The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites suitably qualified graduates to apply for the Genomics  Internship Programme 2026 in Cape Town.
Internship Application Closing Date: 14 November 2026
Internship Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Programme Duration: 1 year
Monthly Remuneration: R16 047
Number of Positions: 1
Job Reference Number: R975A
About the SAMRC Genomics Internship
The SAMRC Genomics Platform is inviting eligible candidates to join its Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Â Intern Programme.
The  internship was established in 2023 in partnership with DIPLOMICS to provide technical training and capacity development in areas such as:
- Good Laboratory Practice
- Next Generation Sequencing
- Laboratory workflow automation
The successful intern will become part of the SAMRC Genomics Platform laboratory team and gain practical experience through participation in important laboratory projects.
Main Responsibilities
The successful intern will assist with activities including:
- Sample quality control.
- Nucleic acid isolation.
- Sequencing library preparation.
- Laboratory administration.
- Supporting core laboratory functions.
- Participating in genomics-related projects.
- Developing practical Next Generation Sequencing skills.
Previous hands-on NGS experience is advantageous but is not compulsory, as training will be provided.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- BSc Honours degree or equivalent four-year degree 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 with basic molecular biology techniques.
- Basic understanding of genomics.
- Basic understanding of Next Generation Sequencing.
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Molecular Biology Skills Required
Applicants should have knowledge or experience in techniques such as:
- RNA isolation.
- DNA isolation.
- PCR.
- Gel electrophoresis.
Advantageous Knowledge and Experience
The following will be advantageous:
- Knowledge or experience in Next Generation Sequencing laboratory workflows.
- Sample management experience.
- DNA quality control experience.
- RNA quality control experience.
- Previous participation in research projects involving molecular biology.
- Research experience in genetics.
- Research experience in genomics.
- Exposure to genomic data.
- Exposure to genomics applications in biomedical research.
Candidate Selection Criteria
Applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- Candidates must not be studying full-time.
- Any classes being attended must take place after normal working hours.
- Candidates must not have formal work experience within the Molecular Biology or Genetics field.
Candidates will be assessed according to:
- Academic background.
- Relevant knowledge.
- Interest in genomics and NGS.
- Potential to develop practical laboratory skills through the internship.
Remuneration
Successful candidates will receive:
R16 047 per month
The internship is offered on a one-year contract.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official SAMRC recruitment platform.
Click here to apply for SAMRC Genomics Internship 2026
Applicants should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are submitted before the closing date.
Important Application Information
Applicants should ensure that:
- They meet the required qualification criteria.
- They have the required molecular biology or genetics knowledge.
- They are not studying full-time.
- Any studies they are undertaking take place outside normal working hours.
- They do not have formal work experience in the Molecular Biology or Genetics field.
- Their application clearly demonstrates an interest in genomics and Next Generation Sequencing.
Closing Date
14 November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
