R&D Intern

Aeciminingchemicals; Durban; On-site; ZAR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aeciminingchemicals is seeking a motivated student to assist a chemist in day-to-day laboratory and development work within our R&D setting in Durban. You will gain practical experience in formulation and applications chemistry in an industrial environment.

This hands-on role offers exposure to bench and pilot-scale activities, documentation practices, and collaboration with a technical team. A chemistry background and genuine interest in applied chemistry are essential.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science.
• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (completed or in-service training to complete).
• Exposure to laboratory formulation and analytical testing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with bench-scale formulation trials and experimental work under chemist supervision.
• Prepare and characterize samples and compare performance to product specs.
• Run application-performance tests relevant to mining, lubricants, oleochemicals and waterproofing.
• Assist with raw material screening and evaluate alternative feedstocks.
• Support stability, aging and shelf-life studies on developmental samples.
• Conduct literature and patent searches to support product development.
• Record observations in lab notebooks with good documentation practice.
• Compile and interpret data, plot trends, and assist drafting technical reports.
• Assist with scale-up trials from bench to pilot scale.

Education

Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science

National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

GC

HPLC

FTIR

Titration techniques

Job description

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Our Research and Development laboratory develops specialty chemical products across mining, road construction, lubricants, oleochemicals, and waterproofing applications. We are looking for a motivated student to assist a chemist with day-to-day laboratory and development work.

This is a hands‑on opportunity to gain practical experience in formulation and applications chemistry within a working industrial R&D environment.

Required Outputs Functions

• Assist with bench‑scale formulation trials and experimental work under the guidance of the chemist
• Prepare and characterise experimental samples and evaluate performance against product specifications
• Set up and run application‑performance tests relevant to mining, road construction, lubricant, oleochemical, and waterproofing products
• Assist with raw material screening and evaluation of alternative or reformulated feedstocks
• Support stability, aging, and shelf‑life studies on developmental samples
• Assist with literature and patent searches to support new product investigation
• Record experimental observations in laboratory notebooks in line with good documentation practice
• Compile and interpret experimental data, plot trends, and assist in drafting technical reports
• Assist with scale‑up trials from bench to pilot scale
• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science
• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (completed, or requiring in‑service training to complete the qualification)

Advantageous

• Exposure to instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, or titration techniques
• Basic computer literacy (MS Excel and Word)

Attributes

• Accurate, methodical, and detail‑oriented
• Strong safety awareness and willingness to follow procedure
• Good written and verbal communication
• Able to work independently and as part of a technical team
• Genuine interest in applied chemistry and product development