Eight major universities under the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City are urgently seeking hundreds of PhD holders, offering competitive monthly salaries ranging from tens of millions to nearly 100 million VND (approximately $400 to $4,000).

High demand for PhD-level faculty at the start of the school year

The eight universities include the University of Technology, University of Natural Sciences, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Economics and Law, University of Information Technology, University of International Studies, An Giang University, and the University of Health Sciences. Additional affiliated institutes, such as the Institute for Environment and Resources and the Institute of Advanced Materials Technology, are also recruiting extensively. The University of Technology alone is hiring 25 PhDs.

Young scientists applying as PhD candidates are required to meet at least one of four criteria: having published papers in reputable journals or conferences; owning registered patents or inventions; having successfully transferred scientific or technological products; or pursuing a promising and relevant research direction aligned with the strategic development goals of the university.

Senior scientists must fulfill all five criteria: demonstrated experience and capacity; leadership of scientific or technological projects; publications in top-tier journals or ownership of exclusive patents; experience teaching and supervising doctoral students; and active domestic or international collaboration.

Salaries range from tens of millions to nearly 100 million VND per month

The University of Technology offers base salaries in accordance with government regulations, adjusted for seniority and supplemented by position-based income. PhDs with less than three years of experience can earn around 35 million VND/month (approx. $1,380), while those with more than three years earn around 45 million VND/month (approx. $1,775). Professors and associate professors with over three years of experience can earn up to 85 million VND/month (approx. $3,350). Foreign faculty members earn up to three times more than their Vietnamese counterparts.

The University of Natural Sciences pays around 20 million VND/month (approx. $790), while the University of Social Sciences and Humanities pays 15 million VND/month (approx. $590). However, under a special talent recruitment policy, professors can receive a one-time payment of 200 million VND (approx. $7,875), associate professors 150 million VND (approx. $5,900), and PhDs 100 million VND (approx. $3,940). Foreign hires receive double the Vietnamese rate.

The University of International Studies pays between 20 and 23.2 million VND/month (approx. $790 to $915), while the University of Information Technology offers 21 million VND/month (approx. $825). Under its recruitment scheme, professors receive a one-time payment of 300 million VND (approx. $11,800), associate professors 200 million VND (approx. $7,875), and PhDs 150 million VND (approx. $5,900). Publications in ISI/Scopus journals can earn bonuses up to 200 million VND (approx. $7,875). Additionally, new hires receive a 34 million VND (approx. $1,340) research grant in the first year and further bonuses of 100 million VND (approx. $3,940) and 70 million VND (approx. $2,755) upon reaching professor or associate professor status, respectively.

The University of Economics and Law pays PhDs between 30 and 45 million VND/month (approx. $1,180 to $1,775), associate professors 55 to 70 million VND/month (approx. $2,165 to $2,755), and professors 75 to 80 million VND/month (approx. $2,950 to $3,150). Under its long-term recruitment policy (with a five-year service commitment), professors receive 350 million VND (approx. $13,780), associate professors 250 million VND (approx. $9,850), and PhDs 150 million VND (approx. $5,900).

An Giang University offers 15 million VND/month (approx. $590), with an additional 60 million VND (approx. $2,360) under its incentive program.

The University of Health Sciences pays 14 to 16 million VND/month (approx. $550 to $630).

The Institute for Environment and Resources offers a base salary according to state guidelines, plus an additional 14 million VND/month (approx. $550) in extra income. The Institute of Advanced Materials Technology provides a base salary plus 4.9 million VND/month (approx. $195) for the first two years, with an added 10 million VND/month (approx. $395) in bonuses.

All recruited PhDs benefit from a broader incentive package offered by the Vietnam National University system. Young scientists receive funding for one type-C research project (up to 200 million VND or approx. $7,875) in their first two years. In the third year, they may receive funding for one type-B project (up to 1 billion VND or approx. $39,400). In the fourth year, they are eligible for laboratory investment support (up to 10 billion VND or approx. $394,000). By the fifth year, they are guided through the process of obtaining national-level associate professor status.

Senior scientists receive funding for a type-B research project in their first two years (up to 1 billion VND or approx. $39,400), and in subsequent years, they may receive up to 30 billion VND (approx. $1.18 million) for lab investment.

Le Huyen