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 Associate Professor in Hydrology in the Department of Environmental Science. The Associate Professor (Hydrology and Water Resources) is responsible for advancing the Environmental Science discipline through original research, scholarship and academic leadership. The incumbent plays a critical role in shaping regional scholarship, fostering innovation and guiding collaborative research initiatives. In addition, they contribute significantly to the University’s governance, ensuring academic excellence and strategic development while serving as a leader and mentor within the university community.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Education
- Closing Date: 2026-08-12
Key Responsibilities
- (i) Teach postgraduate and undergraduate-level courses in the physical environment .
- (ii) Initiate, lead, and sustain robust, externally funded research projects aligned with local, regional, and global water security challenges .
- (iii) Supervise postgraduate and undergraduate students’ research projects within the department.
- (iv) Participate in academic, governance, and social engagement in the department or related field.
- (v) Draw on a broad and innovative range of teaching strategies (including the use of ICT) appropriate to the discipline.
- (vi) Demonstrate coherence between philosophy and practice.
- (vii) Review programmes/ courses to ensure they are aligned, relevant and up to date with local, international, global and disciplinary contexts, as well as engagement with students, stakeholders and peers.
- (viii) Lead original research projects, addressing key questions in the discipline.
- (ix) Secure external funding to support research and elevate the university’s reputation.
- (x) Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering innovation and problem-solving.
- (xi) Drive grant proposal development to sustain research momentum.
- (xii) Conduct and publish high level, transdisciplinary research in field of expertise.
- (xiii) Coordinate programmes and courses within the Faculty.
- (xiv) Develop entrepreneurial and economic initiatives benefiting the community.
- (xv) Promote ethical research conduct and high academic standards.
- (xvi) Contribute and effectively manage resources (e.g. funds, equipment, patents, etc.) to advance the mission of the university.
- (xvii) Engage in thesis examination activities.
- (xvii) Mentor graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty for their scholarly development.
- (xviii) Perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson.
Requirements
- A PhD/Doctoral degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science (with a strict specialization/bias toward hydrology and water resources sciences), or a closely related discipline;
- A Master’s degree in Hydrology or a related field, and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a 2.1 pass or equivalent.
- At least 6 years of relevant teaching experience at a university or comparable institution.
- Professional registration: Be registered (or be eligible for registration) with BQA and/or a recognised professional body in relevant area of expertise.
- A minimum of twelve ( 12) research products (e.g., articles, book chapters, peer-reviewed conference proceedings, etc.) published by recognized publishers. Eight ( 8) of these must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognized indexing databases. The remaining 4 publications could be journal articles, book chapters, peer-reviewed conference proceedings, etc., published by recognized publishers. An academic book may be equivalent to a maximum of 4 articles in refereed/accredited journals, depending on the quality and standing of the publisher.
- Sustained research output: a minimum of 2 peer-reviewed publications (e.g., journal article, book chapter, peer-reviewed conference proceedings, etc.) every three (3) years;
- Must be the first author in at least one-third of the required journal publications.
- Sustained research activity: ongoing externally supported research (e.g., funded or commissioned);
- Regular paper/poster presentations at national but also increasingly at international conferences;
- Should show evidence of mentorship of early career scholars/graduate students;
- Publications should be spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals;
- Should show recognizable research impact, including but not limited to citations, the h -index, patents, policy applications, peer reviews, publications that are prescribed texts in other institutions, etc. (required in at least 2 of these);
- Should show evidence of research awards and other forms of research recognition, where appropriate (Added advantage);
- Recognized as being of national but increasingly international research standing (e.g., peer reviewing of new research proposals; reference in research committees; editor/guest editor/reviewer of refereed/accredited national and international publishers; editorial board member of an international publisher in a relevant field; invitations as keynote speaker at national and international conferences (Required in at least 2 of these);
- Evidence of governance and social engagement;
- Research collaborations with other institutions or organizations (Required);
- Research collaboration with cognate disciplines in the University (Required);
- External examiner for Master’s and/or PhD thesis nationally and/or internationally.
- Successful supervision of 2 Master’s students or co-supervision of 4 Master’s students or supervision of 1 PhD student or co-supervision of 2 PhD students/ post-doc research fellow.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3355 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3355
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) was established in 1982, as the first institution of higher education in Botswana. The university currently has three campuses: one in the capital city Gaborone, one in Francistown, and another in Maun. The University of Botswana is divided into six faculties: Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Science and Social Sciences and the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. UB is ranked 1201–1500 in the world and 21st in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical academic qualifications and experience required for an Associate Professor in Hydrology and Water Resources at a university in Botswana?
Candidates typically need a PhD in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, or a closely related field from a recognized institution. Significant teaching experience at university level, a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, and a demonstrated ability to secure research grants are also essential. Expertise in relevant software and field methodologies applicable to Botswana's water challenges is highly valued.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities of an Associate Professor in this field at a university in Botswana?
Responsibilities include lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising student research projects (MSc and PhD), and conducting independent research in hydrology and water resources. Additionally, you would be expected to contribute to curriculum development, participate in departmental meetings, and engage in community outreach relevant to water conservation in Botswana.
What is the typical work culture and what are the general expectations for an academic staff member in a university environment in Botswana?
Universities in Botswana value a collegiate and collaborative environment, often emphasizing both academic rigor and community engagement. Expectations include active participation in research, publishing regularly in reputable journals, and contributing to the university's mission through teaching and service. Adherence to academic protocols and ethical guidelines is paramount.
What are the realistic career progression or growth paths for an Associate Professor in Hydrology and Water Resources in Botswana?
An Associate Professor can typically progress to a full Professorship based on sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service, including a strong publication record and successful grant acquisition. Opportunities may also arise for leadership roles within the department or faculty, such as Head of Department or Dean, or contributing to national water policy initiatives.
What typical benefits packages, such as leave, medical aid, and pension, can an Associate Professor expect from a public university in Botswana?
Public universities in Botswana generally offer competitive benefits packages to attract and retain academic talent. These typically include generous annual leave, comprehensive medical aid schemes for staff and dependents, and a robust pension fund contribution. Specifics can vary, so it's advisable to clarify during the interview process.
How does one typically apply for an academic position like this in Botswana, and what do employers primarily look for?
Applicants usually submit a detailed CV, academic transcripts, a cover letter highlighting their research and teaching philosophy, and a list of publications. Employers seek candidates with a strong research output, relevant teaching experience, a clear vision for contributing to the department, and demonstrable commitment to academic excellence and community relevance within Botswana's context.