Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA), Paraguay's oldest and largest public university, founded in 1889, is a hub for academic excellence in San Lorenzo, Central Department. As the flagship institution, UNA employs thousands in faculty, research, and administrative roles across 10 faculties, including Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Agronomy. Jobs at UNA attract scholars passionate about contributing to national development in areas like public health, sustainable agriculture, and legal reform. With over 60,000 students, the university offers stable careers with opportunities for impactful research funded by CONACYT (National Council for Science and Technology).
Academic positions at UNA emphasize teaching, research, and service. Faculty roles involve lecturing in Spanish, supervising theses, and publishing in journals. Administrative jobs support operations in libraries, labs, and international offices. The university's commitment to merit-based hiring through public concours ensures transparency.
Established by Law No. 1,246 on August 22, 1889, UNA has evolved from its Asunción origins to a sprawling campus in San Lorenzo since 1955. This move accommodated growth, making it Central Paraguay's educational anchor. Today, UNA comprises faculties such as Exact and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Veterinary Sciences, plus regional units nationwide.
Jobs reflect this structure: professors in Medicine conduct clinical research on tropical diseases prevalent in Paraguay, while Engineering faculty innovate in renewable energy. The Polytechnic Faculty specializes in technology, offering roles in AI and robotics aligned with national innovation goals.
UNA jobs span teaching, research, and support roles. Common positions include:
For detailed university job types, visit our guide. Research jobs often involve fieldwork in Paraguay's biodiversity hotspots.
To secure jobs at UNA, candidates need rigorous credentials. Professors typically hold a PhD (Doctorado) from accredited institutions, with a master's for lecturers.
Research focus prioritizes national challenges: agronomy on soybean yields (Paraguay's top export), medicine on Chagas disease, and economics on regional integration via MERCOSUR.
Preferred experience includes 5+ publications, grant management (e.g., PRONII awards), and teaching 200+ hours. Skills encompass Spanish fluency (Guaraní bonus), data analysis tools like R or SPSS, grant writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Competencies like leadership for department heads and mentorship for advisors are key.
Catedrático: Full professor leading a chair, responsible for advanced teaching and research at UNA.
Concurso Público: Public competition for faculty hiring, ensuring meritocracy.
CONACYT: Paraguay's science council funding UNA research grants.
PRONII: National program rewarding top researchers with stipends.
The application for UNA jobs starts with announcements on the official site (una.py) or newspaper. Submit dossier: CV, diplomas, publications, references. Shortlisted candidates face written exams, interviews, and teaching trials.
Tips:
Success rate improves with regional experience.
UNA advances inclusion via the Gender Equality Commission, promoting women in STEM (30% faculty target). Scholarships for indigenous Guarani students and disability ramps exemplify efforts. International partnerships with Fulbright foster global diversity, with programs for LGBTQ+ faculty support groups.
UNA supports balance with 30-day annual leave, maternity extensions, and flexible research hours. Salaries include 13th-month pay. San Lorenzo campus boasts green spaces, gym, pool, and cultural festivals blending Guaraní traditions. Proximity to Asunción (20km) aids commuting, with low living costs (rent ~2M PYG/month). Faculty events like asados build community.
Challenges include bureaucracy, but reforms improve efficiency.
UNA jobs offer prestige, stability, and impact in Paraguay's education. With growing research output (top Nature Index in region), it's ideal for committed academics. Salaries competitive locally, supplemented by grants up to 50M PYG/year.
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