Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN), founded in 1988, is a private Catholic university with its main campus in Antofagasta, Chile. Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, UCN has grown into a key institution for higher education in northern Chile, emphasizing innovation in mining engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and sustainable development. The university serves over 10,000 students across campuses in Antofagasta and Coquimbo, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Its strategic position near the world's largest copper mines makes it a leader in mineral resources research, attracting professionals passionate about industry-aligned academia.
Jobs at Universidad Católica del Norte span teaching, research, and administration, providing opportunities to contribute to Chile's economic pillars like mining and renewable energy. Whether you're a PhD holder seeking faculty roles or an experienced administrator, UCN offers a dynamic environment blending academic rigor with real-world impact. Explore higher ed jobs to see similar positions worldwide.
Universidad Católica del Norte recruits for diverse roles in higher education. Faculty positions include lecturers and professors in faculties like Engineering and Sciences, Health Sciences, and Law and Business. Research jobs focus on postdoctoral researchers and assistants in areas such as geosciences and biotechnology. Administrative roles cover HR, student services, and executive leadership. For a full breakdown of university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs, visit our guide.
Recent openings highlight UCN's commitment to interdisciplinary work, like sustainable mining projects funded by national grants.
To secure jobs at Universidad Católica del Norte, candidates need strong academic credentials. A PhD (Doctorado) in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track faculty and senior research positions. For lecturer roles, a master's degree with teaching experience suffices.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: UCN prioritizes mining engineering, astronomy (due to nearby observatories), renewable energy, and health sciences like telemedicine for remote areas. Expertise in sustainable practices is highly valued given Chile's copper dominance.
Preferred Experience: Publications in Scopus-indexed journals, grant acquisition from CONICYT (Chile's research funder), and international collaborations. Prior work in Latin American academia or industry partnerships boosts applications.
Skills and Competencies:
These align with UCN's mission to address regional challenges like water scarcity in mining.
Key terms for UCN jobs:
Applying for jobs at Universidad Católica del Norte starts with monitoring their career portal and platforms like AcademicJobs.com/university-jobs. Submit a CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and research statement. Interviews often include presentations.
Actionable Tips:
Processing takes 2-4 months; international applicants should note visa requirements via Chile's work visa process.
UCN actively promotes diversity through the 'Mujeres en STEM' program, supporting female researchers in male-dominated fields like engineering. Scholarships for indigenous Mapuche students and LGBTQ+ inclusion policies foster equity. Partnerships with international bodies enhance global diversity, with 15% international faculty. These initiatives align with Chile's equity laws, creating an inclusive environment for jobs at UCN.
UCN supports work-life balance with flexible schedules, parental leave exceeding Chilean standards, and wellness centers. The Antofagasta campus boasts modern labs, sports facilities, and proximity to beaches and the Atacama for hiking. Cultural events, like astronomy nights near Paranal Observatory, enrich life. Remote work options post-pandemic aid balance, especially for researchers. Employees enjoy competitive salaries (around CLP 3-5 million monthly for faculty) and professional development via higher ed career advice.
Campus life includes chapels reflecting Catholic roots, student unions, and community outreach in underserved northern regions.
UCN's rise in QS Latin America rankings (top 100) underscores its appeal. Contribute to groundbreaking research, like eco-friendly mining, in a supportive setting. Salaries are competitive regionally, with benefits like health insurance and pension contributions.
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