FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES SCHOOL OF COMPUTER, MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE VACANCY NO: IRC 3551 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 Lecturer in Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science under the School of Computer, Mathematics and Statistics Science. The Lecturer in Computer Science is responsible for undertaking independent teaching and research in the Computer Science discipline or related areas and makes independent contributions to professional practice and/or expertise. The incumbent will also coordinate or lead related activities as appropriate to the discipline and undertake administrative activities of the University.
Job Summary
- Employer: University of Botswana
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Education
- Salary: The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-22
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Computer Science such as Discrete Structures I and II, Theory of Computation and related areas
- Supervise both undergraduate and graduate student research projects
- Conduct research in Computer Science and also complement existing research activities in the area
- Contribute to the development of and implementation of university, faculty and school level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures
- Provide good disciplinary knowledge and ensure that use a range of learning practices
- Develop, update, and deliver undergraduate and possibly some graduate courses
- Design and administer assessments that accurately measure student learning outcomes
- Present scholarly articles at national and international seminars and conferences
- Develop portfolio of creative and professional work and participate in competitions to showcase contribution
- Facilitate research capability development at community level
- Contribute to the development of research proposals and implementation of projects
- Participate in external research in efforts to boost the standing of the university/ institute as required
- Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks
- Collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined
- Assist with organizing faculty/ university symposium and conferences of national importance and perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson
Requirements
- A PhD in Computer Science or a relevant related discipline
- A Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a relevant related field
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a relevant discipline with at least a 2(i) pass or equivalent
- show evidence of engagement in research
Salary
The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3551
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 qualifications are typically required to become a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Botswana?
A minimum of a Master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field is typically required, though a PhD is increasingly preferred for permanent positions. Relevant industry experience and professional certifications such as Cisco, Microsoft, or AWS can strengthen your application. The University of Botswana generally follows standards set by the Botswana Tertiary Education Council for academic appointments.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Computer Science lecturer at a Botswana university?
Daily duties include preparing and delivering lectures, supervising student projects and dissertations, conducting research for publication, and participating in departmental meetings. Lecturers also engage in curriculum development, student assessment, and may serve on university committees. Many are expected to contribute to community outreach and industry collaboration initiatives.
How does the academic work culture at the University of Botswana differ from private sector tech jobs?
Academic culture emphasizes autonomy in research and teaching, with less hierarchical structures than corporate environments, but demands significant self-directed productivity. Work-life balance can vary, with intense periods around semester exams and research deadlines. Respect for senior academics and adherence to formal protocols in meetings and communications remain important cultural norms.
What career progression opportunities exist for Computer Science lecturers in Botswana?
Progression typically follows the ranks of Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor based on research output, teaching excellence, and service contributions. Opportunities include moving into administrative roles such as Head of Department, Dean, or Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Some lecturers transition to consultancy, government advisory positions, or establish tech startups while maintaining academic affiliation.
What employment benefits are commonly offered to lecturers at public universities in Botswana?
Public university lecturers typically receive competitive benefits including pension contributions through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund, medical aid coverage, and generous annual leave allowances. Housing allowances or subsidized accommodation may be available, particularly for expatriate staff. Research funding and conference travel support are often provided, though availability varies by department and institutional priorities.
How should I apply for a Lecturer position in Computer Science, and what do selection committees in Botswana prioritize?
Applications are submitted through official university portals or advertised channels, requiring a detailed CV, certified academic transcripts, and references highlighting teaching and research capabilities. Selection committees prioritize candidates with peer-reviewed publications, demonstrated teaching effectiveness, and alignment with departmental research priorities. Local candidates with networks in Botswana's growing tech ecosystem may have advantages for industry-collaboration roles.
