By 2000, it had established faculties in agronomy, humanities, and health sciences. Today, UNACHI boasts eight faculties and graduate programs, employing hundreds in academic and support roles. This evolution has created diverse jobs at Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, from entry-level lecturers to senior researchers funded by international partnerships.
Key milestones include the 2010 Veterinary Medicine campus opening and recent expansions in engineering amid Panama's infrastructure boom. These developments sustain demand for specialized faculty and staff.
UNACHI's faculties drive its job market:
Jobs at UNACHI span teaching, research, and operations. Faculty positions (profesores) require teaching loads of 12-16 hours weekly, plus research. Lecturer roles (docentes) are often part-time for adjuncts. Research jobs focus on grants from Panama's SENACYT. Administrative posts in HR or finance value higher ed experience. For a full list, visit university job types.
Recent postings include agronomy lecturers and health sciences coordinators, reflecting Chiriquí's agricultural hub status.
To understand jobs at Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí:
Required Academic Qualifications: Faculty jobs typically demand a PhD (Doctorado) in the field for tenure-track, master's for lecturers. Admin roles need bachelor's plus certifications.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Align with UNACHI strengths—tropical agronomy, biodiversity, public health in Panama. Expertise in coffee genomics or veterinary parasitology is prized.
Preferred Experience: 3+ years teaching, 5+ publications in Scopus-indexed journals, grant management. Local experience in Chiriquí boosts applications.
Skills and Competencies: Bilingualism (Spanish-English), data analysis tools like R or SPSS, grant writing, student mentoring. Soft skills: cultural sensitivity for diverse student body including indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé.
These ensure hires contribute to UNACHI's mission. See how to write a winning academic CV.
Apply via UNACHI's portal (unachi.ac.pa) or email rh@unachi.ac.pa. Submit CV, cover letter, transcripts, references. Process: Announcement, application (30 days), interview, contract.
UNACHI champions inclusion via:
UNACHI supports balance with 40-hour weeks, 30 vacation days, health insurance. Flexible research schedules allow fieldwork in Chiriquí's parks. Campus life in David offers gyms, cafeterias, events like Feria de David. Proximity to Volcán Barú aids hiking. Family-friendly policies include childcare subsidies. Salaries: Lecturers ~$1,500-2,500/month, professors higher with grants. Compare via professor salaries.
David's safe, affordable vibe enhances quality of life for UNACHI employees.
Jobs at Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí offer impact in Panama's growth region. With expanding programs, opportunities abound. For more, explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Visit Panama jobs in David or Panama higher ed.
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