FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES VACANCY NO: IRC 3428 The University of Botswana (UB), a premier state-owned tertiary institution dedicated to shaping the future through excellence, research, innovation and meaningful societal impact, invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Ecology in the Department of Biological Sciences under the School of Physical and Life Science.
Job Summary
- Employer: University of Botswana
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Education
- Salary: The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-14
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Wildlife Ecology and related areas;
- Supervise both undergraduate and graduate student research projects;
- Conduct research in Wildlife Ecology and also complement existing research activities in the area;
- Participate in other academic and professional activities of the department;
- Provide good disciplinary knowledge and ensure that use a range of learning practices;
- Demonstrate coherence between philosophy and practice;
- 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;
- Secure external funding to support research and elevate the university’s reputation;
- Drive grant proposal development to sustain research momentum;
- Advocate for cross-disciplinary research to tackle societal challenges effectively;
- Collaborate with other institutions, organisations or cognitive disciplines in the university to drive the research standing of the university;
- Examine, moderate or assess undergraduate and/or postgraduate students;
- Participate and serve as a Board Secretary in departmental committees;
- Conduct and participate in community extension work to include the promotion of locally relevant cultural attributes/ values that benefit the community, serving as an advisor/ resource to a community organisation and/ or applying professional expertise to solve community problems;
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay current in both academic and professional realms locally;
- Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks and
- perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson required by the University in line with the role.
Requirements
- A PhD in Ecology with specialization in Wildlife Ecology or a related discipline;
- A Master’s Degree in Ecology with specialization in Wildlife Ecology, or a related field;
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science with specialization in Ecology or a related field with at least a 2(i) pass or equivalent;
- At least 3 years teaching experience in Wildlife Ecology or related areas at a university or comparable institution;
- an excellent cumulative and sustained record of research and publications with at least 6 pieces of research products published by recognised publishers, 4 of which must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognised indexing databases. The remaining 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 output: a minimum of 1 peer reviewed publication every 2 years;
- scholarly presentations at national and/or international conferences;
- lead and/or single author in at least 2 refereed journal articles;
- publications should be spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals;
- some research impact, including but not limited to citations, the h-index, patents, policy applications, peer reviews, publications that are prescribed texts in other institutions etc. (required in at least 1 of the these);
- recognised 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 the these) and
- evidence of governance and social engagement.
- Evidence of research/academic leadership, research grants, programme development.
- Be registered or eligible for registration with the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).
Salary
The University offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3428
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 or Lecturer in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Botswana?
A PhD in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field is usually required for Senior Lecturer positions, while a Master's degree with significant research experience may suffice for Lecturer roles. Candidates should demonstrate a strong publication record and field research experience relevant to Southern African ecosystems. Professional memberships with bodies like the Botswana Wildlife Producers Association or similar regional organizations are advantageous.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Wildlife Ecology lecturer at the University of Botswana?
Daily tasks include delivering lectures and practical sessions to undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising student research projects often conducted in Botswana's national parks and reserves, and conducting independent research on local wildlife populations. Faculty also participate in departmental meetings, curriculum development, and community outreach programs. Fieldwork in remote areas such as the Okavango Delta or Central Kalahari Game Reserve is common during research seasons.
How does the academic work culture at the University of Botswana differ from other institutions in the region?
The University of Botswana emphasizes both teaching excellence and research output that addresses national development priorities, including sustainable wildlife management and biodiversity conservation. The culture values collaborative relationships with government departments like the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and international research partners. Work-life balance is generally respected, though peak periods around semester exams and grant application deadlines require additional commitment.
What career progression opportunities exist for Wildlife Ecology academics in Botswana?
Progression typically follows the path from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and ultimately Professor based on research publications, successful grant acquisition, and teaching evaluations. Opportunities exist to move into administrative roles such as Head of Department or Dean, or to transition into policy advisory positions with government conservation agencies. International mobility remains common, with many academics maintaining affiliations with regional networks like the Southern African Wildlife College.
What benefits are typically included in full-time academic positions at the University of Botswana?
Standard benefits include membership in the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund, medical aid coverage through schemes like Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme, and generous annual leave allowances typically exceeding 20 working days. Housing allowances or subsidized university accommodation may be available, particularly for appointees relocating from outside Gaborone. Research support often includes access to field vehicles, laboratory facilities, and limited seed funding for new projects.
What should applicants emphasize when applying for Wildlife Ecology positions at the University of Botswana?
Applicants should highlight field research experience in African savanna or wetland ecosystems, demonstrated ability to secure research funding, and commitment to mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. Familiarity with Botswana's National Conservation Strategy and relevant environmental legislation strengthens applications. The selection process typically involves presentation of a research seminar, teaching demonstration, and panel interview assessing both technical expertise and institutional fit.
