Universidad del Magdalena, commonly known as Unimagdalena, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in Colombia's Caribbean region. Located in Santa Marta, Magdalena, this public university attracts professionals seeking meaningful careers in academia. Jobs at Universidad del Magdalena span teaching, research, and administration, offering opportunities to contribute to regional development in fields like marine sciences, tourism, and public health. With its coastal setting, the university emphasizes interdisciplinary work that addresses local challenges such as sustainable fishing and cultural preservation.
Founded in 1958, Unimagdalena has grown to serve over 15,000 students across 10 faculties, including Education Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Economic and Administrative Sciences, Humanities, Basic Sciences and Technologies, Law and Political Sciences, Arts, Social Communication, and Hotel and Tourism Business Administration. This diversity creates a dynamic job market where faculty and staff play pivotal roles in shaping Colombia's future leaders.
Unimagdalena offers more than 50 undergraduate programs and numerous graduate degrees, driving demand for specialized educators and researchers. Common jobs include professor positions in engineering or health sciences, where candidates teach courses and conduct applied research. For instance, the Faculty of Health Sciences frequently hires for nursing and medicine roles, focusing on tropical diseases relevant to Magdalena's climate.
Explore various university job types, from tenure-track professors to adjunct lecturers. Research assistant jobs involve lab work in marine biology labs, leveraging the university's proximity to Tayrona National Park. Administrative positions in student affairs or international relations support the university's growing partnerships with global institutions.
To secure faculty jobs at Universidad del Magdalena, a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in the relevant discipline is typically mandatory for full professors, while a master's suffices for lecturers. For example, engineering roles require expertise in civil or environmental engineering, often with accreditation from Colombia's Ministry of Education.
Research focus areas prioritize candidates with experience in regional priorities like coastal management or agribusiness. Preferred experience includes 3-5 peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from Colciencias (Colombia's science agency), and prior teaching. Skills and competencies valued encompass data analysis software proficiency (e.g., SPSS, MATLAB), bilingual communication, and project management. Soft skills like adaptability to multicultural environments are essential given the university's diverse student body from indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.
Applying for jobs at Universidad del Magdalena begins with monitoring the official careers page on their website or national portals like Elempleo. Submit a detailed CV, motivation letter highlighting alignment with university goals, academic transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and research presentation.
Utilize resources like our free resume template and free cover letter template to stand out.
Unimagdalena actively promotes diversity through programs like the 'Universidad Inclusiva' initiative, which supports gender parity in STEM fields and scholarships for indigenous Wayuu and Arhuaco students. The university partners with UNESCO for cultural preservation projects and has quotas for underrepresented groups in hiring. Faculty development workshops address bias in recruitment, fostering an inclusive environment where 45% of administrative staff are women, exceeding national averages.
These efforts extend to LGBTQ+ support groups and accessibility ramps across the campus, making it a leader in Colombia's equity landscape.
Working at Universidad del Magdalena offers excellent work-life balance with standard 40-hour weeks, generous vacation (30 days annually), and flexible hours for researchers. The campus features modern facilities, sports complexes, and proximity to Caribbean beaches, ideal for outdoor activities. Staff enjoy subsidized health insurance via EPS and professional development funds.
Santa Marta's vibrant culture, with festivals like the Santa Marta Fair, enhances life quality. Proximity to Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta provides hiking opportunities, while the university cafeteria serves affordable local cuisine like arepas and fresh seafood. Remote work options are emerging post-pandemic, especially for grant writing.
Salaries align with Colombia's public sector scales: assistant professors earn COP 6-10 million monthly (~USD 1,500-2,500), associates COP 12-18 million. Benefits include pension contributions, 13th-month pay, and research stipends. Compare via our professor salaries page. Administrative roles start at COP 4 million with performance bonuses.
Unimagdalena invests in infrastructure, like new labs for biotech, creating more research jobs. Partnerships with international unis boost funding opportunities. The university ranks highly in regional employability, with graduates in demand locally.
For career advice, see employer branding secrets or how to write a winning academic CV.
In summary, jobs at Universidad del Magdalena provide rewarding opportunities in a scenic, impactful setting. Explore higher ed jobs, get higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
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