The University of L'Aquila, known as UnivAQ, is a public research university located in L'Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo in central Italy. Founded in 1952, it has grown into a key institution with over 25,000 students across 64 degree programs in fields like engineering, medicine, biotechnology, economics, and humanities. Situated in a seismically active region, UnivAQ has become a leader in earthquake engineering and resilience studies, especially after the devastating 2009 L'Aquila earthquake that prompted significant campus reconstruction and research focus. Jobs at University of L'Aquila attract professionals seeking to contribute to innovative research and teaching in a vibrant European academic environment.
Academic roles here emphasize interdisciplinary work, with strong ties to local industries and EU funding. The university's commitment to internationalization means many positions welcome global talent, often requiring English proficiency alongside Italian. Explore university jobs for current openings.
University of L'Aquila began as a branch of Sapienza University of Rome, gaining independence in 1965. It expanded rapidly in the 1970s with new departments. The 2009 earthquake destroyed much of the campus, but reconstruction, funded by Italian government and EU grants, created modern facilities like the Coppito campus, now a hub for cutting-edge labs. This resilience has shaped jobs at University of L'Aquila, prioritizing disaster science and sustainable development.
Today, UnivAQ ranks among Italy's top universities for engineering and life sciences, with partnerships like the Gran Sasso National Laboratory nearby boosting research jobs.
UnivAQ offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs across seven departments: Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, Industrial and Information Engineering, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Economics, Humanistic Studies, and Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences. Engineering and medicine dominate, with specialized tracks in seismology and nanotech.
Jobs at University of L'Aquila often align with these strengths, such as lecturer positions in civil engineering or research roles in biotech. For more on types of university jobs, see our guide.
Tenure-track professor: A faculty position leading to permanent employment after evaluation of teaching, research, and service, typically requiring a PhD and publications.
Postdoc (Postdoctoral researcher): Temporary role for recent PhD holders to conduct advanced research, often grant-funded, lasting 1-3 years.
Ricercatore a tempo determinato (RTD-A): Italian fixed-term researcher position, equivalent to junior faculty, with teaching duties.
Seismology: Study of earthquakes and seismic waves, a core focus at UnivAQ due to regional risks.
For faculty jobs, a PhD in the relevant field is mandatory. Associate professors (RTD-B) need habilitation (national qualification) and 3 years as RTD-A. Full professors require extensive publications (h-index 10+), grants, and teaching experience. Research assistants typically hold a master's, postdocs a PhD. Admin roles may require specific degrees like business or law.
UnivAQ excels in earthquake engineering, nanotechnologies, neuroscience, and sustainable energy. Expertise in seismic modeling, biomaterials, or AI for medical imaging is highly sought. Projects often collaborate with INFN Gran Sasso, focusing on particle physics and astroparticle research.
Candidates should have experience in EU-funded projects like ERC grants or PRIN (Italian research projects).
Employers prioritize 5+ peer-reviewed publications, international collaborations, and grant management. Teaching experience (e.g., 360 hours/year) and supervision of theses are key for lecturers. Post-2009, experience in resilient infrastructure or disaster recovery is advantageous.
Essential skills include research methodology, grant writing, Italian/English proficiency, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python. Soft skills: teamwork, communication, adaptability in multidisciplinary teams. For admin, project management and EU regulations knowledge.
Jobs are posted on the UnivAQ website or MIUR portal. Submit CV, research plan, publications, and references by deadline. Interviews involve presentations and panels.
Tip: Highlight alignment with Abruzzo's priorities for competitive edge.
UnivAQ advances equality via UNIV-Equal project for gender balance in STEM, mentoring for women researchers, and international welcome programs. It participates in HR Excellence in Research, supporting diverse hires with family policies and disability accommodations.
The Coppito campus features green spaces, gym, library, and childcare. Flexible hours, 30+ vacation days, and remote options post-COVID. L'Aquila offers mountain hiking, cultural festivals, and affordable living (€800/month rent). Faculty enjoy research leaves and sabbaticals.
With Italy's National Recovery Plan, UnivAQ expands in green tech and digital humanities. Recent hires focus on AI and climate resilience. Salaries competitive: €35k for RTD-A, rising with seniority. Faculty jobs and postdoc opportunities abound.
Jobs at University of L'Aquila offer rewarding careers in a dynamic Italian university emphasizing research excellence. Explore higher ed jobs, get career advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
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