The University of Botswana (UB), a state-owned tertiary education institution, invites suitably qualified candidates for the position of Lecturer in Thermal Engineering/ Fluid Systems Engineering/ Energy Engineering. The position holder is responsible for undertaking independent teaching and research in their discipline and or related areas and make independent contributions to professional practices and expertise. The incumbent will coordinate or lead the related activities as appropriate to the discipline and undertake administrative activities of the institution.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-09-10
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Thermo-fluids/Energy and related areas
- Supervise both undergraduate and graduate student research projects
- Conduct research in the area of Thermo-fluids/Energy and also complement existing research activities
- participate in governance and social engagement activities within university, nationally and internationally
- and perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chairperson of the Department/Head of School
Requirements
- A PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related areas
- have a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related areas
- have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related areas
- Registered or be eligible to register with ERB
- Registered or be eligible to register with BQA as Assessor & Moderator
- Evidence of research, governance and social engagement, as well as teaching experience at a university or comparable institution will be added advantages
Salary
The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
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 academic qualifications and professional certifications are typically required for this lecturer role at the University of Botswana?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Thermal Engineering, Fluid Systems Engineering, Energy Engineering, or Building Services Engineering from a recognised institution. A Master’s degree alone is generally insufficient unless accompanied by substantial industry experience and a strong publication record; registration with the Botswana Institution of Engineers (BIE) is highly advantageous but not mandatory for academic staff.
What does a typical day look like for a lecturer in this engineering discipline at the University of Botswana?
Daily responsibilities include delivering lectures and laboratory sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising final-year projects and MSc/PhD research, and marking assignments and exams. Lecturers also participate in departmental meetings, curriculum development aligned with Botswana’s National Development Plan priorities, and community engagement activities such as technical outreach to local schools or industry partners.
How does the work culture and professional expectations for engineering lecturers in Botswana differ from other countries?
Work culture emphasises respect for seniority, collaborative decision-making within departments, and responsiveness to national development goals like Vision 2036 and the Botswana Energy Policy. Punctuality, adherence to university statutes, and active participation in institutional governance (e.g., Senate committees) are expected, alongside sensitivity to local socio-technical contexts such as rural energy access and building climate responsiveness.
What realistic career progression paths exist for lecturers in this field at the University of Botswana?
Career progression follows the academic ladder: Lecturer → Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor → Professor, with promotion dependent on teaching excellence, research output (including locally relevant publications), and service contributions. Additional leadership pathways include becoming Programme Coordinator, Head of Department, or taking up roles in national bodies like the Botswana Innovation Hub or Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development advisory panels.
What standard employment benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) can I expect as a lecturer at the University of Botswana?
Lecturers are covered under the Public Officers’ Pension Fund (POPF) and receive 30 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick leave per year, and maternity/paternity leave as stipulated in the Public Service Act. Medical aid is provided through the Government Health Insurance Scheme (GHIS), which covers inpatient and outpatient services at accredited facilities across Botswana, including referral hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown.
How do I apply for this position, and what do hiring panels at the University of Botswana specifically look for in candidates?
Applications must be submitted via the University of Botswana Human Resources portal during advertised vacancies, accompanied by certified academic transcripts, a detailed CV, teaching philosophy statement, and evidence of research alignment with national priorities. Hiring panels prioritise candidates with demonstrable teaching experience in African or Southern African higher education contexts, applied research addressing local challenges (e.g., solar thermal systems, HVAC efficiency in hot-arid climates), and commitment to student mentorship and curriculum innovation.