Applications are invited for the position Research Fellow/ Scientist 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. The Institute has a good library (a branch of the University library in Gaborone) and excellent research laboratories. The Institute attracts significant international funding and is becoming generally acknowledged as a global research leader in natural resources management. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.
Duties: The successful candidate will be required to run and maintain ICP-OES and GC/MS equipment in the ORI environmental laboratory, (ii) He/she will be in charge of all sample preparation and analysis for these instruments, (iii) He/she will be expected to work in collaboration with the Institute scientists in fields such as ecology, environmental chemistry, geochemistry and quaternary geology in addition to developing their own research in line with the Institute’s research programmes. Specific tasks include (iii) responsibility for the daily running and maintenance of the ICP-OES and GC-MS in support of ORI’s research activities; development and validation of methods of analysis, ensuring analytical consistency and accuracy; development of proposals; conducting research in the Okavango Delta Ramsar site and the rest of Botswana and publishing the results and giving scientific input on related Institute research issues.
Requirements: Applicants should possess: (i) a PhD in Analytical/ Environmental chemistry, Geochemistry or a related field including experience of running a laboratory and developing/refining analytical techniques (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 be enthusiastic about applying ICP-OES/GC-MS techniques to addressing 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/ 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 Dates: 29 February 2024