Vacancy title:
Water and Environment Scientific Officer

[Type: FULL_TIME, Industry: Public Administration, and Government, Category: Science & Engineering, Civil & Government]

Jobs at:
National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR)

Deadline of this Job:
Saturday, September 5 2026

Duty Station:
Along Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Road | Lusaka | Lusaka

Summary
Date Posted: Wednesday, August 26 2026, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

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Learn more about National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR)
National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) jobs in Zambia

JOB DETAILS:

ABOUT NISIR

NISIR is a government institution under the Ministry of Technology and Science, mandated by the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 to initiate, promote and conduct scientific, technological and industrial research.

The Institute is recruiting scientists across five disciplines. Zambian and international candidates are welcome to apply.

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who applied for these positions in response to the earlier advertisement need not re-apply. Their applications are already in the pool and will be considered alongside new submissions.

Duplicate applications will not improve your chances and will be set aside.

JOB PURPOSE

The job purpose is to initiate and conduct scientific and industrial research in your field of specialisation and to build the proposals, partnerships and people that carry that research out of the laboratory and into Zambian industry.

Choose the discipline that matches your training, and apply for one discipline and one duty station only.

WATER & ENVIRONMENT — 1 POST

Duty Station: Lusaka

Fields:

Environmental Science or Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Integrated Water Resources Management, or Hydrology.

Bench Strength:

Water and environmental research, with the analytical methods your field relies on.

WHAT YOU WILL DO — ALL DISCIPLINES

• Plan, initiate, organise and conduct scientific and industrial research studies in your field of specialisation.
• Collect, analyse and interpret data in your specialised area.
• Adapt methods, techniques and procedures to carry out relevant research assignments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to explore scientific and industrial research.
• Present research findings to stakeholders at conferences and other fora.
• Develop and write high-quality scientific and industrial research project proposals in your field of specialisation.
• Advise lower-level scientists conducting research in your specific field of expertise.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant and applicable standards in every research activity.

WHAT YOU NEED — ALL DISCIPLINES

• Master’s Degree in the relevant field listed for your discipline, or a closely related discipline. (Required.)
• Full Grade 12 Certificate or its equivalent.
• At least three (3) years of relevant research experience.
• A proven track record of publications.
• Experience in collaborative, multidisciplinary research projects.
• Experience with the analytical techniques relevant to your field.

ADDED ADVANTAGE — NOT A REQUIREMENT

• A Doctorate (PhD) in one of the fields listed for your discipline.
• A track record of successful grant capture or research commercialisation.
• Experience supervising postgraduate students or leading multi-institutional collaborations.

A PhD helps, but is not the gate. Strong Master’s-level researchers with a real publication record and three years’ experience are encouraged to apply.

WHY BUILD YOUR CAREER HERE

RESEARCH WITH A DESTINATION

A statutory mandate to initiate, promote and conduct research that reaches Zambian industry — not to stop at publication.

THREE RESEARCH SITES

Posts at Lusaka, Chilanga and Kitwe, placing research close to agriculture, industry and the Copperbelt minerals economy.

OPEN TO THE WORLD

International applicants are welcome. Appointment is subject to Zambian immigration and employment permit requirements.

A PHD HELPS, BUT IS NOT THE GATE

Strong Master’s-level researchers with a real publication record and three years’ experience are encouraged to apply.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 12

Level of Education: postgraduate degree

Job application procedure
Interested in applying for this job? Click here to submit your application now.

1. NAME THE POST

Put the position, discipline and duty station at the top of your cover letter.

2. WRITE THE COVER LETTER

Write a cover letter setting out why you are suited to the post you have named.

3. ATTACH YOUR CV

A detailed CV ending with three (3) traceable referees and their contact details.

Add a full list of publications, grants and any registered intellectual property.

4. ATTACH CERTIFICATES

Copies of your Grade 12 certificate, all academic qualifications and professional membership certificates.

5. SEND ONE PDF

Combine the cover letter, CV and every certificate into a single PDF file and mail it so that it arrives on or before the closing date.

ADDRESS APPLICATIONS TO

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

Along Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Road

P.O. Box 310158

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Attach one single PDF containing your cover letter, CV and all certificates. Separate files, links or zipped folders will not be opened.

Quote the position, discipline and duty station in the subject line.

Example:

Scientific Officer (Natural Products), Kitwe

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