FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS VACANCY NO: IRC 3409 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 Technician in the Department of Physics . The Senior Technician is responsible for preparing equipment and materials for laboratories/ workshops, ensuring the equipment and materials within the faculty are in good order and provide teaching support as required for all teaching and learning environments.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Education
- Closing Date: 2026-08-10
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching and Learning Support: (i) Plan, coordinate, schedule and implement field and laboratory practicals;
- Teaching and Learning Support: (ii) Provide necessary support to students and researchers in laboratory practicals, field work, tutorials and research projects as directed by a course lecturer;
- Teaching and Learning Support: (iii) Assist with assessment/grading of student reports for laboratory/field work/tutorials;
- Teaching and Learning Support: (iv) Contribute to ongoing research activities to support knowledge creation, intellectual property, and commercialization in line with area of expertise;
- Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support: (i) Ensure that equipment is functional and optimally utilized;
- Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support: (ii) Ensure adherence to SHE protocols and guidelines;
- Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support: (iii) Provide technical advice to students and staff and timely reporting of equipment faults;
- Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support: (iv) Recommend decommissioning of obsolete equipment and its replacement;
- Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support: (v) Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks;
- Inventory Tracking: (i) Maintain accurate and up to date inventory (equipment and stock) records;
- Inventory Tracking: (ii) Monitor supplies and educational materials and initiate the procurement process in respective areas.
- Inventory Tracking: (iii) Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of technical equipment, tools and supplies.
- General: (i) Contribute to the development of and implementation of the unit and department strategy, policies, and procedures;
- General: (ii) Participate in internal and external audits in line with University policies;
- General: (iii) respond to customer/stakeholder queries and inquiries related to area of expertise;
- General: (iv) adhere to performance targets as reflected in the performance review and appraisal;
- General: (v) identify learning opportunities and follow up on own training and development in line with departmental needs;
- General: (vi) undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor in line with their role.
Requirements
- Qualification Requirements: (i) A Bachelor’s degree in Physics or related discipline is required.
- Qualification Requirements: (ii) A Master’s degree in the relevant area will be an added advantage.
- Experience: (i) A minimum of four (4) years’ experience as Technician (or equivalent) in Physics laboratories.
- Experience: (ii) Higher education experience will be an added advantage.
- Professional registration: Applicants should be eligible for registration as a professional by an appropriate and recognised professional body.
- Other Requirements: (i) Strong experience in technical operations, equipment maintenance, and facility management, preferably in an academic or research environment.
- Other Requirements: (ii)Strong technical skills and knowledge of maintenance procedures, inventory management and operation of scientific laboratory equipment.
- Other Requirements: (iii) Knowledgeable in curriculum requirements to support students and lecturers; ensure accuracy in assessments and grading.
- Other Requirements: (vi) Ensure accuracy in assessment methods and grading.
- Other Requirements: (vii) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Other Requirements: (viii) Commitment to safety and adherence to relevant regulations and standards.
- Other Requirements: (xi) Knowledge and experience in the operation of scientific laboratory equipment will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3409 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3409
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 and experience are typically required for a Senior Physics Technician at the University of Botswana?
Candidates generally need a relevant B.Sc. degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Physics or a related engineering field. Significant practical experience (often 5+ years) in a university laboratory setting, including equipment maintenance and experimental setup, is crucial.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Senior Physics Technician at the University of Botswana?
Daily tasks involve preparing and setting up laboratory experiments for various physics courses, maintaining and calibrating scientific equipment, and ensuring a safe working environment. Technicians also assist students and faculty with practical sessions and troubleshoot technical issues.
What can I expect regarding the work culture and expectations for this role within a Botswanan university setting?
The work culture is typically professional, collaborative, and values meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. Punctuality, diligence, and the ability to work effectively within a team supporting academic staff and students are highly expected.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Senior Physics Technician at the University of Botswana?
Career progression often involves moving into Principal Technician roles, specializing in advanced areas, or taking on supervisory responsibilities within the department. Further professional development and acquiring additional specialized certifications can also open new doors.
What typical benefits, such as leave, medical aid, and pension, are usually offered for a public sector role like this in Botswana?
Employees can generally expect competitive benefits, including annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave as per public service regulations in Botswana. A comprehensive medical aid scheme and a contributory pension fund are typically part of the remuneration package.
What should I focus on when applying for this role at the University of Botswana, and what do local employers look for?
Emphasize your hands-on technical skills, experience with diverse physics laboratory equipment, and problem-solving abilities in your application. Botswanan employers also highly value professionalism, a strong work ethic, and good communication skills for interacting with students and staff.