Job Description

Job Title
Intern (2 Positions) (Contract appointment: 12 months)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Faculty of Health Sciences -> School of Biomedical Sciences
Contract Type
Contract
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
24/1/2026
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:

https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

- Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).

Duties and responsibilities:

Engage in structured wet and dry lab (Bioinformatics) genomic training. Assist with the business onuses of the unit when required. Assist with organizing structured bioinformatics workshops. Provide training for visiting researchers and students when needed. Partake in research dissemination.

Inherent requirements:

A BTech degree on NQF Level 7 in the field of Molecular Biology, Virology, Genetics, Microbiology or related field.

The following criteria apply to the selection of candidates:

The applicant should not currently be participating in an existing learnership/internship programme. The applicant should not have any previous formal work experience. The applicant must be willing to sign an internship agreement with UFS.

Recommendations:

An Honours or Master's degree in the field of Molecular Biology, Virology, Genetics, Microbiology or related field. Previous experience as a student in a molecular laboratory (not formal work experience). Strong skills in deductive reasoning. Committed to supporting a friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment. Excellent communication skills.

Competencies

Required competencies:

Results Orientated:

The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

o Strategic Thinking:

The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection and approach work in a neat and organised manner. The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

o Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office. Previous knowledge or experience on Next generation sequencing. Previous knowledge or experience on using several bioinformatic tools.

o Leading:

The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

o Building Coalitions:

The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

24 January 2026.

Salary:

The salary is R15,000 per month.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813/ 2979 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.