Valparaiso University, affectionately known as Valpo, is a private Lutheran university located in Valparaiso, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1859, it has a rich history rooted in Methodist traditions before transitioning to Lutheran affiliation in 1925. The university spans a 380-acre campus just 50 miles from Chicago, offering a blend of small-town charm and big-city access. With approximately 2,800 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, Valpo maintains a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, fostering personalized education. Its colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Graduate School. Valpo is renowned for programs in engineering, nursing, and law (though the law school closed in 2020), with strong NCAA Division I athletics in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Jobs at Valparaiso University attract professionals seeking meaningful careers in higher education. The institution emphasizes teaching excellence, undergraduate research, and community service, aligned with its Lutheran mission of faith, learning, and service. Positions range from faculty roles to administrative and support staff, contributing to a vibrant academic community.
Valparaiso University offers diverse employment opportunities tailored to its academic strengths. Faculty jobs dominate, including tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, and lecturers in fields like mechanical engineering, nursing, biology, and business administration. Administrative positions include deans, department chairs, and directors in student affairs or advancement. Research jobs, such as research assistants or postdocs, support labs in the College of Engineering. Staff roles cover admissions, IT, facilities, and HR. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Recent openings have included assistant professor of computer science and nursing faculty, reflecting Valpo's focus on high-demand fields.
To secure faculty jobs at Valparaiso University, candidates typically need a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in their discipline. For example, engineering positions require a PhD in mechanical or electrical engineering, while nursing roles demand a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD. Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer or staff positions, but terminal degrees are standard for tenure-track roles. Teaching credentials, like state licensure for education positions, may apply. Valpo values candidates who align with its Lutheran ethos, often requiring a statement on faith integration in teaching.
Valpo prioritizes research that enhances undergraduate learning. Expertise in areas like sustainable engineering, health sciences, and data science is sought. The College of Engineering boasts research centers for alternative energy and biomechanics. Preferred expertise includes grant-writing experience from NSF or NIH, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, biology faculty often focus on ecology or molecular biology, contributing to regional environmental studies near Lake Michigan.
Employers at Valpo seek candidates with 3-5 years of teaching experience, a record of publications (3+ peer-reviewed articles), and grant funding history. Skills include strong communication, curriculum development, and student mentoring. Competencies like data analysis for business roles or lab management for sciences are essential. Soft skills such as adaptability and commitment to diversity strengthen applications. Learn more about lecturer paths in become a university lecturer.
The application process for jobs at Valparaiso University begins on their official careers site, valpo.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy, research statement, and three references. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos. Tips: Customize your materials to Valpo's mission; highlight Lutheran values if applicable. Network at conferences like those for engineering educators. Use free resume template and free cover letter template from AcademicJobs.com. Follow up post-interview. For research roles, emphasize grant success.
Valparaiso University is committed to diversity through the Office of Multicultural Programs and the Mosaic Cross Cultural Center, offering support for underrepresented groups. Initiatives include the Inclusive Excellence Plan, faculty diversity hires, and affinity groups like the Black Faculty and Staff Association. The university tracks progress via annual reports, aiming for 25% underrepresented minority faculty by 2030. Programs like the Diversity Leadership Academy train staff, fostering an inclusive environment reflective of its 25% students of color.
Valpo supports work-life balance with 25 days paid vacation, sabbaticals every 7 years for faculty, parental leave, and EAP wellness programs. The campus features modern facilities, including the new Harre Union and athletic complexes. Faculty enjoy small classes (average 20 students), study abroad partnerships in 30 countries, and community events like the Brauer Museum exhibits. Proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park offers outdoor recreation, while Chicago provides professional development. Employee perks include tuition remission for dependents and retirement matching.
Check Valpo's careers page regularly for openings in high-demand areas like nursing (BSN to DNP programs) and engineering (ABET-accredited). Recent hires include experts in cybersecurity. For broader searches, visit higher ed jobs or research jobs.
Jobs at Valparaiso University offer rewarding opportunities in a supportive, faith-based environment in Indiana. Whether pursuing higher ed faculty jobs, administration jobs, or research positions, Valpo provides growth potential. Explore career advice at higher ed career advice, search university jobs, and connect with opportunities via recruitment or post your own at post a job.
Tenure-track: A faculty position leading to tenure after 5-7 years of review based on teaching, research, and service.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path.
Sabbatical: Paid leave for faculty to pursue research or professional development.
ABET accreditation: Engineering program certification ensuring quality standards.
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