Internship: Water Centre – Bioremediation

Organization: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Job Type: Internship
Application Deadline: Open until filled

About the CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a premier scientific and technology research organisation in South Africa. It is dedicated to researching, developing, localising, and diffusing technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity across the nation. The organisation’s work is pivotal to industrial development and supports the building of a capable state.

About the Opportunity

The CSIR has an exciting internship opportunity within the Water Centre, which is part of the Smart Water Resources Management Research Group under the Smart Places Cluster. This position is based in Stellenbosch.

The purpose of this internship is to provide a recent graduate with invaluable practical work experience in the specialized field of bioremediation, with a specific focus on conservation and laboratory-based experimental science. You will be immersed in cutting-edge research projects that aim to develop nature-based solutions for water-related challenges.

To learn more about the impactful work done by the Water Centre, please visit: https://www.csir.co.za/water-research-centre

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior researchers in conducting innovative research on bioremediation from a conservation and experimental science perspective.
• Perform various tasks and duties related to ongoing research projects within the nature-based solutions portfolio.
• Maintain and manage the laboratory data and workspace to ensure a clean, safe, and efficient research environment.
• Contribute to the writing and preparation of technical reports, research papers, and other scientific outputs.
• Help ensure the laboratory is adequately resourced with the necessary materials and equipment to perform all project work effectively.
• Maintain strict compliance with all corporate policy and safety procedures within the laboratory setting.
• Represent the CSIR with a high standard of professional conduct and appearance, always behaving ethically and ensuring compliance in all areas of work.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• An Honours or Master of Science degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a closely related field is required.
• Proficiency in the MS Office package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated, a proactive team player, and able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong analytical, methodical, and innovative thinking with a results-driven approach.
• Willingness to learn quickly, adapt to new challenges, and work accurately under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a keen sense of urgency and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritise tasks effectively to meet project deadlines.

Application Process

PLEASE NOTE: Feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates only.

For any inquiries regarding this position, please email: Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za
Please do not send your application to this email address.

How to Apply

To apply for this internship position, please visit the official CSIR career portal by clicking the link below.

Apply on the CSIR career website

Equal Opportunity Employer

The CSIR is committed to the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in accordance with the Act. The CSIR reserves the right to verify all educational qualifications and employment history, and may, for positions requiring trust and honesty, solicit credit or criminal reports from registered bureaus or the South African Police Service. The CSIR further reserves the right to withdraw the advertisement at any time before the closing date and not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.