Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), a leading federal university in Brazil, offers diverse career opportunities in higher education. Located primarily in São Luís, the capital of Maranhão state, UFMA attracts academics passionate about contributing to regional development in the Northeast. As one of Brazil's 63 federal universities, it emphasizes public service, research, and teaching. Jobs at UFMA span faculty positions, research roles, and administrative support, often secured through rigorous public competitions known as concursos públicos.
With over 30,000 students across multiple campuses, UFMA drives innovation in fields like medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences. Recent federal budget increases have enhanced funding for positions, making it an opportune time for qualified candidates. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or research assistant roles, understanding UFMA's structure is key to a successful application.
Founded in 1965 through the merger of earlier institutions like the Faculty of Philosophy and the Dental School, UFMA has grown into a cornerstone of Maranhão's intellectual landscape. Its mission focuses on generating knowledge, promoting social inclusion, and fostering sustainable development, particularly addressing Amazonian challenges like biodiversity preservation and public health disparities.
Today, UFMA operates five campuses: the main Bacanga Campus in São Luís, plus Imperatriz, Codó, Chapadinha, and Pinheiro. This expansion reflects Brazil's commitment to decentralizing higher education. Historical milestones include establishing its medical school in 1972, now a reference center for tropical diseases, and pioneering distance learning programs.
UFMA comprises 25 faculties and institutes offering 100+ undergraduate programs, 40 master's, and 20 PhD courses. Key centers include the University Hospital (HUUFMA), a major teaching facility, and research labs in biotechnology and aquaculture.
Popular departments for jobs include Health Sciences (medicine, nursing, dentistry), Exact Sciences (engineering, computing), and Humanities (law, education). Interdisciplinary initiatives, like the Nucleus of Studies on Lençóis Maranhenses, blend ecology and tourism.
Jobs at Universidade Federal do Maranhão primarily fall into three categories: docente (professor), técnico-administrativo (administrative technician), and research support. Professor positions are tenure-track, requiring concurso público. For a deeper dive into university job types, including adjunct lecturer jobs and postdoc opportunities, resources abound.
Explore broader research jobs or faculty positions via AcademicJobs.com.
To navigate jobs at UFMA, familiarize with terms:
For professor jobs at UFMA, a doutorado (PhD) in the relevant field is required by federal law (Lei 12.772/2012). Master's (mestrado) suffices for initial adjunct roles, but progression demands a doctorate. Health fields require degree revalidação for foreigners.
Administrative technicians need bachelor's or technical diplomas, depending on the role—e.g., lab analysts require chemistry degrees.
UFMA prioritizes research aligned with Maranhão's realities: tropical medicine (dengue, leishmaniasis), sustainable agriculture, cultural anthropology (Maroon communities), and renewable energy. Expertise in bioinformatics, climate change modeling, or public policy is valued.
Successful candidates often have publications in Scopus-indexed journals and grants from FAPEMA (state agency) or CNPq. See UFMA's PROPESQ for priorities.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching, 5+ publications (Qualis A1/A2), and grant management. Skills: Portuguese fluency, didactic prowess, interdisciplinary collaboration, data analysis tools (R, Python for sciences).
Build your profile with postdoctoral success strategies.
The process starts with edital publication on UFMA's portal. Steps:
Tips: Study past editais; practice 20-min classes; highlight regional impact. Use winning academic CV tips. Apply early—deadlines tight. Recent federal budget boosts mean more openings.
UFMA leads with Lei de Cotas (12.711/2012): 50% admissions/positions reserved for public school, black, brown, indigenous, disabled candidates. Pro-equity programs include gender parity committees, LGBTQ+ support, and anti-racism training. Examples: Mulheres na Ciência project empowers female researchers; Ações Afirmativas extend to faculty hiring.
UFMA promotes balance via 40-hour weeks (20 teaching/research), teletrabalho options, and 120-day maternity leave. Campus perks: free health center, gyms, lakeside trails at Bacanga. São Luís offers colonial architecture, reggae festivals, Atlantic beaches. Nearby Lençóis Maranhenses dunes inspire eco-research. Community events like scientific weeks foster belonging.
Challenges: Northeast heat, bureaucracy; countered by support networks. Check higher ed career advice for thriving tips.
Employees enjoy stability (estatuto jurídico único), progressive salaries (MS-1 to MS-6 for professors), RPPS pension, 30-day vacations, progressão funcional via points (teaching, research). Professional growth: POSDOC programs, international exchanges via CAPES-PrInt.
Recent news like MEC scholarships highlights regional investments.
Joining UFMA means impacting Brazil's underserved Northeast, with job security unmatched in private sectors. With higher ed jobs booming, UFMA stands out. Explore university jobs, career advice, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Ready for your next step in academia?
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
