Universiti Putra Malaysia, commonly known as UPM or Universiti Pertanian Malaysia in its early days, stands as one of Malaysia's premier public research universities. Established in 1931 as the School of Agriculture, it evolved into a comprehensive institution focusing on agriculture, forestry, veterinary sciences, engineering, medicine, and business. Located in Serdang, Selangor, just south of Kuala Lumpur, UPM spans over 1,100 hectares of lush, green campus space that embodies its agricultural roots. This strategic position in the Klang Valley provides easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a serene, nature-rich environment ideal for research and teaching.
Jobs at Universiti Putra Malaysia attract professionals passionate about advancing knowledge in sustainable development and innovation. With a student body exceeding 30,000 and a strong emphasis on research output—boasting thousands of publications annually—UPM offers dynamic career paths. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs, professor positions, or research roles, opportunities abound in faculties like the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which are globally recognized.
UPM's journey began with a focus on rubber and oil palm cultivation, pivotal to Malaysia's economy. Renamed in 1998, it broadened its scope while retaining agricultural excellence. Today, it ranks among Asia's top 100 universities in agriculture and veterinary sciences per QS World University Rankings. This legacy shapes jobs at Universiti Putra Malaysia, where roles often involve cutting-edge work in tropical agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.
The university's growth has created diverse employment needs, from tenure-track faculty to support staff. Historical emphasis on practical research means positions frequently require field experience, making UPM appealing for those transitioning from industry to academia.
Careers at UPM span academic, research, and administrative domains. Common roles include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, explore our comprehensive guide. UPM also posts openings in specialized areas such as research jobs and faculty positions, often aligned with national priorities like food security.
To help understand jobs at Universiti Putra Malaysia:
Securing jobs at Universiti Putra Malaysia demands specific qualifications tailored to Malaysia's higher education landscape.
Required Academic Qualifications: A PhD in a relevant field is essential for lecturer and professor roles. For research assistants, a master's degree suffices, but PhD holders are preferred. Fields like agriculture require expertise in crop science or soil management.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: UPM prioritizes sustainable agriculture, halal science, and AI in farming. Experience in palm oil research or veterinary pathology aligns well.
Preferred Experience: A strong publication record (e.g., 5+ Scopus-indexed papers), successful grants, and teaching portfolios. International collaborations enhance applications.
Skills and Competencies:
These align with UPM's vision as a research-intensive university. See how to excel as a research assistant for transferable tips.
Applying for jobs at Universiti Putra Malaysia involves these steps:
Tips: Customize for Malaysian context—mention alignment with Vision 2025. Use our free cover letter template. Network via conferences. Prepare for questions on sustainability contributions. Deadlines are strict; apply early.
UPM champions inclusivity through programs like the UPM Women Leadership Academy, supporting female academics in STEM. The International Centre aids foreign faculty with visas and integration. Affinity groups for ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ staff promote belonging. In 2023, UPM hosted diversity workshops, increasing international hires by 15%. These efforts create equitable environments, vital for global talent attraction.
UPM fosters balance with flexible hours, sabbaticals, and wellness programs. The campus features lakeside trails, gyms, and childcare centers. Serdang offers low-cost housing (MYR 1,000-2,000/month), markets, and KL proximity via MRT. Events like cultural nights and sports enhance community. Employees enjoy 22 annual leave days plus public holidays, supporting family life in multicultural Selangor.
Read employer branding secrets for insights on such cultures.
UPM's ranking (top 150 globally per THE), funding (over MYR 500 million annually), and impact (e.g., biotech patents) make it ideal. Salaries competitive: professors earn MYR 15,000+, with benefits like EPF contributions. In Selangor, enjoy Asia-Pacific vibrancy. For more, visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile to attract recruiters via post a job.
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