FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
VACANCY NO: IRC 3404
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 Senior Technician in the Department of Chemistry.
The Senior Technician (Chemistry) plays a vital role in supporting teaching and learning environments by preparing and maintaining laboratory and/or workshop equipment and materials. The position holder ensures that all facilities within the faculty, school or department are in optimal working order, uphold safety and operational standards and provide technical assistance to faculty and students. In addition, they contribute to effective delivery of academic programs through reliable teaching support and seamless coordination of practical sessions.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to:
Strategy and Policy Development: Contribute to the development of unit, departmental and school’s strategies, policies, and procedures.
Technical Support for Teaching, Research, and Learning: (i) Provide technical guidance & support to multidisciplinary teaching, learning, and research activities. (ii) Plan, coordinate, and schedule geospatial practical sessions, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and effective workload management. (iii) Demonstrate data processing techniques and proper use of equipment to students. (iv) Ensure the proper functioning of workstations and facilitate access to required materials for practical sessions. (v) Assist academic staff in assessing laboratory and fieldwork reports. (vi) Respond promptly to user enquiries and undertake data processing and production for publication and keep record of services provided. (vii) Contribute to ongoing research activities, support knowledge creation, intellectual property development, and commercialization.
Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support: (i) ensure that equipment is functional and optimally utilized, including setting up equipment and laboratory experiments; (ii) provide technical advice to students and staff making sure there’s timely reporting of equipment faults. (iii) Ensure the development and management of an accurate and up-to-date information management system. (iv) Perform regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of technical equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety. (v) Recommend decommissioning of obsolete equipment and its replacement. (vi) Maintain a clean and organized laboratory/ workshop/ studio environment following health and safety protocols and guidelines.
Safety and Risk Management: (i) Identify and mitigate operational risks. (ii) Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental protocols.
Inventory Tracking: maintain accurate and up to date inventory (equipment and stock) records; To recommend decommissioning of obsolete equipment and its replacement;
General Duties: (i) Meet assigned performance targets. (ii) Stay up to date with emerging technologies and innovations and pursue continuous professional development to support the University’s mission. (iii) participate in internal and external audits in line with University policies; ((iv) respond to customer/stakeholder queries and inquiries related to area of expertise; (v) adhere to performance targets as reflected in the performance review and appraisal; (vi) identify learning opportunities and follow up on own training and development in line with departmental needs; (vii) undertake any other duties as directed by the Chief Technician, Course Lecturer or Departmental Chair.
Qualification Requirements: (i) A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field is required. (i) A Master’s degree in the relevant area is an added advantage.
Experience Requirements: A minimum of four (4) years’ experience as Technician in Analytical / Inorganic Chemistry. Higher education experience will be an added advantage.
Other Requirements (i) Strong experience in technical operations, equipment maintenance, and facility management, preferably in an academic or research environment; (ii) Strong technical skills and knowledge of equipment maintenance procedures and inventory management practices; (iii) Understanding of curriculum requirements to better support students and the course lecturer; (iv) Ability to ensure accuracy in assessment methods and grading; (v) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders; (vi) Commitment to safety and adherence to relevant regulations and standards. (vii) Knowledge and experience in the operation of scientific laboratory equipment will be an added advantage.
Professional registration: Registered or eligible for registration as a professional by an appropriate and recognised professional body.
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 also quote the Vacancy Number of the post applied for, provide current CVs (including telephone and e-mail), certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, and three work-related references. Complete documentation should be sent to: The Senior Professional: HR Business Partnering, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Telephone: (267) 355-2917; E-mail: fosvacancies@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 submitted to Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Block 233, Office No. 121 (233/121).
NB: Online applications should be submitted as one merged PDF document per position. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
Closing Date: 10 August 2026