Universidad Mesoamericana de San Agustín, commonly known as UMES or Universidad Mesoamericana, is a prestigious private Jesuit university located in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Established in 1992, it embodies the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education, social justice, and community service. Nestled in the western highlands of Guatemala at an altitude of about 2,300 meters, UMES offers a unique academic environment characterized by its cool climate, stunning volcanic landscapes, and proximity to cultural sites like the Quetzaltenango Cathedral. The university serves over 3,000 students through undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business administration, law, psychology, education, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
Jobs at Universidad Mesoamericana attract professionals passionate about higher education in a region where academic careers blend rigorous scholarship with real-world impact. Faculty and staff positions emphasize teaching, research, and outreach, reflecting Guatemala's diverse cultural context. Whether you're seeking lecturer jobs or professor jobs, UMES provides opportunities to contribute to Central America's educational landscape.
The Universidad Mesoamericana traces its roots to the Jesuit order's commitment to education in Latin America. Founded as Universidad Mesoamericana de San Agustín, it quickly grew from a small institution to a key player in Guatemalan higher education. Its mission centers on forming leaders who promote human dignity, sustainability, and equity, inspired by Ignatian pedagogy—which focuses on reflection, discernment, and service to others.
Over the years, UMES has expanded its campus in Quetzaltenango, incorporating modern facilities like libraries, labs, and sports centers. Key milestones include launching its medical school in 2005 and establishing partnerships with international Jesuit universities. This history makes UMES an appealing destination for academic jobs where history and innovation intersect.
UMES offers a wide array of programs across five faculties: Humanities, Business and Economics, Law and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Engineering. Popular undergraduate degrees include Licenciatura en Administración de Empresas (Business Administration) and Ingeniería Industrial (Industrial Engineering). Graduate offerings feature master's in public health and education leadership.
Departments prioritize interdisciplinary approaches, such as sustainable development in engineering and community psychology in social sciences. This structure creates diverse job opportunities, from adjunct professor jobs in medicine to research assistant jobs in environmental studies. For more on university job types, explore common roles across institutions like UMES.
Securing jobs at Universidad Mesoamericana demands specific qualifications tailored to Guatemala's higher education standards. For faculty positions, a PhD (Doctorado) in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctorado en Derecho for law professors or Doctorado en Medicina for health faculty. Master's degrees suffice for lecturer jobs or entry-level roles.
Research focus at UMES often aligns with local needs: social justice, indigenous rights, public health in rural areas, and sustainable agriculture. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in journals like Revista Mesoamericana de Ciencias Sociales), grant funding from CONCYT Guatemala, and teaching at least 3-5 years.
Key skills and competencies include bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English), cultural sensitivity for Guatemala's Mayan heritage, digital tools for hybrid teaching, and leadership in student mentoring. Soft skills like teamwork and ethical discernment are prized in the Jesuit ethos.
The application process for jobs at Universidad Mesoamericana begins with monitoring their official website and higher ed jobs portals like AcademicJobs.com. Submit a detailed CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and three references. Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews, often with a teaching demonstration (clase magistral).
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Positions open year-round, with peaks before semesters in January and August.
UMES champions diversity through scholarships for indigenous Mam and K'iche' students, comprising 20% of enrollment. The university's Gender Equity Office promotes women in STEM, with initiatives like mentorship for female faculty. Accessibility programs support students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ ally training is standard. These efforts create an inclusive environment for jobs at Universidad Mesoamericana, fostering global perspectives in Quetzaltenango.
Work-life balance at UMES is supported by flexible schedules (e.g., 20-hour teaching loads for full professors), sabbaticals every 7 years, and wellness programs including yoga amid volcanic views. Campus life buzzes with festivals, volunteer trips to local communities, and sports like soccer. Quetzaltenango's vibrant markets and Semana Santa celebrations enrich faculty life. Family-friendly policies, such as on-site childcare, aid retention in this family-oriented culture.
Faculty enjoy perks like housing subsidies and professional development funds, making long-term careers rewarding.
Promotion tracks at Universidad Mesoamericana follow a tenure-like system: instructor to associate professor to full professor, based on research output, teaching evaluations, and service. Tenure (estabilidad docente) is granted after 5 years. Opportunities abound for leadership in centers like the Instituto de Investigación en Salud.
Related reading: employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer.
UMES stands out for its commitment to transformative education in Guatemala. With low student-faculty ratios (15:1), impactful research, and a supportive community, it's ideal for meaningful careers. Explore more higher ed faculty jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
There are currently no jobs available.
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted
