FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
VACANCY NO: IRC 2684
The BoSiCaM Project: The Botswana Sodium-ion Cathode Materials (BoSiCaM) Project is a start-up championing an audacious vision to establish manufacturing capacity of cathode materials from Botswana resources on Botswana soil. These cathode materials are a key component in sodium-ion batteries, an important emerging battery technology for storage of solar and wind energy. At BoSiCaM, we collaborate with researchers from top local and global research institutions to drive an ambitious R&D programme that will bring cathode materials to market. As we actively put together the key pieces of the puzzle, we are building a small but state-of-the-art cathode materials laboratory. An opportunity has arisen for a competent and driven laboratory professional to come and lead this piece.
Purpose of role (Contract Role): The main activities of the BoSiCaM Laboratory will include solid-state synthesis of inorganic cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, characterisation of those materials, coin cell assembly and electrochemical characterisation. As such, the laboratory is our innovation engine and a key asset in delivering our vision. You will oversee the safe and effective operations of a small self-contained laboratory in a start-up environment. This is an opportunity to design and build a small laboratory under the guidance of a senior member of the Project Directorate. The ability to work independently, making sound decisions and taking full responsibility and ownership of all the operations of the laboratory is essential to your success in this role.
Duties: Successful candidates will be expected to: (i) Able to effectively manage lab environment emergencies; (ii) Purchase of lab equipment and consumables; (iii) Responsible for security of the lab, including all its equipment, consumables, and any other resources housed within the laboratory. The Laboratory Technician controls all access to the laboratory; (iv) Inventory management of lab consumables; (v) Maintenance of all lab equipment; (vi) Designated lab safety officer ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality requirements and standards; (vii) Develop and maintain an up-to-date lab safety manual; (viii) Develop and maintain an up-to-date lab standard operating procedures; (ix) Train any new staff in the safe use of lab equipment; (x) Ensure that everyone in the lab follows prescribed rules and procedures for safe and secure operation of the laboratory; (xi) Ensure efficient and equitable use of shared lab equipment by strategically scheduling equipment access for all staff; (xii) May be required to support the scientific research programme; (xiii) Establishes quality standards to maintain medical laboratory equipment performance.
Requirements: Candidates should have: (i) Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Material Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering (ii) Membership of a professional laboratory body. (ii) Experience in material synthesis and characterization is an added advantage.
Qualities: Candidates should demonstrate a deep knowledge of managing R&D labs, coupled with strong project management skills, including the ability to procure, install, and commission expensive lab equipment, alongside tracking and managing equipment maintenance schedules and lab inventory. They must possess the ability and drive to solve practical problems, strong organisational skills, and be nimble with juggling multiple tasks in a sometimes complex, multitasking environment. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as is being a great team player and builder, and proficient in writing technical reports.
Remuneration: The BOSICAM project offers a competitive salary.
How to Apply: Applicants are to address the stated qualification and provide other information to assist the University determine their suitability for the position. They should also quote the vacancy number of the post applied for, provide current CVs (including telephone, fax and e-mail), certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, three (3) reference letters and send complete documentation to: The Human Resource Manager, Faculty of Science, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Telephone: (267) 355 2454/2969, Fax (267) 318 5099; E-mail: fosvacancies@ub.ac.bw. Online applications should be submitted as one merged PDF document.
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 submitted to office No. 121, Block 233(233/121).
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date: 13th August 2025