Universidad Mariana Jobs & Careers

🎓 Overview of Universidad Mariana

Universidad Mariana, often abbreviated as Unimar, is a private Catholic university located in Pasto, the capital of Nariño department in southwestern Colombia. Established in 1989, it has become a key educational institution in the Andean region, serving over 10,000 students with a commitment to integral human formation rooted in Christian values. The university emphasizes academic excellence, research, and community service, making it an attractive employer for those seeking jobs at Universidad Mariana.

Pasto's high-altitude setting at 2,530 meters above sea level offers a mild climate, surrounded by volcanoes like Galeras, which influences campus life and research in environmental sciences. Jobs at Universidad Mariana span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, contributing to its mission of forming professionals who address local challenges like agriculture, health, and education in Nariño.

History and Mission of Universidad Mariana

Universidad Mariana was founded by the Congregation of the Marianists to provide higher education accessible to the people of Nariño. Starting with programs in law and education, it expanded to include engineering, health sciences, and business administration. Today, it operates multiple campuses in Pasto, with accredited programs by Colombia's Ministry of Education.

The mission focuses on holistic education (educación mariana), integrating faith, reason, and service. This philosophy shapes jobs at Universidad Mariana, where employees participate in community outreach, such as health clinics in rural areas or environmental projects in the Andean ecosystem. Key milestones include achieving high-quality accreditation in 2012 and launching graduate programs in 2005.

Academic Programs and Departments

Unimar offers 30 undergraduate programs and 20 graduate degrees across faculties like Health Sciences (medicine, nursing, physiotherapy), Engineering (civil, systems), Law and Political Sciences, Education, and Economic Sciences. This diversity creates varied job opportunities, from lecturers in nursing to researchers in sustainable engineering.

• Health Sciences: Focus on public health for Colombia's rural populations.
• Engineering: Emphasis on agroindustry and environmental tech.
• Education: Teacher training for Nariño's bilingual (Spanish-Quechua) context.

Understanding these departments is essential for tailoring applications to jobs at Universidad Mariana.

Types of Jobs at Universidad Mariana

Career opportunities at Unimar include full-time professors, adjunct lecturers, research coordinators, department heads, and administrative positions like HR specialists or student services managers. Faculty jobs dominate, but support roles in libraries and labs are vital. For a full list of university job types, explore our guide.

Recent openings have included positions in medicine and engineering, often requiring regional knowledge of Nariño's coffee and dairy industries for applied research.

Definitions

To help with jobs at Universidad Mariana, here are key terms:

• Docente (Faculty/Professor): Academic staff teaching and researching, typically holding a master's or PhD.
• Investigador (Researcher): Professional conducting studies, often funded by Colciencias (Colombia's science ministry).
• Acreditación de alta calidad (High-Quality Accreditation): Official recognition by MEN (Ministry of National Education) for program excellence.
• Formación integral mariana (Marianist Integral Formation): Educational approach combining academics, spirituality, and social responsibility.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

For faculty jobs at Universidad Mariana, a PhD in the relevant field is preferred, especially for full professors; master's for lecturers. Research focus should align with Unimar's priorities: health innovation for Nariño's underserved areas, sustainable engineering, and educational equity.

Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching, peer-reviewed publications (aim for Scopus-indexed), and grant management from MinCiencias. Skills and competencies encompass:

• Strong Spanish proficiency; English for international collaboration.
• Digital tools like Moodle for virtual teaching.
• Intercultural competence for diverse student body including indigenous groups.
• Data analysis for research in social sciences.

Candidates with experience in community extension projects stand out, as Unimar values social impact.

📋 Application Process and Tips

To apply for jobs at Universidad Mariana, visit their official careers page or email rh@unimariana.edu.co with CV, cover letter, and references. The process involves:

1. Online submission or portal registration.
2. Initial screening by HR.
3. Interview with department head and demo class.
4. Reference checks and contract offer.

Tips: Customize your CV to Colombian format (include photo, personal details), highlight regional ties to Nariño, and prepare for questions on Marianist values. Use our free cover letter template. Network via academic conferences in Colombia. Follow up politely after two weeks.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Universidad Mariana actively promotes diversity through the 'Unimar Inclusiva' program, offering scholarships for Afro-Colombian, indigenous (e.g., Pastos people), and low-income students. Gender parity efforts include women in leadership (30% deans are female) and anti-discrimination policies. LGBTQ+ support via counseling and events aligns with Catholic social teaching on dignity. These initiatives create inclusive workplaces, welcoming diverse faculty.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

In Pasto's relaxed Andean vibe, Unimar supports work-life balance with flexible schedules, 30 days paid leave, and maternity/paternity benefits per Colombian law. Campus features modern labs, sports complex (soccer, gym), chapel, and cafeteria with local cuisine like cachapas. Faculty enjoy professional development via workshops and sabbaticals. Proximity to Laguna de la Cocha enables outdoor activities, combating high-altitude stress. Events like Semana Mariana foster community, blending work with cultural immersion in Nariño's traditions.

Why Choose Jobs at Universidad Mariana?

Unimar offers stable careers in a growing institution, with opportunities for impact in Colombia's southwest. Competitive salaries (adjusted for inflation), health insurance, and pension align with national standards. Proximity to Ecuador border aids international research collaborations.

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