Biomedical Sciences Intern at University of the Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites high-achieving science graduates to apply for two exciting Biomedical Sciences Internship opportunities within the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences. Situated at the Bloemfontein Campus in the Free State, South Africa, this twelve-month contract position is specifically designed for ambitious young professionals looking to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical genomics laboratory research. Successful applicants will embark on an intensive training journey covering both wet-laboratory and dry-laboratory bioinformatics workflows under the mentorship of seasoned academics and clinical researchers, commencing on 01 January 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage actively in structured wet and dry laboratory (Bioinformatics) genomic workflows, encompassing sample handling, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation.

• Assist in the daily operational and administrative business demands of the specialized unit when required.

• Support the planning, coordination, and logistical organization of structured bioinformatics training workshops.

• Provide operational laboratory training, peer support, and demonstrations for visiting researchers, postgraduate fellows, and undergraduate students.

• Contribute significantly to academic research dissemination, including documentation, reporting, and scientific presentations.

• Ensure stringent adherence to health, laboratory biosafety guidelines, and university governance policies.

Why Join the Company

Working at the University of the Free State offers an unparalleled entry point into cutting-edge genomic research and higher education administration in South Africa. As an intern within the renowned Faculty of Health Sciences, you will gain hands-on exposure to next-generation sequencing workflows and high-level bioinformatics tools that are in exceptionally high demand globally. UFS fosters an inclusive, research-led, and transformative environment dedicated to human development and scientific innovation. Participants benefit from structured institutional mentorship, exposure to multidisciplinary health teams, and access to modern laboratory infrastructure in Bloemfontein.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight Technical Lab Competency: Emphasize your academic research experience, explicitly detailing any practical laboratory coursework involving molecular assays, DNA/RNA handling, PCR, or computational analysis in your curriculum vitae.

• Demonstrate Clear Work Readiness: The selection panel seeks candidates with zero formal work experience who are unencumbered by ongoing academic studies; explicitly clarify in your personal profile that you have completed your degree requirements and are fully available for a 12-month full-time commitment.

• Showcase Data Handling & Problem Solving: Reference any familiarity with Python, R, command-line interfaces, or bioinformatics databases, framing your problem-solving capabilities around real project assignments or honours dissertations.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for this scientific internship should prepare thoroughly for technical and behavioral assessments. Two highly probable interview questions for this position include:

• "Can you walk us through the procedural steps and standard controls you implement during a DNA extraction and PCR experiment to prevent contamination?"

• "How do you approach managing large genomic datasets or learning complex bioinformatics software tools when working under strict deadlines?"

Sharpen your responses and build confidence ahead of your panel interview by utilizing the interactive YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official UFS career portal before the specified closing date. Reference: Job ID: 6619 (Post Reference: 2309).

Click to apply online

Please note that the recruitment platform accommodates a maximum of eight document uploads; candidates are strongly encouraged to merge their updated CV, certified copy of South African ID (or valid passport), and complete academic transcripts/qualifications (including SAQA verification for international credentials) into combined PDF documents to avoid upload errors. Incomplete submissions will be automatically disqualified.

For administrative or recruitment enquiries, contact 📧 [email protected], 📧 [email protected], or telephone 051 401 2876 / 051 401 9813 / 2979.

• An Honours degree or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in Molecular Biology, Virology, Genetics, Microbiology, or a related field.

• Candidate must NOT currently be enrolled or studying towards any qualification or degree.

• Candidate must NOT currently be participating in any existing learnership or internship programme.

• Applicant must have NO prior formal work experience.

• Willingness to sign a formal 12-month internship agreement with the University of the Free State.

• Unrestricted availability to participate full-time for a 1-year duration commencing 01 January 2027.

• Strong deductive reasoning and analytical thinking skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications.

• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to a collaborative, diverse, and ethical work environment.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.

• A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Molecular Biology, Virology, Genetics, or Microbiology serves as an added recommendation.

• Prior practical experience in molecular procedures (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, library prep) and NGS workflows is highly advantageous.

• Foundational bioinformatics or computational data analysis capabilities are recommended.