UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MAUN)
VACANCY NO: IRC 2806
Applications are invited for the position of Associate Professor in Large Herbivore Ecology at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun, in north-western Botswana, and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in northern Botswana which include the iconic Okavango Delta and surrounding dryland ecosystems, Nxai-Makgadikgadi system, Chobe-Mababe-Savuti system and Kgalagadi system. The position plays a critical role in strengthening ORI’s leadership in biodiversity and ecosystem research, particularly in the face of climate change, land-use pressures, and human–wildlife conflict. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to (i) Lead cutting-edge need-based research on large herbivore population ecology, habitat use, foraging ecology, movement ecology, and ecosystem interactions with clear pathways to impact; (ii) Advance scientific understanding of how large herbivores shape ecological processes such as vegetation dynamics, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem structure; (iii) Develop predictive models to assess the impacts of climate variability, water regime shifts, fencing, and human activity on herbivore behaviour and population viability; (iv) Collaborate across disciplines within ORI (hydrology, vegetation science, fire ecology, climate science, GIS, socio-ecology) to study herbivores in a social–ecological systems context; (v) Engage in transboundary wildlife research and planning through regional initiatives like the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA); (vi) Lead ORI’s participation in international research networks on wildlife conservation, movement ecology, and biodiversity science; (vii) work closely with ORI, government, and independent researchers to bring together empirical research, published data and theory to facilitate the development of a clearer understanding of herbivore population dynamics, habitant requirements, existing and historic movement patterns, diseases, and interactions with other wildlife species and with man, (viii) Supervise and mentor junior researchers, M.Phil. and PhD students in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and applied ecological research: (x) Contribute to the development and delivery of postgraduate courses, field training modules, and workshops in ecological research methods, telemetry, data analysis, and conservation planning; (xi) Publish high-impact articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to international scientific assessments on biodiversity and conservation; (xii) Produce technical reports, policy briefs, and management guidelines for wildlife agencies, NGOs, and community trusts; (xiii) Engage with government and conservation stakeholders to translate research into policy, management plans, and land-use decisions; (xv) Support the development of community-based wildlife monitoring and coexistence strategies through participatory approaches; (xvi) Lead or support grant writing, fund-raising, and partnership development for long-term wildlife ecology and conservation programs; (xvii). Evaluate and guide the design of wildlife corridors, buffer zones, and conflict mitigation interventions; (xviii) Represent ORI in national, regional, and international scientific, conservation, and policy forums. S/he will also be required to perform all other duties as assigned by the Director/Departmental Chairperson.
Requirements: the candidate should have (i) a PhD in Large Mammal Herbivore Ecology, Wildlife Ecology and Management, Conservation Biology, Zoology or related fields such as Behavioral Ecology, Animal Behavior, Landscape Ecology, Rangeland Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (ii) a minimum of twenty-one (21) pieces of research products (e.g. articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings etc.) published by recognized publishers; (iii) eighteen (18) of the twenty-one (21) publications above must be articles in refereed/ accredited journals indexed in internationally recognized indexing databases; (iv) the remaining three (3) publications could be journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc. published by recognized publishers. An academic book may be equivalent to a maximum of four (4) articles in refereed/accredited journals, depending on the quality and standing of the publisher; (v) sustained research output indicating a minimum of seven (7) peer reviewed publications (e.g. journal articles, book chapter, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc.) every three (3) years; (vi) scholarly presentations at national and/ or international conferences; (vii) be first author in at least one-third of the required journal publications, depending on disciplinary expectations. There should also be evidence of mentorship of early career scholars/graduate students; (viii) publications are spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals; (ix) recognizable research impact, including but not limited to citations, the h-index, patents, policy applications, peer reviews, publications that are prescribed texts in other institutions etc. (required in at least 2 of the these; (x) recognized as being of at least national research standing (e.g. reviewer for refereed/ accredited national and regional publishers; editorial board member of at least a national publisher in a relevant field; invitation as keynote speaker at national and/ or international conferences (required in at least 2 of these); (xi) evidence of governance and social engagement; (xii) research collaborations with other institutions or organisations; (xiii) research collaboration with cognate disciplines in the University; (xiv) external examiner for Masters and/or PhD theses nationally and/or internationally. The following will be added advantages; (i) sustained research activity: on-going internally and/ or externally supported research (e.g. funded/commissioned); (ii) research awards and other forms of research recognition, where appropriate and (iii) examiner/moderator/assessor for undergraduate and/or postgraduate projects nationally and/or internationally.
NB: The curriculum vitae should contain a detailed list of published works, clearly specifying titles of publications, ISBN numbers (for books, book chapters and conference proceedings), dates of publications, names of publishers, name/s of co-authors if any and number of pages. The works should be categorized into books, book chapters, refereed journals, non-refereed works, consultancies, and practical media projects.
Remuneration: The University of Botswana offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the university, please visit our website; www.ub.bw
How to Apply: Letters of applications are to address the qualifications outlined in the advertisement and provide any other information to assist the university to determine the applicant’s suitability for the position. The applicant should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for; provide current CVs (including telephone, telex and telefax number and e-mail where possible), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts and three references, including names and addresses of referees. Applicants should inform their referees to (i) quote the Vacancy Number(s) and Position(s) applied for and (ii) submit their references directly to the below address. Applicants should send their application to: Human Resources Officer, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana. Tel: +2676817228; Fax.: +2676861835: E-mail: ori_recruitment@ub.ac.bw/ basiangy@ub.ac.bw:. Hand delivered applications should be submitted to the HR Office, Admin Porta cabin.
Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be processed.
NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
Closing Date: 17th September 2025