UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MAUN)
VACANCY NO: IRC 2915
Applications are invited for the position of Research Fellow in Environmental Analytical Chemistry at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun, in north-western Botswana, specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the iconic Okavango Delta and the adjacent dry area. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.
Duties: The successful candidate will be required to (i) design and conduct environmental analytical chemistry research in and around the Okavango Delta ecosystem; (ii) develop and perform chemical analyses on environmental samples (e.g., surface and ground water, soil, sediment, plant and animal tissues) to detect nutrients, metals, organic contaminants, pesticides, and other chemical parameters; (iii) advise and train laboratory staff and researchers on the use of advanced instrumentation in the ORI environmental laboratory; (iv) work in collaboration with hydro geochemists, surface and groundwater hydrologists, ecologists, biogeochemists, and wetland scientists on multidisciplinary research initiatives in addition to developing their own research in line with the Institute’s research programmes; (v) conduct research in the Cubango-Okavango River with emphasis on the Delta and the rest of Botswana and (vi) assist in the development and validation of methods of chemical analyses, helping to ensure analytical consistency and accuracy in the Environmental Laboratory; (vii) interpret and report findings relevant to the environmental and ecosystem health of the Okavango Delta; (viii) prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences; (x) supervise and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students and assist in developing laboratory training modules and safety protocols
Requirements: Applicants should possess: (i) a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry or related fields in Chemistry (ii) show evidence of engagement in research (i.e., proof of submitted manuscripts and/ or published journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc. in reputable outlets); (iii) successful candidates should have experience with automated analysis or monitoring of major ions in water and/or biological material, experience in Quality Control, Statistics and computerised data analyses; (iv) Experience in the use of the following listed instruments such as, HPLC, GC, GC/MS elemental analyser, ICP, ion chromatograph and AAS is an added advantage. The following will also be considered as added advantages: (a) university teaching experience or equivalent, (b) a publication record (journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc; (c) evidence of governance and social engagement at departmental/faculty/university level (e.g., member/ secretary of a committee/task group/board, participation in departmental/faculty administration and committees, departmental/faculty representative to other bodies, etc.).
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.
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 three referees. Complete documentation should be sent to: Human Resources Officer, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana. Tel.: +267 6817228; Fax.: +267 6861835: E-mail: ori_recruitment@ub.ac.bw/ and/or basiangy@ub.ac.bw. 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 above address before the stipulated closing date. Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be considered.
Hand delivered applications should be submitted to the HR Office, Admin Porta cabin.
NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
Closing Date: 17th December 2025