Job Description

AHRI is always looking for talented and motivated staff to join our multidisciplinary team. We offer a highly diverse, professional and supportive environment with opportunities for development and growth.
Description:
The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is seeking a highly motivated Work Experience Intern to the Sigal Lab based at AHRI-Durban campus. The Sigal Lab is a virology research group focused on understanding viruses with pandemic potential, including Mpox (MPXV), Chikungunya, Dengue, and Rift Valley fever virus. Our work explores how the immune system responds to infection, examines viral transmission, and disease severity especially in the context of HIV and immunocompromised individuals.
This 3-month internship provides an observational learning opportunity for individuals interested in virology, immunology, and infectious disease research. The incumbent will gain exposure to key various laboratory practices, assist with basic tasks under supervision and participate in lab meetings and discussions to deepen their understanding of ongoing scientific work.
Overview of Duties:

• Asist with day-to-day activities and housekeeping of laboratory
• Organize and prepare biological samples and reagents for experiments
• Assist with temperature monitoring and maintenance of equipment
• Assist with waste management according to laboratory procedures
• Record experimental data accurately and maintain detailed laboratory notebooks
• Assist with data analysis and provide support during experimental procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc Hons/BTech degree or equivalent in a Life sciences field.
• Highly proficient with computers with working knowledge of MS Office.

Minimum Experience

• Ability to perform simple calculations (dilutions, concentrations, etc).
• Basic understanding of laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with general lab safety practices.
• Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn in a research environment.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.

Advantageous

• Interest in virology, immunology, or biomedical research is a plus.
• Previous exposure to laboratory environments or techniques (e.g., cell culture, serology).
• Basic understanding of human biology or infectious disease concepts.

Worker Type: Employee
Skills:
The application closing date: 12 Jul 2025
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.
AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.
Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI's values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.
Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.