DIVISION OF RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE
VACANCY NO: IRC 3518
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: Laboratory Services – Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Okavango Research Institute, tenable in Maun.
The Senior Technician: Laboratory Services is responsible for the oversight of laboratory operations and supporting research activities and analytical services for customers. This role ensures that laboratory facilities are well-maintained and that researchers have access to necessary equipment and resources.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties: a) Technical Support to Research Programmes: i) Oversight of laboratory operations and supporting research activities and analytical services for customers; Contribute to the development of, and implement departmental, sectional and unit level strategies, policies, plans and procedures, ii) Conduct market research and stay updated on industry trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation, iii)) Assist in planning laboratory resource requirements, equipment acquisition and infrastructure improvements, v) Support continuous quality improvement initiatives within laboratory services, Prepare technical reports and laboratory performance reports; b) Laboratory Equipment Management: i) manage installation, operation, calibration, maintenance and servicing of sophisticated laboratory equipment; ii) coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and equipment servicing contracts; iii) troubleshoot equipment failures and coordinate repairs with suppliers and service providers; iv) maintain laboratory equipment inventories and asset registers, v) ensure optimal utilization and availability of laboratory equipment, vi) monitor laboratory consumables and coordinate procurement of supplies, vii) ensure that equipment is operational and safe for use; c) Research Support: i) Provide technical support to researchers, postgraduate students and research assistants during laboratory and field-based research activities, ii) Assist in laboratory analyses, sample preparation, processing and data generation, iii) Train laboratory users on the operation of laboratory equipment and analytical techniques, iv) Support research proposal implementation by ensuring laboratory readiness, v) Participate in the development and validation of laboratory methods and analytical protocols, maintain accurate laboratory records, databases and documentation, vi) Ensure the quality and accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Assist in data analysis and documentation; d) Safety Management: i) Ensure compliance with laboratory health, safety and environmental regulations, develop, implement and monitor laboratory safety procedures and emergency response protocols, conduct regular laboratory safety inspections and risk assessments, ii) Ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, biological materials and hazardous waste, iii) Promote a strong laboratory safety culture through awareness programmes and user training, iv) Maintain safety equipment and ensure compliance with biosafety and chemical safety requirements, e) Enforce laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with safety regulations, vi) Train laboratory users on laboratory safety procedures; e) Risk Management and Compliance: i) Monitor compliance with institutional, national and international laboratory standards and regulations, ii) Identify laboratory operational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures, iii) Ensure compliance with quality assurance and quality control procedures, iv) maintain laboratory documentation required for audits and accreditation processes, v) ensure and support the implementation of laboratory quality management systems, f) Customer Services and Marketing: i) Provide professional, timely and responsive laboratory services to internal and external clients, ii) Promote the utilization of ORI laboratory facilities by researchers, government institutions, industry and development partners, iii) Coordinate laboratory bookings and user support services, iv) Build and maintain positive relationships with laboratory stakeholders, v) Participate in exhibitions, outreach programmes and laboratory promotional activities, vi) assist in developing laboratory service catalogues and user information materials, vii) Respond to customer/ stakeholder queries and inquiries related to area of expertise, viii) Collaborate with other units as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined.
Requirements: Candidates should have; (i) A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and/ or degree in Analytical Chemistry/ Environmental Chemistry with strong background in Analytical Chemistry; (ii) A minimum of four (4) years’ experience, three (3) of which should have been at the same (Senior Technician) level; (iii) Advanced proficiency in operation sophisticated chemical laboratory equipment and should have experience in operation of at least three (3) of the following equipment; Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), UV-Visible Spectrophotometer (UV-Vis),Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulphur (CHNS) Elemental Analyzer, Ion Chromatography (IC); (iv) Experience in method validation and laboratory operations and equipment maintenance; (v) Strong technical, analytical and organizational skills and knowledge of laboratory safety and protocols. The following will be an added advantage: ISO 17025 certification.
Remuneration: The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply: Letters of application are to address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University to determine your suitability for the position. You should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for; provide current CVs (including telephone, telex and telefax number and e-mail), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts and names and addresses of three referees. 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 below address before the stipulated closing date. Send your application to: Manager: Administrative Support Services, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana, Tel. 681 7228; Fax. 6861835: e-mail, ori_recruitment@ub.ac.bw
Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Manager: Administrative Support Services at the Administration Building, Okavango Research Institute, Sexaxa, along Shorobe Road, Maun, Botswana. Google maps; -19.93871, 23.48969.
The Institute is based in Maun in the Northwest District of Botswana, and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the world-famous Okavango Delta and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) region. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.
NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: 24 September 2026