DIVISION OF RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE
VACANCY NO: IRC 3519
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 Technician: Laboratory Services – Chemistry Laboratory at the Okavango Research Institute, tenable in Maun.
The Technician: Laboratory Services plays a critical role in supporting laboratory operations, assisting researchers in experiments, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of laboratory environments.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties: a) Technical Support to Research Programmes: i) Support of laboratory operations, assisting researchers in experiments, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of laboratory environments; ii) Contribute to the development of, and implement departmental, sectional and unit level strategies, policies, plans and procedures, iii) Stay updated on industry trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation; b) Laboratory Operations; i) Operating advanced (specialized) laboratory equipment and software; ii) Implement and support day-to-day laboratory activities, including equipment setup and maintenance; iii) Assist in ensuring laboratory safety and cleanliness; iv) Prepare materials and supplies for experiments; v) Continuously learn and adapt to new laboratory techniques and analytical methods; vi) Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations; vii) Report safety incidents and assist in implementing safety measures; viii) Promote a culture of safety awareness in the laboratory; ix) Assist in data collection and collation during experiments; x) Follow established protocols for data recording and analysis; xi) collaborate with senior staff on data interpretation; c) Laboratory Equipment Management: i) Assist researchers, students, and laboratory staff with experiments and analyses as required; ii) Follow research protocols and standards operating procedures; iii) Troubleshoot equipment and maintain when necessary; iv) manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment; v) maintain organized inventory records; vi) Facilitate and support procurement and restocking of laboratory consumables and equipment; d) Risk and Compliance: i) Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks (e.g hazadous materials handling, power cuts e.t.c.); ii) Participate in internal and external audits in line with University policies, and the relevant quality management systems; comply with relevant regulations and legislations e) Customer Service: i) Participate in developing and nurturing communication channels with internal and external customers; ii) Respond to customer/ stakeholder queries and inquiries related to laboratory services; iii) Collaborate with other units as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined; iv) Ensure laboratory readiness for external customer demand; f) Professional Development: i) Actively engage with the professional community to support and develop expertise in an area of profession; ii) Adhere to performance targets as reflected in the performance contract and prepare for performance review and appraisal; iii) Identify learning opportunities and follow up on own training and development in line departmental needs. Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor within their jobs role.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates should have; (i) at least a Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology; ii) A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and/ or degree in Analytical Chemistry/ Environmental Chemistry with strong background in Analytical Chemistry will be an added advantage.
Other Requirements: (i) advanced proficiency in operation sophisticated chemical laboratory equipment and should have experience in operation of at least two (2) 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); (ii) ISO 17025 certification; (iii) experience in method validation and laboratory operations and equipment maintenance; (iv) strong technical, analytical and organizational skills and knowledge of laboratory safety and protocols.
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 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