Graduate Research Assistant

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Hands-on research experience

Publication opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading scientific research institution in Polokwane to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant. You will support senior researchers with data collection, experiments, and literature reviews, contributing to diverse scientific projects.

Your role emphasizes rigorous data handling, notebook discipline, and collaboration within a motivated team, offering valuable hands-on research experience in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science or related field.
• Strong academic record with demonstrated interest in research.
• Basic knowledge of research methods and experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and conducting experiments and research studies.
• Collect, organize, and analyze research data using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Perform literature searches and summarize relevant scientific publications.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and research records.
• Prepare research materials, samples, and equipment for experiments.
• Contribute to the writing and editing of research reports and manuscripts.
• Collaborate with research team members on project tasks and objectives.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research activities.
• Assist in the presentation of research findings at internal meetings or conferences.

Skills

Data collection

Data analysis

Literature review

Laboratory techniques

Experimental design

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

Excel

SPSS

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading scientific research institution based in Polokwane, is seeking a dedicated and inquisitive Graduate Research Assistant to support ongoing research projects. This role is perfect for a recent graduate with a strong academic background and a passion for scientific inquiry. You will assist senior researchers in data collection, analysis, experimentation, and literature reviews across various scientific disciplines. The institution fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, providing excellent opportunities for professional development and hands-on research experience. You will work closely with a team of experts, contributing to groundbreaking studies that aim to advance knowledge and find innovative solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of scientific research and build a solid foundation for a future career in academia or industry R&D, right here in Polokwane.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and conducting experiments and research studies.
• Collect, organize, and analyze research data using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Perform literature searches and summarize relevant scientific publications.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and research records.
• Prepare research materials, samples, and equipment for experiments.
• Contribute to the writing and editing of research reports and manuscripts.
• Collaborate with research team members on project tasks and objectives.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research activities.
• Assist in the presentation of research findings at internal meetings or conferences.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in research.
• Basic knowledge of scientific research methodologies and experimental design.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and equipment is a plus.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R) is an advantage.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and collaboration.
• Ability to follow instructions precisely and work methodically.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and available to work on-site in Polokwane.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package for a graduate role.
• Valuable hands-on research experience in a reputable institution.
• Mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers.
• Opportunities for professional development and potential publication credits.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research and scientific advancements.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Contribute to impactful scientific discoveries.
• Access to research facilities and resources.