Company: Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Industry: Higher Education / Scientific Research
Job Category: Laboratory Internships / Life Sciences / Phytomedicine
Location: Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, Gauteng, South Africa
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Internship
Remuneration: Stipend (not specified)
EE Position: Yes
Closing Date: 25 July 2025
Introduction
Are you a Life Sciences graduate eager to gain real-world laboratory experience? The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is calling on recent postgraduate students to apply for its Laboratory Assistant Internship Programme 2025. Hosted at TUT’s renowned SAMRC Unit and SARChI in Phytomedicine, this internship presents a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of phytomedicine research while acquiring technical skills that are essential in both academic and industrial lab environments.
If you hold a Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Life Sciences or a related field and are looking to grow your career in research, biotechnology, biochemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences, this internship is an ideal stepping stone.
Job Description
The internship spans a full 12-month period and is designed to equip selected candidates with technical laboratory skills through exposure to phytomedicine research projects. Interns will work under the supervision of senior researchers and postgraduate students while gaining hands-on training in state-of-the-art lab facilities.
Key focus areas include:
- Assisting with analytical, biological, and chemical experiments
- Managing inventory and laboratory consumables
- Ensuring safety standards and regulatory compliance
- Using advanced lab instrumentation and extraction techniques
- Participating in operational support tasks including scheduling and documentation
This is a full-time commitment requiring 40 hours per week on-site at the Arcadia Campus in Gauteng.
Ideal Candidate
TUT is looking for self-driven, detail-oriented individuals who are not only academically qualified but are also passionate about research, science, and technology. The successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the broader mission of the research unit.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in:
- Life Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Preferred Qualification:
- A Master’s degree is a distinct advantage and may provide a competitive edge during selection.
Additional Advantageous Experience:
- Familiarity with:
- Chromatography techniques (e.g., HPLC, TLC)
- Mass spectrometry analysis
- Plant extraction and purification techniques
Role Responsibility
Interns will be expected to function as integral members of the laboratory team. They will support senior scientists and postgraduate students in executing laboratory experiments while managing operational tasks crucial to research continuity.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist researchers and postgrad students in laboratory procedures
- Replenish laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables
- Oversee proper disposal of chemicals and plant waste
- Maintain general lab hygiene and organizational tidiness
- Monitor and calibrate laboratory equipment regularly
- Log plant material and associated data
- Schedule preventive maintenance for analytical instruments
- Prepare documentation for laboratory procurement
- Respond to technical and supply-related service queries
- Support compliance with safety and health regulations in all lab areas
Skills and Attributes
To excel in this internship, candidates must bring a combination of technical knowledge, laboratory experience, and soft skills that align with research standards and safety protocols.
Core Technical Competencies:
- Solid understanding of chemical substances and their safe handling
- Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures
- Experience working in bioscience or chemistry labs
- Competence in using tools such as:
- Rotary evaporators
- UV/Vis spectrophotometers
- Analytical balances
- Plant drying ovens
- Data recording and interpretation in laboratory settings
Key Professional Attributes:
- Strong time management and multitasking ability
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (written and verbal)
- Comfortable with technical writing and documentation
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Strong sense of discipline and work ethic
- Computer literacy – especially MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Collaborative attitude and team spirit
SEE ALSO: Dischem Dispensary Support Learnerships 2025
Position Summary
The TUT Laboratory Assistant Internship 2025 is a rare opportunity for unemployed Life Science graduates to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical scientific application. Interns will become part of pioneering research in phytomedicine, focusing on plant-derived medicines that form the foundation of both traditional and modern therapeutics.
Whether you envision a future in academia, pharmaceuticals, or medical biotechnology, this internship gives you the technical foundation and work exposure needed to thrive. Participants will benefit from structured mentorship and a supportive research culture within TUT’s SAMRC Unit and SARChI Chair in Phytomedicine.
Graduates who complete this internship will walk away with not only enhanced laboratory proficiency but also a competitive advantage in the job market or postgraduate study applications.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via email before the closing date.
Application Deadline: 25 July 2025, at 16:00
Send your full application to:
Ms. Chantelle Du Plooy at DuPlooyC@tut.ac.za
Application Must Include:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed Application Form for Employment
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your qualifications (including academic transcripts)
Enquiries:
For academic or technical questions, contact:
📧 Dr. Maxleene Sandasi at SandasiM@tut.ac.za
Final Notes for Applicants:
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Ensure your contact details are up to date
- The programme is open to South African citizens only
- Preference may be given to Employment Equity candidates
Conclusion
The TUT Laboratory Assistant Internship Programme 2025 offers more than just a job – it offers the chance to be part of cutting-edge research in natural medicine, under the mentorship of leading researchers in South Africa. If you have a background in Life Sciences, a passion for scientific research, and a desire to grow in the field of phytomedicine, don’t miss out on this exceptional career-launching opportunity.
Apply today and take the next step toward your future in science.