RESEARCH SCHOLAR: RESEARCH FELLOW IN HYDROLOGY – University of Botswana

Key Responsibilities

• Hydrological Research Leadership – The successful candidate will be expected to; i) design and implement research programs focused on some of the following areas : rainfall-runoff relationships, flood pulse dynamics, river-floodplain and channel flow behaviours, surface water-groundwater interactions, and sediment-water/evapotranspiration dynamics in the Okavango Delta and the wider Cubango-Okavango River Basin; ii) investigate groundwater recharge and discharge processes and their influence on river flows, floodplain inundation and wetland hydrology in the Okavango Delta and the Cubango-Okavango Basin; iii) assess the current and future influence of surface water-groundwater interactions on water quality and ecosystem functioning; iv) investigate the impacts of climate variability, climate change and upstream water resource developments on groundwater recharge, river baseflow and floodplain hydrology; v) integrate hydrological, hydrogeological, geochemical and isotopic techniques to characterise surface water-groundwater interactions
• Monitoring & Data Management: The position-holder will need to i) lead field-based monitoring of surface hydrological variables including discharge, flood extent, water levels, and seasonal hydrological variation, ii) maintain and improve hydrometric networks, remote sensing datasets, and water quality and quantity monitoring systems, iii) monitor groundwater levels through observation boreholes and piezometers, iv) monitor groundwater quality, including salinity, nutrients, major ions and contaminants, v) monitor groundwater recharge and discharge from seasonal floodwaters
• Modelling and Forecasting: The Research Fellow will be expected to; i) develop hydrological and hydrodynamic models (e.g., SWAT, HEC-RAS, MIKE SHE, or similar) to simulate surface water behaviour under different climatic and management scenarios; ii ) s upport flood forecasting and water resource assessment; iii) work with, update and improve the existing bespoke flood-pulse-vegetation ecology models (www.monitoringdata.ub.bw/inundation
• Interdisciplinary Integration: The hydrologist will i) work collaboratively with ecologists, climatologists, geographers, and social scientists to integrate hydrological insights into broader socio-ecological frameworks and resilience strategies
• Capacity Building: The successful candidate will i) mentor postgraduate students, train field assistants, and build technical capacity among local institutions and community-based organizations in hydrological monitoring and data interpretation
• Policy and Stakeholder Engagement: The position-holder will i) provide scientific advice to local and national authorities, NGOs, and transboundary institutions (e.g., OKACOM) on water governance, wetland conservation, and climate adaptation
• Academic Output: The research fellow will i) publish peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, and technical reports, and contribute to academic teaching within the University of Botswana
• Teaching: The successful candidate will be expected to i) Offer guidance and support to students throughout their research process, ensuring academic success and scholarly growth; ii) Deliver high-quality ; instructions and facilitate meaningful learning experiences through course modules and short courses (Wildlife scientists- carnivore ecology); iii) Utilize holistic approach to assess students’ academic performance and provide constructive feedback to promote continuous improvement
• Personal/ Professional Development: i) Register as a member of professional bodies/ committees in relevant area of expertise; ii) Assist with organising faculty/ university symposium and conferences of national importance; iii) Engage in continuous professional development to stay current in both academic and professional realms locally; iv) Adhere to performance targets as reflected in the performance contract and prepare for performance review and appraisals; v) Identify learning opportunities and follow up on own training and development in line with departmental needs
• Risk and Compliance: i) Participate in the identification of operational risk; ii) Participate in internal and external audits in line with University policies; iii) Comply with relevant regulations and legislation
• Customer Service: i) Respond to customer/stakeholder queries and inquires related to area of expertise; ii) Collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined. Undertake any other duties as directed by the Drector: Okavango Research Institute or as required by the University in line with the role.

Requirements

• a PhD in Hydrology, Hydrogeology or a related field with strong hydrological components
• proven experience in field hydrology, hydrological modelling, and use of geospatial tools (e.g., GIS, remote sensing)
• experience working in wetland, floodplain, or tropical semi-arid systems
• a demonstrated ability to secure research funding and manage interdisciplinary research projects
• the ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and non-scientific audiences
• university-level teaching experience or equivalent
• familiarity with the Okavango Delta, the Cubango Okavango River Basin or similar seasonal flood-pulsed fluvial ecosystems
• knowledge of Southern African transboundary water issues and institutions
• evidence of engagement in research (i.e., proof of submitted manuscripts and/ or published journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc. in reputable outlets)

Salary

the University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications

How to Apply

REF Code: IRC 3523 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3523