Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) in Tarragona stands as a prominent public university in Catalunya, Spain, renowned for its commitment to research excellence and innovative teaching. Established in 1991 through the restructuring of the University of Barcelona's faculties in the region, URV has grown into a dynamic institution with over 11,000 students and more than 3,600 staff members across four campuses: Tarragona, Reus, Vila-seca, and Tortosa. Jobs at Universitat Rovira i Virgili Tarragona attract professionals seeking to contribute to cutting-edge research in fields like chemistry, medicine, engineering, and social sciences, while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle of this historic coastal city.
The university's strategic location in Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Roman ruins and beaches, enhances its appeal for academic careers. URV's research output is impressive, with over 500 research groups and participation in major EU projects, making it a hub for research jobs in Europe.
Academic positions at URV encompass a broad spectrum, from entry-level lecturers to senior professors. A lecturer (often called 'lecturer' or 'associate professor' in Spanish terminology: profesor/a contratado/a doctor/a) typically handles undergraduate teaching and some research, while full professors lead departments and secure large grants. Research-focused roles, such as postdocs, emphasize publications and collaborations. Administrative jobs support operations, from HR to international relations.
URV's emphasis on interdisciplinarity means jobs often blend teaching, research, and outreach. For instance, in the Faculty of Chemistry, positions involve advancing sustainable materials research, contributing to global challenges like climate change.
To understand jobs at Universitat Rovira i Virgili Tarragona fully, key terms include:
Securing jobs at URV demands rigorous qualifications tailored to the role. For faculty positions like professors or lecturers, a PhD in the relevant field is mandatory. Research assistants typically need a master's degree, while postdocs require a PhD with postdoctoral experience.
URV prioritizes research focus in high-impact areas: chemical engineering (world-leading in catalysis), oenology (wine science, leveraging Tarragona's vineyards), biomedical sciences, and agrofood technology. Preferred experience includes 5+ peer-reviewed publications, grant management (e.g., from ERC or MINECO), and international collaborations. URV values candidates with Horizon Europe involvement, as the university secured €50 million in EU funding in recent years.
Essential skills and competencies encompass:
Soft skills such as adaptability to multilingual environments and project leadership are crucial in URV's collaborative culture.
The application process for jobs at Universitat Rovira i Virgili Tarragona is structured and competitive. Positions are advertised on URV's website, the Catalan government portal, and platforms like AcademicJobs.com/university jobs. Submit a full dossier: CV, motivation letter, research/teaching statements, three references, and publications list.
Key tips for success:
Deadlines vary; permanent positions open annually via public calls.
URV actively promotes diversity through its Equality Unit, established in 2005, with plans aligned to Spanish Law 3/2007. Initiatives include gender-balanced hiring committees, mentoring for women in STEM (where URV has increased female researchers by 20% since 2015), and scholarships for underrepresented groups. The university hosts International Welcome Days and supports LGBTQ+ networks. As part of the HR Excellence in Research, URV ensures fair recruitment for global talent, with 25% international staff.
Working at URV offers excellent work-life balance, with 22 paid vacation days plus public holidays, flexible hours, and telework policies post-COVID. Parental leave follows Spanish standards (16 weeks maternity, 12 weeks paternity). Campuses feature sports facilities, libraries, and cafeterias. Tarragona's 300 sunny days/year, proximity to Barcelona (1 hour by train), and cultural festivals like Santa Tecla create an enriching environment. Staff enjoy wellness programs, including yoga and language courses, fostering a supportive community.
Employee testimonials highlight the family-friendly atmosphere and research freedom.
URV supports career growth via promotion tracks based on merit, training programs, and sabbaticals. Benefits include health insurance, pension contributions, and relocation aid for internationals. Salaries are competitive: assistant professors earn €38,000+, full professors up to €60,000. Explore professor salaries for details.
URV's emphasis on knowledge transfer links academia to industry, offering consulting opportunities.
URV combines research prestige (top 500 QS rankings) with quality of life in Catalunya. Contribute to innovations like green chemistry breakthroughs or health tech from Tarragona labs.
In summary, jobs at Universitat Rovira i Virgili Tarragona offer rewarding careers. Browse higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
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