RESEARCH SCHOLAR IN DISEASE ECOLOGY

OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MAUN)

VACANCY NO. ORI 5/2018: RESEARCH SCHOLAR IN DISEASE ECOLOGY, OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Applications are invited for the following academic position at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun in the North Western part of Botswana and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the world famous Okavango Delta and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) region. The Institute has a good library (a branch of the University library in Gaborone) and excellent research laboratories. The Institute attracts significant international funding and is becoming generally acknowledged as a global research leader in natural resources management. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.

Duties: The successful candidate will conduct research focusing on disease ecology in northern Botswana and the Kgalagadi region. Northern Botswana has mixed land uses such as wildlife conservation and livestock production, which creates challenges for control of disease transmission between wildlife and livestock and vice versa. In addition, diseases in northern Botswana have socio-economic and ecological impacts on ecosystem services and in some cases are drivers of biodiversity loss. Thus, the successful candidate will be expected to conduct research that advances our understanding of conditions and vectors of disease transmission between various wildlife species, livestock and people and how this can be managed. Key research would be focussed on finding solutions for harmony of wildlife conservation and livestock production beyond the veterinary fence concept and identifying wildlife diseases that are threats to the wildlife and the tourism industry.

Research will involve the formulation of broad research projects, (successful) preparation and submission of research proposals, organizing and conducting field measurement campaigns, analysis and interpretation of data, and presentation of results in the form of scientific journal articles and oral presentations to various audiences. The candidate will also be expected to teach, supervise students and mentor junior staff, as well as providing technical expertise to colleagues planning to collar, capture or collect tissue samples from research animals.

Requirements: Research Scholar: Applicants should hold: (i) a Master’s Degree with specialization in disease ecology (ii) a Bachelor’s Degree in disease ecology with at least a 2(i) pass/GPA of at least 3.6 or equivalent; (iii) evidence of engagement in research and service. A PhD focusing on wetland disease ecology will be added advantage.

Remuneration: The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the University, please visit our website; www.ub.bw

How to Apply: SIGNED Letters of applications are to address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University to determine your suitability for the position. Applicants  should indicate clearly the position applied for, quote the vacancy numbers; provide current CVs which must include  contact information (telephone/mobile numbers, email address, postal address and fax number), certified copies of educational certificates, transcripts and THREE (3)  reference letters to: The Institute Administrator, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana or e-mail, [email protected] / [email protected] . Tel. 267 6817223; Fax. 267 6861835. Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be acknowledged.

Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Office number N0. 2, Porta cabin E1.

NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Closing Date:                Open Until Filled