Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Academia & Education
- Closing Date: 2026-09-09
Key Responsibilities
- contribute to the development of and implement departmental, sectional, and unit-level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures
- teach both undergraduate and graduate courses
- Conduct research and participate in research teams and collaborative projects
- Supervise student research projects, and dissertation
- Design and administer assessments that measure student learning outcomes
- Grade assignments and exams, providing detailed and constructive feedback
- provide service for the university, profession and community
- Provide clinical care in affiliated hospitals
- Provide academic advising, mentorship, and career guidance to students
- Assist with organizing faculty/ university symposium and conferences of national importance
- Present scholarly articles at national and international seminars and conferences
- Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Departmental Chairperson
Requirements
- A Master of Medicine (MMed) or equivalent with a specialist qualification in Psychiatry
- a first degree in (MBBS, MBChB, MD degree) or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
- the qualification must be registered with or registrable by the Botswana Health Professions Council
- evidence of engagement in research, including published journal articles, participation in research teams and collaborative programmes
Salary
The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3495
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 Psychiatry at the University of Botswana?
Applicants must hold a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) registered with the Botswana Medical Council, plus postgraduate training in psychiatry (e.g., MMED or MRCPsych), and preferably a PhD or doctoral-level qualification in a related field. Registration with the Botswana Medical Council is mandatory, and evidence of teaching experience in undergraduate or postgraduate medical education is strongly preferred.
What does a typical day look like for a Psychiatry Lecturer at the University of Botswana?
Daily responsibilities include delivering lectures and clinical teaching to medical students at the University of Botswana and affiliated hospitals like Princess Marina Hospital, supervising student clinical rotations, and participating in ward rounds and case discussions. Lecturers also contribute to curriculum development, academic assessments, and departmental meetings aligned with national health and education priorities.
How does the academic work culture in Botswana differ from other countries, and what expectations should I be aware of?
Work culture emphasizes respect for seniority, collaborative decision-making, and strong alignment with national health goals such as the National Mental Health Policy. Punctuality, formal communication with senior staff, and active participation in community-engaged teaching—especially in rural or underserved areas—are widely expected and valued.
What career progression opportunities exist for Psychiatry Lecturers within Botswana’s university system?
Lecturers may progress to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor through research output, teaching excellence, and leadership roles—supported by the University of Botswana’s Academic Career Pathway Framework. External recognition, such as fellowship with the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) or involvement in national mental health taskforces, strengthens promotion prospects.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) are typically offered to academic staff at the University of Botswana?
Academic staff are covered under the Botswana Public Officers’ Pension Fund and receive fully subsidized government medical aid through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) rollout. Annual leave is 30 working days, plus public holidays and sabbatical leave after six years of service, subject to university policy and budgetary approval.
How do I apply for a Psychiatry Lecturer position, and what do hiring committees in Botswana prioritise?
Applications are submitted via the University of Botswana Human Resources portal when vacancies are advertised on their official website and in local media like The Botswana Gazette. Committees prioritise candidates with Botswana Medical Council registration, documented clinical teaching experience in low-resource settings, evidence of culturally responsive mental health education, and commitment to national priorities such as reducing stigma and strengthening primary care mental health integration.