SAMRC Genomics Internship 2026: Earn R16,047 Per Month in a 12-Month Programme

Scholarly Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 163,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The SAMRC Genomics Internship in Cape Town offers a 12‑month training programme in genomics, molecular biology and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Interns will gain hands‑on experience in GLP, NGS workflows and laboratory automation while working with the Genomics Platform team.

Selected interns will contribute to ongoing projects, develop practical skills, and meet core requirements such as a BSc Honours or equivalent and knowledge in molecular biology.

Qualifications

• A BSc Honours or equivalent four‑year qualification in Molecular Biology, Genetics or related discipline.
• One to two years knowledge or experience in Molecular Biology or Genetics.
• Basic knowledge of genomics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support daily activities of the Genomics Platform laboratory.
• Perform sample quality control and nucleic acid isolation tasks.
• Assist with sequencing library preparation.
• Complete facility administrative tasks.
• Participate in lab projects and practical training.
• Develop knowledge of NGS processes and workflows.

Education

BSc Honours or equivalent in Molecular Biology or Genetics

Job description

SAMRC Genomics Internship 2026: Earn R16,047 Per Month in a 12-Month Programme

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is inviting applications for its Genomics Internship in Cape Town. The one-year programme offers R16,047 per month and practical training in molecular biology, genomics and Next Generation Sequencing. Applications close on 14 November 2026.

SAMRC Genomics Internship 2026

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for its Genomics Internship Programme within the Genomics Platform in Cape Town. The opportunity is aimed at individuals with an academic background in Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related discipline who want to develop practical laboratory skills in genomics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

The internship will run for one year, with successful candidates receiving a monthly remuneration of R16,047. The programme provides technical training and workplace exposure in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), NGS and workflow automation.

There is one position available, and interested candidates must submit their applications before the closing date of 14 November 2026.

About the SAMRC Genomics Internship

The SAMRC Genomics Platform established the NGS Internship Programme in 2023 in partnership with DIPLOMICS. Its purpose is to strengthen technical training and capacity development in genomics-related laboratory processes.

Selected interns will become active members of the SAMRC Genomics Platform laboratory team. They will participate in important projects designed to strengthen their technical knowledge, practical abilities and future employability.

The programme focuses on developing skills in Good Laboratory Practice, Next Generation Sequencing and laboratory workflow automation. Although previous hands-on NGS experience is advantageous, it is not compulsory because training will be provided during the internship.

Candidates should, however, have a basic understanding of genomics and NGS, together with a genuine interest in developing practical experience in the field.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Areas

The successful intern will support the daily activities and core functions of the Genomics Platform laboratory. The responsibilities will include:

• Performing sample quality control activities.
• Assisting with nucleic acid isolation.
• Supporting sequencing library preparation.
• Completing administrative tasks related to the facility’s core functions.
• Participating in laboratory projects and practical training.
• Developing knowledge of NGS processes and laboratory workflows.

Through these activities, the intern will gain exposure to laboratory procedures and technical processes used in genomics research.

Applicants must meet the academic and technical requirements outlined by the SAMRC.

The core requirements include:

• A BSc Honours degree or an equivalent four-year qualification in Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related discipline, or a higher qualification.
• One to two years of knowledge or experience in Molecular Biology or Genetics.
• One to two years of knowledge or experience in basic molecular biology techniques, including RNA and DNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of genomics and Next Generation Sequencing.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Advantageous Experience and Skills

Although not compulsory, the following experience and knowledge will be beneficial:

• Knowledge or experience in Next Generation Sequencing laboratory workflows.
• Knowledge or experience in sample management.
• Experience with DNA and RNA quality control.
• Previous participation in research projects involving molecular biology, genetics or genomics.
• Exposure to genomic data or the application of genomics in biomedical research.

Applicants who have gained exposure to these areas may be better prepared for the practical learning activities involved in the programme.

Additional Selection Criteria

The SAMRC has outlined additional conditions that will apply during the selection process.

Candidates must not be studying full-time. Those who are enrolled in studies must ensure that their classes take place outside normal working hours.

The opportunity is intended for candidates with no formal work experience in the Molecular Biology or Genetics field. Applicants will be assessed according to their academic background, relevant knowledge, interest in genomics and NGS, and potential to develop practical skills through the internship.

Candidates should therefore demonstrate their interest in the field and clearly present their relevant academic training and laboratory knowledge in their applications.

• Organisation: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
• Position: Genomics Intern
• Job Reference Number: R975A
• Department: Genomics Platform
• Location: Cape Town
• Contract Type: Contract
• Duration: 12 months
• Number of Positions: 1
• Monthly Remuneration: R16,047
• Closing Date: 14 November 2026

Closing Date

The closing date for the SAMRC Genomics Internship is 14 November 2026.

This one-year opportunity offers a monthly remuneration of R16,047 and practical exposure to genomics, molecular biology and Next Generation Sequencing. Eligible candidates interested in developing their laboratory and research skills are encouraged to apply before the deadline.