Job Summary
- Employer: University of Botswana
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Engineering
- Salary: The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-29
Key Responsibilities
- contribute to the development of and implement university, faculty and school level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures
- use programme/course design principles and institutional guidelines to ensure effective curriculum development
- 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
- ensure alignment between programmes/ courses and respective outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment methods and criteria
- teach undergraduate courses such as Engineering Statics, Mechanics of Materials, Analysis of Structures, Reinforced Concrete Design and graduate courses including Advanced Structural Analysis, Finite Element Analysis and Structural Dynamics
- supervise students’ research/design projects and dissertations/theses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in structural engineering
- lead original research projects, addressing key questions in the discipline
- secure external funding to support research and elevate the university’s reputation
- mentor graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty for their scholarly development
- cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering innovation and problem-solving
- provide leadership and participate in Faculty committees
- engage in consultancies with an impact on both the profession and the community
- assist with organizing faculty/ university symposium and conferences of national importance
- undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of School/ Departmental Chairperson in line with the role
Requirements
- a PhD degree in Civil/Structural Engineering
- a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching, research and governance
- 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 recognised 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 recognised publishers.
- be the first/sole author in at least half of the required journal publications, which must be spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals
- have regular scholarly presentations at national and/or international conferences
- present evidence of ability to secure high value research grants and funding
- provide evidence of externally funded/supported/resourced sustained research activity as determined by the University
- have significant research impact and quality of research
- have written evidence of recognition/acknowledgement as research or professional standing by international and national peers
- provide evidence of research collaboration with industry or other institutions, and cognate disciplines
- present evidence of successful graduate programme supervision
- provide evidence of social, profession, and community engagements in a university environment
- Have valid membership/registration with a relevant Engineers Registration Board (ERB) or an internationally recognized engineering professional body.
Salary
The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
REF Code: IRC 3384 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3384
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 for a Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering at a Botswana university?
A PhD in Structural Engineering or a closely related field is usually essential, along with a professional engineering registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana. Most institutions also require several years of postdoctoral research or industry experience, plus a proven track record of published research in reputable journals.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Senior Lecturer in this role?
Daily duties include delivering undergraduate and postgraduate lectures, supervising student research projects, and conducting independent research for publication. You will also participate in curriculum development, attend faculty meetings, and engage with industry partners to maintain practical relevance in teaching.
How does the work culture at Botswana universities typically operate for senior academic staff?
The culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making through departmental committees, with expectations of community engagement and institutional service. Punctuality and formal communication are valued, though flexibility exists around research schedules during non-teaching periods.
What career progression opportunities exist for Senior Lecturers in Botswana's higher education sector?
Progression typically follows the path to Associate Professor and full Professor based on research output, teaching excellence, and administrative contributions. Opportunities also exist to move into departmental leadership roles such as Head of Department or Dean, or to transition into consultancy and policy advisory positions.
What benefits are commonly offered with fixed-term academic contracts in Botswana?
Benefits usually include membership in the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or a university-specific scheme, medical aid contributions, and generous annual leave allowances. Housing or housing allowances and research support grants may also be negotiable depending on the institution and contract terms.
What should I emphasize when applying for this position to meet employer expectations in Botswana?
Highlight your registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana or eligibility to register, your research publications, and any local or regional industry collaboration experience. Demonstrate understanding of Botswana's infrastructure challenges and commitment to developing local engineering capacity through your application materials.
