DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
VACANCY NO: IRC 3340
The University of Botswana (UB), a state – owned tertiary education institution, invites suitably qualified, and experienced candidates for the position of Chief Technician.
Duties: The successful candidate will be responsible for responsible for overseeing technical operations, managing technical staff, coordinating the purchase and maintenance of equipment/ supplies, technical troubleshooting, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various teaching and learning environments in the University, provide teaching, learning, and research support, as well as other technical activities, across the Faculty/Institute(i)Contribute to the development and implementation of the unit's strategy, policies, and procedures(ii)Stay up to date with key trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation(iii)Plan, coordinate, and schedule workshops and laboratory sessions(iv)Ensure that equipment and materials are available for studio, laboratory, and workshop classes(v)Support studio/laboratory work by demonstrating studio/laboratory exercises to students(vi)Provide necessary support to students and researchers in laboratory sessions, workshops, tutorials, and research projects as directed by a lecturer(vii)Assist the lecturers with the assessment/grading of student reports for laboratory/workshop/fieldwork sessions and conduct tutorial sessions(viii)Contribute to ongoing research activities to support knowledge creation, intellectual property, and commercialisation in- line with the area of expertise(ix)Ensure efficient resource allocation and workload management to support teaching and learning.
Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support(i)Manage operations and monitor equipment and materials for laboratory experiments, including setting up equipment and experiments(ii)Provide timely technical support for various internal and external projects and activities(iv)Ensure the development and management of an accurate and up-to-date information management system(v)Perform regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of technical equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety(vi)Identify and report any observed faults within the laboratory/workshop/studio(vii)Recommend decommissioning obsolete equipment and replacing it(viii)Maintain a clean and organised laboratory/workshop/studio environment in accordance with health and safety protocols and guidelines. Inventory Tracking(i)Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of technical equipment, tools, and supplies(ii)Monitoring supplies and educational materials and initiating the procurement process in respective areas(iii)Maintain inventory or stock and record equipment loans issued by the assigned laboratory/workshop/studio. Risk and Compliance(i)participate in identifying and mitigating operational risks(ii)participate in internal and external audits in line with university policies(iii)comply with relevant regulations and legislation.
Requirements: Candidates should have:(i)A Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry(ii)A Bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry or Analytic Chemistry(iii)Basic training in Occupational Hygiene will be an added advantage(iv)A minimum of six (6) years of experience, three (3) of which should have been in a supervisory role(v)Experience in higher education will be an added advantage.(vi)Extensive experience in technical operations, equipment maintenance, and facility management, preferably in an academic or research environment(vii)Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead a team and manage complex projects(viii)Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders(ix)Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and standards, with a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment(x)Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.
Remuneration: The University 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 applicants are to address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University determine your suitability for the position. You should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for, provide current CVs (including telephone numbers, e-mail address and names, addresses and contact details of three referees), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts, Omang/Passport, to: The Human Resources Manager, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Corner of Notwane and Mabuto Road, University of Botswana, Private Bag 00713, Gaborone, Botswana; or email fmhsvacancies@ub.ac.bw. Hand delivered applications should be sent to: Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Block 246, 3rd Floor.
Applicants should inform their referees to: (i) Quote the Vacancy number and position applied for and (ii) submit their references directly to the above email address.
Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be acknowledged
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: 10th August 2026