Job Opportunities

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

VACANCY No.: IRC 3504

The University of Botswana (UB), a premier state-owned tertiary institution dedicated to shaping the future through excellence, research, innovation and meaningful societal impact, invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Manager: Faculty Shared Services and Equipment in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.

The Manager: Faculty Shared Services and Equipment is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the effective management, utilisation and development of shared services, laboratory facilities and equipment across the Faculty. The role supports teaching, research and engagement, leads the development of quality-managed and accredited laboratory services, and expands sustainable revenue-generating services for internal and external clients.

Key Performance Areas: The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

1. Resource Optimisation: Develop and implement systems for the optimal allocation, scheduling, sharing, maintenance and lifecycle management of laboratory facilities, equipment and technical services. Maintain an accurate asset and service inventory; monitor utilisation, downtime and service quality; coordinate calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, procurement and replacement planning; and promote cross-disciplinary use of shared resources in support of teaching, research and engagement;
2. Revenue Generation: Identify, develop and market commercially viable laboratory tests, calibration and technical services for external clients. Lead market assessments, business cases, service costing, pricing and revenue-sharing models; establish cost-recovery and income targets; develop proposals, contracts, sponsorships and industry partnerships; monitor revenue performance; and reinvest strategically in laboratory capability, accreditation and service expansion;
3. Laboratory Accreditation and Service Development: Lead the preparation, implementation and maintenance of accreditation for selected testing and calibration services in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Coordinate the selection and expansion of accreditation scopes, method verification and validation, measurement uncertainty, metrological traceability, equipment calibration, quality control, proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons, reference materials, technical records and reporting of valid results;
4. Customer and Stakeholder Experience: Establish clear service standards, turnaround times and client communication processes; ensure timely resolution of enquiries and complaints; measure customer satisfaction; and maintain constructive relationships with academic departments, students, researchers, industry, government, regulators, accreditation bodies, suppliers, partners and other relevant stakeholders;
5. People Management: Supervise, guide and develop administrative and technical staff; define responsibilities and performance expectations; ensure appropriate competence, training and authorisation of personnel undertaking laboratory activities; promote accountability, teamwork and service excellence; and manage employee performance in accordance with University policies and applicable labour requirements;
6. Financial Management: Develop and manage the unit budget; forecast the full costs of operating shared facilities; plan for calibration, maintenance, proficiency testing, consumables, quality assurance and capital replacement; recommend expenditure within delegated authority; monitor income and expenditure; and ensure transparent, sustainable financial management of shared services;
7. Risk Management and Compliance: Develop and maintain the unit risk register and mitigation plans covering safety, equipment failure, service continuity, data integrity, impartiality, confidentiality and financial exposure. Lead compliance with relevant statutory, regulatory, University and accreditation requirements; coordinate internal audits, management reviews, corrective actions and closure of audit or assessment findings; and apply related quality, occupational health and safety, environmental and biorisk management standards where applicable; and
8. Strategy, Performance and Continuous Improvement: Contribute to University and Faculty strategies, policies and procedures; develop and implement unit plans; establish key performance indicators for resource utilisation, downtime, accreditation, revenue, customer satisfaction, financial performance and compliance; report periodically on performance; identify improvement opportunities; and perform any other duties assigned by the Executive Dean.

Core Competencies: The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies: i. Leadership and strategic thinking; ii. Laboratory quality management and accreditation leadership; iii. Business development, revenue generation and commercial awareness; iv. Resource, financial and performance management; v. Stakeholder relationship management and coalition building; vi. Accountability, professionalism and quality orientation; vii. Innovation, change management and continuous improvement; viii. Communication, emotional intelligence and people management; ix. Decision-making, analytical thinking and problem-solving; and x. Adaptability and resilience.

Qualification Requirements: Applicants should have: i. a Bachelor's degree aligned with disciplines in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences and ii. a Master's degree in Business, Management or a relevant field; iii. Membership of a relevant and recognised professional body in laboratory sciences or the applicable scientific discipline.

Experience Requirements: i. A minimum of six (6) years' relevant experience, of which at least three (3) years should have been at senior professional/offer level; ii. Relevant qualification, professional training and demonstrable practical experience in the application of laboratory quality management systems and accreditation requirements, particularly ISO/IEC 17025:2017; iii. Demonstrable experience in facilities management, laboratory operations, equipment coordination or shared services administration, preferably in an academic or research environment; iv. Experience in developing laboratory services, costing or pricing technical services, business development, revenue generation, client management or industry partnerships; v. Working knowledge of accreditation processes and the functions of accreditation bodies, including gap assessments, scope development, document control, internal audits, management reviews, corrective action and preparation for external assessment; vi. Working knowledge of related management standards applicable to shared laboratory operations, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2026, and ISO 35001:2019 where biorisk management applies; vii. Strong organisational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, stakeholders and resources; ix. Knowledge of laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, metrological traceability, safety requirements and technical support services relevant to academic and research settings and viii. Experience in budget management, financial analysis and resource planning within a complex institutional environment.

Added Advantage: i. Experience in a higher education environment; ii. Certification or training in Laboratory Safety Management.

Remuneration: The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply: Applicants are to address the stated qualifications in their application letters and provide other information to assist the University in determining their suitability for the position. They should quote the Vacancy Number of the post applied for and submit current CVs, including telephone and e-mail contact details, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, and the names and addresses of three (3) referees. Complete documentation should be sent to: The Faculty Manager, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Telephone: (267) 355-2454/2460; Fax: (267) 318 5099; E-mail: fnasvacancies@ub.ac.bw

Applicants should inform their referees to: (i) quote the Vacancy Number and position applied for, and (ii) submit their references directly to the above address before the stipulated closing date.

Hand-delivered applications should be delivered to the University of Botswana Gaborone campus at the corner of Mobuto and Notwane roads, Block 233, Office No. 121 (233/121).

NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: 23 November 2026