OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MAUN)
VACANCY NO: ORI/ 04/2024
Applications are invited for the position Research Fellow in Microbiology at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun, in north-western Botswana, and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the iconic Okavango Delta and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) region. 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) conduct microbiological/molecular biology research in and around the Okavango Delta ecosystem, analyzing environmental samples such as water, soil, air, and biota partly to assess the environmental impact of anthropogenic activities such as tourism in the delta, (ii) advise and train laboratory staff and researchers on the use of PCR in the ORI environmental laboratory, (iii) He/she will be expected to work in collaboration with the Institute scientists in fields such as ecology, environmental chemistry, public health and disease ecology (e.g., “One Health” approaches) in addition to developing their own research in line with the Institute’s research programmes. Specific tasks include (iv) development of proposals; conducting research in the Okavango Delta and the rest of Botswana, publishing and disseminating the results, and providing scientific input on related Institute research issues, and (v) assist in the development and validation of methods of biological analyses, helping to ensure analytical consistency and accuracy in the Environmental Laboratory.
Requirements: Applicants should possess: (i) a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related fields in the Biological Sciences (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 in the use of PCR to address research problems. The following will 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: 26 June 2024