Università di Scienze Gastronomiche, commonly known as UNISG, stands as a unique institution dedicated to the study of gastronomy and sustainable food systems. Located in the charming village of Pollenzo in Piemonte, Italy, this university was founded in 2004 through a collaboration between the Slow Food movement, the Piedmont Region, and the Province of Cuneo. Housed in a restored 18th-century Savoyard castle, UNISG offers a picturesque setting that embodies its commitment to heritage and innovation in food sciences.
The university's mission revolves around promoting 'good, clean, fair' food principles, a cornerstone of Slow Food. With campuses in Pollenzo and Colorno (near Parma), UNISG attracts students and professionals passionate about gastronomy, agroecology, and food policy. Its programs blend academic rigor with hands-on experiences like farm visits, sensory labs, and international fieldwork, making it a hub for those interested in jobs at Università di Scienze Gastronomiche.
Pollenzo's location in the Langhe wine region enhances the learning environment, providing immediate access to vineyards, farms, and culinary traditions. This setting not only inspires research but also influences career opportunities, from teaching roles to research positions focused on regional food sustainability.
UNISG offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Gastronomic Sciences and Food Cultures, Food Innovation for Development, and International Wine Business and Consumption Management. These programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining biology, economics, anthropology, and sensory science to address global food challenges.
Research at UNISG centers on biodiversity preservation, sustainable agriculture, and gastronomic tourism. Notable projects include studies on heirloom varieties and food waste reduction, often funded by EU grants and partnerships with organizations like the FAO. Faculty engage in fieldwork across Italy and abroad, offering jobs that appeal to researchers passionate about practical impact.
The Pollenzo campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a sensory analysis lab and an experimental farm, where students and staff collaborate on real-world projects. This hands-on focus prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, and policy, while creating dynamic job opportunities in teaching and research.
Jobs at Università di Scienze Gastronomiche span academic, research, and administrative roles, reflecting its niche in gastronomic sciences. Faculty positions, such as lecturers and professors, require expertise in food sciences or sustainability. Research roles involve projects on agroecology and sensory evaluation, often with international collaborations. Administrative jobs include student services and program coordination, supporting the university's global student body.
Common openings include positions like Research Assistant in Food Biodiversity or Lecturer in Gastronomic Anthropology. For a full list of university job types, visit university job types. UNISG also posts adjunct professor jobs and postdoctoral positions through platforms like AcademicJobs.com's higher ed postdoc jobs.
In Piemonte's vibrant academic landscape, UNISG jobs attract professionals interested in Italy's food heritage. Salaries for professors align with Italian academic scales, starting around €40,000 for junior roles, with benefits like research funding. Explore professor salaries for more details.
To secure academic jobs at UNISG, candidates typically need a PhD in gastronomic sciences, food science, agroecology, or a related field. For lecturer positions, a master's with significant publications suffices, but senior roles demand a proven track record of peer-reviewed papers in sustainability or food policy.
Preferred experience includes grants from EU Horizon programs or Slow Food initiatives, teaching in interdisciplinary settings, and fieldwork in food systems. Skills like data analysis for sensory studies or knowledge of Italian wine regulations are assets. Admin roles require degrees in education or management, plus experience in higher ed. Check how to write a winning academic CV for preparation tips.
The application process for jobs at Università di Scienze Gastronomiche begins with checking the official careers page or contacting HR via email. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter emphasizing alignment with Slow Food values, research statement, and three references. Interviews often include a teaching demo or research presentation.
Tips: Highlight sustainability experience, use Italian keywords like 'scienze gastronomiche' in applications, and network at Slow Food events. Prepare for questions on food ethics. Leverage free resume template and customize for academic roles. Timeline: Applications reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall starts. For advice, see higher ed career advice.
UNISG champions diversity through scholarships for underrepresented groups in food studies, including women and international students from developing countries. The university hosts events like Gender in Gastronomy workshops and partners with Slow Food's global network to promote inclusive hiring. 40% of faculty are women, above Italian averages, with policies supporting LGBTQ+ staff and cultural exchange programs. These initiatives create equitable job opportunities in a field traditionally male-dominated.
Specific examples include Terra Madre diversity funds and mentorship for non-EU researchers, fostering a vibrant, multicultural campus in Pollenzo.
Work-life balance at UNISG benefits from Italian labor laws offering 30+ vacation days, parental leave, and flexible hours for researchers. The Pollenzo campus, surrounded by vineyards, promotes wellness via organic gardens, yoga sessions, and gastronomic events. Staff enjoy proximity to Alba's truffle markets and Turin, blending professional growth with Piemonte's lifestyle.
Campus life includes wine tastings, farm-to-table lunches, and Slow Food Salone del Gusto. Remote options for some roles support balance, with community events building camaraderie among 800 students and 100 staff.
Working at UNISG means contributing to global food sustainability from Piemonte's heart. With its unique focus, international network, and inspiring campus, it's ideal for passionate academics. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Italy's academic scene offers rewarding paths; see university salaries for context.
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
