The Université de la Polynésie française, commonly known as UPF, is the premier higher education institution in French Polynesia. Located in Puna'auia on the island of Tahiti in the Windward Islands, it serves as a hub for academic excellence in a unique Pacific context. Established in 1999 as an offshoot of the Université française du Pacifique, UPF offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across disciplines like law and economics, sciences and technologies, languages and humanities, and health sciences. With around 3,000 students and a focus on regional issues such as marine resources and sustainable development, UPF attracts scholars interested in interdisciplinary research blending European standards with Polynesian culture.
Jobs at Université de la Polynésie française span teaching, research, and administration, providing opportunities to contribute to education in one of the world's most beautiful locations. The university's emphasis on bilingual (French and English) instruction and collaborations with international partners like the University of Auckland makes it appealing for global academics. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or research assistant positions, UPF combines intellectual rigor with the allure of island living.
UPF traces its roots to the 1980s when higher education needs in French Polynesia led to the creation of the Centre Universitaire de la Polynésie française. It gained full university status in 1999, marking a milestone for local autonomy in academia. Today, its mission centers on training professionals for Polynesia's economy while advancing knowledge in oceanography, tourism, and cultural preservation. The university's strategic plan prioritizes research on climate change impacts on coral reefs, reflecting French Polynesia's vulnerability to environmental shifts.
This history shapes jobs at UPF, where roles often involve projects funded by the European Union or French national agencies. Faculty members contribute to initiatives like the Polynesian observatory for marine ecosystems, offering hands-on experience in applied research.
UPF's structure includes four main departments: Law, Economics and Management; Languages, Literature, and Human Sciences; Sciences, Technologies, and Health; and Arts, Culture, and Society. Jobs here are diverse, from lecturer jobs in Polynesian studies to professor positions in environmental law.
Explore university job types for more on these roles. Administrative positions in student services and IT support the academic mission.
To secure jobs at Université de la Polynésie française, candidates need specific credentials tailored to French academic norms. For faculty positions like maître de conférences (associate professor equivalent), a doctoral degree (doctorat) in the relevant field is mandatory. Research assistants typically hold a master's, with preference for those pursuing a PhD.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications in journals like Marine Pollution Bulletin and teaching at the university level. Grants from Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) or regional funds boost applications. Skills encompass proficiency in French (required for contracts) and data analysis tools like R or GIS for sciences.
Competencies valued: interdisciplinary collaboration, fieldwork adaptability in tropical settings, and cultural sensitivity to Polynesian protocols (fa'a Polynesia).
Maître de Conférences: A permanent teaching-research position in French universities, similar to an associate professor, involving 192 hours of teaching annually. Doctorat: PhD equivalent in France, requiring original research and thesis defense. Reo Mā'ohi: Tahitian language, integral to UPF's cultural programs. Lagoon Research: Study of enclosed coastal waters unique to Polynesia, focusing on biodiversity and pollution.
Applying for jobs at UPF involves submitting via the university's recruitment portal or Galaxie (French academic job platform). Prepare a dossier with CV, publication list, teaching portfolio, and motivation letter in French. Interviews are often in Papeete, with research presentations.
Tip: Reference UPF's strategic plan in applications to show alignment. For academic CV tips, emphasize metrics like h-index.
UPF champions diversity through the Bourses d'Excellence Polynésiennes, supporting underrepresented Pacific Islanders, and women-in-STEM programs partnering with IRD (French Research Institute for Development). The university hosts cultural festivals promoting gender equity and hosts LGBTQ+ support groups. 40% of faculty are women, above regional averages, with policies for parental leave adapted to Polynesian family structures.
UPF emphasizes balance with 35-hour workweeks, generous vacation (45 days/year), and remote options for some research. Campus in Puna'auia features modern labs, library with ocean views, sports complex, and on-site daycare. Island perks include surfing breaks nearby and cultural immersion via heiva festivals. Salaries include housing allowances due to high living costs, fostering retention. Employees enjoy collaborative culture with barbecues and seminars on Tahitian navigation.
Read about employer branding in higher ed to see how UPF attracts talent.
UPF supports advancement via habilitation for full professorship and sabbaticals. Salaries follow French Échelle CNU: lecturers start at €2,500/month net, professors €4,000+, plus expatriate bonuses (€500-1,000). Research grants average €50,000/project. Professional development includes workshops on EU funding.
Compare with university salaries globally.
In summary, jobs at Université de la Polynésie française offer a blend of academic rigor and paradise living. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your career.
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