How to find a job at university in Luxembourg

Why work at the university?

Universities are a melting pot of different professions, including professors, lecturers, researchers, administrative staff, healthcare professionals, technicians, and engineers, to name a few. In Luxembourg, the University of Luxembourg is the country's most prominent public university. There are also opportunities within private institutions.

The University of Luxembourg offers a great work environment with modern campuses right in the heart of the capital, giving employees the freedom to think in new ways. Here, learning and intellectual stimulation are not just encouraged, they're part of the culture. You'll also get to share your knowledge in a genuine way, and you can adapt your work to fit your strengths and preferences.

There are many educational programs and departments

Computer Science

ICT Security

Materials Science

European and International Law

Finance and Innovation

Education

Contemporary and Digital History

Health and Biomedicine

Modern campuses

An integral aspect that sets the University of Luxembourg apart as an attractive workplace is its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic locations. The university boasts two modern campuses in the capital, along with a modern building. In Kirchberg, one of Luxembourg City's districts, you'll find one campus and the Weicker building, located approximately 20 minutes from the campus. The other campus in the capital is situated in the Limpertsberg district.

However, the primary campus is in Belval, just outside the capital. Although located beyond the city limits, it enjoys an excellent location next to Esch-sur-Alzette, one of Luxembourg's major cities, and is less than half an hour from the capital with excellent public transport connections.

Great intellectual freedom

Working at the University of Luxembourg, and indeed at most universities, offers a significant benefit, unparalleled intellectual freedom rarely found in other professions. Beyond teaching, a faculty position involves dedicated time for research. Initially, one may not have full autonomy over project and topic selection, as integration into the center's ongoing research is essential.

However, with years of experience, progressing to a research director role grants substantial freedom. As a research director, you gain the autonomy to choose projects, focus on specific topics, and determine the methodologies applied, providing an enriching and intellectually liberating environment that fosters academic exploration and innovation.

The true transmission of your knowledge

At the university, a primary role is the genuine transmission of knowledge through lectures, tutorials, and practical assignments. As an educator, you bear the responsibility of shaping and inspiring the next generation by sharing your expertise through teaching. Interacting with adults who have chosen to pursue higher education makes the process more manageable compared to dealing with children or adolescents, creating a dynamic and fulfilling teaching environment.

Constant learning and intellectual stimulation

Complementing the teaching aspect at the university is an integral component of research, offering continuous intellectual stimulation. Engaging in ongoing research exposes you to a constant learning curve, tackling challenging problems daily. As a researcher, your role involves experimenting and exploring to find solutions, providing a consistently stimulating and invigorating environment beyond the realm of teaching. The dynamic interplay between teaching and research ensures a fulfilling and intellectually enriching experience in the university setting.

Flexibility in the workplace

While teaching at the university may not offer the same vacation benefits as secondary school educators, who align their breaks with students, university professors enjoy unique advantages not found in other professions. University work schedules tend to be more flexible than many other careers.

Summer schedule

For instance, during the summer, professors can indicate their availability, allowing the university to consider their preferences when crafting schedules for the following year. This flexibility proves beneficial, especially for those with family responsibilities, such as picking up children from school in the early afternoon.

Work at the campus

Professors have the freedom to organize their class-related tasks during the day, early morning, or late evening, tailoring their work hours to personal preferences or family commitments. Whether working from home, a library, or a coworking center, the choice of when and where to work is at the discretion of the professor.

Seasonal work

Taking a sabbatical is also a viable option. Seasoned professors can step away from their regular teaching duties for a few months to a year, dedicating time to research in a different location or focusing on projects like writing a book.

Travel and teach

Moreover, the nature of the job allows for international travel. Professors can attend conferences and research seminars abroad, seizing the opportunity to explore the destination during their stay. 

Which jobs are available to work at university: Ph.D. vacancies, work with students, rectorate and more

Universities offer a diverse array of employment opportunities, catering to individuals aspiring for roles in teaching, administration, project management, and beyond. Nowhere else will you find such a variety of jobs under one roof.

Universities are dedicated to teaching and research, and academic staff play a pivotal role in their functioning. Teaching at a university entails delivering lectures, mentoring students, and designing curriculum plans. Simultaneously, research involves creative and systematic efforts to expand the body of knowledge. Academic staff comprises various roles.

What academic positions are there?

Teaching Assistant

Often the starting point for a university career, easier to get admitted.

Doctoral Assistant

As the title suggests, this role requires completion of a Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor

Instructors at the postgraduate or higher level involved in teaching

Full Professor

The university's permanent faculty, a full professor, holding a Ph.D.

Nevertheless, the university requires the presence of numerous additional professionals, including caretakers, librarians, and administrators, in order to achieve full operational capacity.

Step-by-step guidelines to build a career at the University of Luxembourg

Embarking on a career at the University of Luxembourg presents a rewarding journey filled with diverse opportunities and intellectual enrichment. Whether aspiring to contribute to cutting-edge research, engage in dynamic teaching, or take on vital administrative roles, this step-by-step guide offers valuable insights into building a successful career within this esteemed academic institution. 

What are the requirements to work at the University of Luxembourg?

The University of Luxembourg offers a spectrum of career opportunities, each with its own set of educational and experiential requirements. Let's take a look into the specific qualifications needed for the different positions within the university:

Academic

Administrative

Library and Technical

Facilities Management

How to find a job in University?

An evident starting point for finding job opportunities within universities is to directly explore their respective websites. Most universities maintain dedicated pages featuring available job listings. Here are examples of job pages for major universities in Luxembourg:

How to apply for a job?

Once you meet the necessary requirements in terms of education and experience and have identified one or more job opportunities that interest you, it's time to apply. A strong application is built on a well-crafted CV and a compelling cover letter.

CV or Curriculum Vitae

Regardless of the chosen design, a curriculum vitae (CV) serves the purpose of highlighting the candidate's value to any selection committee. It is the applicant's introduction and the most crucial document in any recruitment process. Essentially, it summarizes academic background and experience, both professionally and vocationally. Moreover, it synthesizes achievements and competencies relevant to the desired position. Your CV should be easy to read and provide a clear exposition of why you are qualified for the job.

Cover Letter

Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing the desired job. A cover letter is a written document expressing your interest in a job position. It offers a concise overview of your abilities, education, experience, and, importantly, your personality traits and aspirations. This is an opportunity to demonstrate uniqueness and motivation.

Once your CV and cover letter are prepared, the next step is to apply for the desired position. Submit your application through the university's official website or the relevant job portal, ensuring all required documents are attached. It's crucial to follow the application instructions provided by the university, paying attention to deadlines and any specific requirements outlined in the job posting. 

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Uni.lu Job Portal

Read more

Salaries for university jobs in Luxembourg in 2023-2024

According to Paylab, academic positions at universities in Luxembourg typically range from 2,950 euros to 7,154 euros per month. The variation in salaries is significant, reflecting differences in job roles, education levels, and experience. However, more detailed information on specific positions is not provided by Paylab.