Job Summary
- Type: temporary
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Higher Education
- Closing Date: 2026-09-17
Key Responsibilities
- **LECTURER Duties:**
- (i) develop, update, and deliver undergraduate and relevant graduate courses;
- (ii) teach undergraduate courses such as Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, Foundations on Difficult Soils, and graduate courses including Analysis and Design of Shallow and Deep Foundations, Slope Stability, Design of Earth and Rock Fill Dam, Clay Mineralogy and Expansive Soils;
- (iii) supervise students’ research/design projects and Dissertations/Theses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in geotechnical engineering;
- (iv) provide academic advising, mentorship, and career guidance to students;
- (v) conduct research in the area of expertise;
- (vi) foster research collaborations within and outside the University;
- (vii) provide service to the university, the profession and the community;
- (viii) participate in external research in efforts to boost the standing of the university/institute as required;
- (ix) assist with organizing faculty/university symposium and conferences of national importance;
- (x) engage in continuous professional development to stay current in both academic and professional realms locally;
- (xi) identify learning opportunities and follow up on own training and development in line with departmental needs;
- (xii) undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson in line with the role.
- **SENIOR LECTURER Duties:**
- (i) Contribute to the development of and implement university, Faculty and School level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures;
- (ii) Use programme/course design principles and institutional guidelines to ensure effective curriculum development;
- (iii) Review programmes/courses to ensure they are relevant to and up to date with local, international, global and disciplinary contexts, as well as engagement with students, stakeholders and peers;
- (iv) Ensure alignment between programmes/courses and respective outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment methods and criteria;
- (v) Teach undergraduate courses such as Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, Foundations on Difficult Soils, and graduate courses including Analysis and Design of Shallow and Deep Foundations, Slope Stability, Design of Earth and Rock Fill Dam, Clay Mineralogy and Expansive Soils;
- (vi) Supervise students’ research/design projects and dissertations/theses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in geotechnical engineering;
- (vii) Lead original research projects, addressing key questions in the discipline;
- (viii) Secure external funding to support research and elevate the university’s reputation;
- (ix) Mentor graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty for their scholarly development;
- (x) Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering innovation and problem-solving;
- (xi) Provide leadership and participate in Faculty and School committees;
- (xii) engage in consultancies with an impact on both the profession and the community;
- (xiii) Assist with organizing faculty/university symposium and conferences of national importance; and
- (xiv) Provide good disciplinary knowledge and ensure that use a range of learning practices;
- (xv) Demonstrate coherence between philosophy and practice;
- (xvi) Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson in line with the role.
Requirements
- **LECTURER REQUIREMENTS:**
- (i) a PhD degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering;
- (ii) a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline;
- (iii) a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field;
- (iv) evidence of engagement in research in Geotechnical Engineering; and
- (v) be a registered Professional Engineer or eligible for registration with Engineers Registration Board (ERB) and/or a relevant and recognised engineering professional body.
- **Added advantages (LECTURER):**
- (i) Teaching experience at a university or comparable institution, and
- (ii) Evidence of Governance and Social Engagement.
- **Other Requirements (LECTURER):**
- (i) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- (ii) Understanding of teaching and principles and practices.
- (iii) Understanding of research methodologies, tools and principles.
- **SENIOR LECTURER REQUIREMENTS:**
- (i) a PhD degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering;
- (ii) a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching, research and governance;
- (iii) a sustained record of research output of good impacts with at least six (6) publications, four (4) of which must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognized indexing databases (ISI Web of Science and Scopus). The remaining two (2) publications could be journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings etc. published by recognized publishers;
- (iv) be the first/lead author in at least half of the required journal publications, which must be spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals;
- (v) regular scholarly presentations at national and/or international conferences;
- (vi) present evidence of ability to secure high value research grants and funding;
- (vii) evidence of externally funded/supported/resourced sustained research activity as determined by the University;
- (viii) significant research impact and quality of research;
- (ix) written evidence of recognition/acknowledgement as research or professional standing by international and national peers;
- (x) evidence of research collaboration with industry or other institutions, and cognate disciplines;
- (xi) evidence of successful graduate programme supervision;
- (xii) evidence of social, profession, and community engagements in a university environment; and
- (xiii) membership or registration with Engineers Registration Board (ERB) and/or a relevant internationally recognized engineering professional body.
- **Other Requirements (SENIOR LECTURER):**
- i. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
- ii. Academic leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire and motivate research teams towards achieving common goals;
- iii. Evidence of collaboration with industry or other institutions, and cognate disciplines.
Salary
The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
REF Code: IRC 3512
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) stands as the nation's premier institution for higher learning, with its main campus primarily located in Gaborone. Established in 1982, it plays a critical role in advancing the intellectual and human resource capacity essential for Botswana's socio-economic development. UB offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across diverse faculties, including sciences, humanities, business, and education. The university is deeply committed to fostering robust research and innovation, addressing key societal challenges and contributing to the economic diversification of Botswana. Through its dedication to academic excellence and community engagement, UB actively prepares skilled professionals who drive progress across all sectors within Botswana.
Shaping the Future
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Botswana?
A master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field is required, with a PhD preferred for senior lecturer positions. Candidates should have proven teaching experience at tertiary level and a record of research publications in peer‑reviewed journals. Professional registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana is advantageous but not mandatory.
What are the common day‑to‑day responsibilities of this role?
Lecturers prepare and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions in geotechnical topics. They supervise student projects, assess coursework and exams, and provide academic guidance. Additionally, they are expected to conduct research, publish findings, and contribute to departmental service activities such as committee work.
What is the typical work culture and expectations for academic staff in Botswana?
The University of Botswana values collegiality, respect for diversity, and a commitment to national development through teaching and research. Faculty are expected to maintain regular office hours, participate in community outreach, and adhere to institutional policies on ethics and accountability. Collaboration with industry and government agencies is encouraged to ensure relevance of geotechnical engineering education.
What career progression opportunities exist for a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at UB?
Starting as a Lecturer, individuals can advance to Senior Lecturer after demonstrating sustained teaching excellence, research output, and service contributions. Further promotion to Associate Professor and Professor is based on a cumulative record of peer‑reviewed publications, successful grant acquisition, and leadership in academic administration. Professional development through conferences, workshops, and continuing education is supported to facilitate growth.
What benefits are typically offered to academic staff at the University of Botswana?
Employees receive annual leave accrual, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave in accordance with Botswana public service regulations. Medical aid contributions are partially subsidized by the university, and staff are enrolled in the national pension scheme or an approved provident fund. Additional perks may include research grants, travel allowances for conferences, and access to university facilities such as libraries and sports centers.
How should a job seeker apply and what does the University of Botswana look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted online through the UB careers portal, requiring a cover letter, detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, and evidence of teaching and research experience. The selection committee evaluates candidates on academic credentials, teaching ability, research potential, and alignment with the university’s strategic goals. Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview and may be asked to deliver a teaching demonstration or research presentation.