The University of Botswana (UB), a state-owned tertiary education institution, invites suitably qualified candidates for the position of Senior Lecturer in Thermal Engineering/ Fluid Systems Engineering/ Energy Engineering. The position holder is responsible for advancing their respective discipline, make significant contribution to research, scholarship, teaching as well as other administrative activities of the Institution. The incumbent will provide significant leadership in scholarly research and/or professional activities relevant to their profession, discipline or community.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 9999-12-31
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Thermo-fluids/Energy and related areas
- Supervise both undergraduate and graduate student research projects
- Conduct research in the area of Thermo-fluids/Energy and also complement existing research activities
- Participate in governance and social engagement activities within university, nationally and internationally
- and perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chairperson of the Department/Head of School
Requirements
- a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related area
- a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related areas
- a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- At least 3 years relevant teaching experience at a university or comparable institution
- A minimum of 6 pieces of research products (e.g. articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc.) published by recognized publishers. Four (4) of these must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognized indexing databases such as SCOPUS, Web of Science or IBSS. The remaining two (2) publications could be journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings, etc. published by recognized publishers. An academic book may be equivalent to a maximum of 4 articles in refereed/accredited journals, depending on the quality and standing of the publisher
- sustained research activity: a minimum of one (1) peer reviewed publication every two (2) years
- scholarly presentations at national and/or international conferences
- lead and/or single author in at least one-third of the required journal publications
- publications that are spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals
- recognizable research impact, including but not limited to citations, the h-index, patents, peer reviews, publications that are prescribed texts in other institutions etc. (required in at least 2 of these)
- been recognized as being of at least national research standing (e.g. reviewer for refereed/accredited national and regional publishers; Editorial board member of at least a national publisher in a relevant field; invitation as key note speaker at national and/or international conferences (required in at least 1 of these)
- research collaborations with other institutions or organisations
- been an external examiner for Masters and/or PhD theses nationally and/or internationally
- Registered or be eligible to register with ERB as a Professional Engineer
- Registered or be eligible to register with BQA as Assessor & Moderator
- evidence of governance and social engagement
Salary
The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Apply by email: recruitmentfebe@ub.ac.bw
Apply online: ub.bw
Apply online: ub.bw
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3379
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 academic qualifications and professional certifications are typically required for this Senior Lecturer role in Botswana?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Thermal Engineering, Fluid Systems Engineering, or Energy Engineering from a recognised institution. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications, postdoctoral experience, and registration with the Botswana Institution of Engineers (BIE) is highly preferred. Teaching experience at university level in Botswana or similar SADC higher education systems is also expected.
What does a typical day look like for a Senior Lecturer in this field at the University of Botswana?
Daily responsibilities include delivering lectures and laboratory sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate engineering courses, supervising final-year projects and MSc/PhD research, and contributing to curriculum development aligned with Botswana’s National Development Plan priorities. Administrative duties such as departmental committee work and student mentoring are also integral, often scheduled around teaching blocks common in UB’s semester system.
How does the local work culture and academic expectations in Botswana differ from other countries?
Work culture at UB emphasises collegiality, respect for seniority, and responsiveness to national development goals—especially in energy and industrialisation. Punctuality, formal communication with senior staff, and active participation in community-engaged research (e.g., rural solar thermal applications) are valued. Academic freedom is upheld, but alignment with UB’s strategic plan and national policy frameworks is expected.
What realistic career progression paths exist after appointment as a Senior Lecturer in this field?
Progression typically follows the UB Academic Career Pathway: Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor → Professor, contingent on sustained research output, successful grant acquisition (e.g., from Botswana Innovation Hub or BRICS partnerships), and leadership in curriculum or national technical committees. Some academics transition into advisory roles with Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) or the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, leveraging subject-matter expertise.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—are typically offered to academic staff at the University of Botswana?
Staff are enrolled in the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) and receive fully subsidised medical aid through the Government Medical Aid Scheme (GMAS). Annual leave is 30 working days, plus public holidays and extended recess periods during university breaks. Additional benefits include study leave support and access to UB’s staff development programmes, subject to service requirements.