Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Bioprocessing Internships 2026

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) invites suitably qualified graduates to apply for Bioprocessing Internship opportunities 2026 at its Bioprocessing Platform in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Two internship positions are available for graduates in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry and Biotechnology. Pasted text

Internship Application Closing Date: 13 October 2026

Internship Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Reference Number: TIA260928-2

Experience Required: 0–2 years

Position: Bioprocessing Intern

The minimum qualification is a relevant BSc or Bachelor of Applied Science, while relevant BSc Honours or MSc qualifications are preferred. Pasted text

About the TIA Bioprocessing Internship Programme 2026

The internship is designed to support research, development and project-management activities within the TIA Bioprocessing Platform. Pasted text

Successful candidates will gain practical exposure to areas including laboratory operations, research activities, experimental data collection and analysis, scientific reporting, quality management, compliance and project execution. Pasted text

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must have at least one of the following qualifications:

• BSc in Biochemistry;
• BSc in Microbiology;
• BSc in Chemistry;
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology; or
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemistry. Pasted text

Applicants should compare the exact qualification they hold with the qualifications specified for the internship rather than assuming that every general science qualification will qualify. Pasted text

Preferred Qualifications

TIA indicates that the following postgraduate qualifications are preferred:

• BSc Honours in Biochemistry;
• BSc Honours in Molecular Biology;
• BSc Honours in Microbiology;
• BSc Honours in Chemistry;
• MSc in Biochemistry;
• MSc in Molecular Biology;
• MSc in Microbiology; or
• MSc in Chemistry. Pasted text

A postgraduate qualification is therefore advantageous, but the stated minimum requirement starts at the relevant bachelor’s-degree level.

Experience Requirements

The Bioprocessing Internship is advertised as an entry-level opportunity requiring 0–2 years of work experience. Pasted text

This means graduates with no formal work experience can still be considered, provided they meet the other requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Successful Bioprocessing Interns will assist with research activities assigned by their mentor or project custodian.

Responsibilities include:

• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment under supervision;
• Collecting experimental data;
• Accurately recording research information;
• Analysing experimental data;
• Supporting quality-control activities;
• Assisting with compliance with relevant safety and regulatory standards;
• Participating in troubleshooting activities;
• Contributing to process-improvement initiatives; and
• Performing general research activities assigned by a mentor or project custodian. Pasted text

Scientific Reports and Presentations

Interns will also assist with preparing scientific reports and presentations that summarise research findings for internal review. Pasted text

This aspect of the programme requires candidates to combine scientific knowledge with written and verbal communication skills.

Project Management Exposure

Successful candidates will assist with project-management activities within the Bioprocessing Platform.

This may include supporting the tracking of:

• Project milestones;
• Administrative deliverables;
• Research documentation; and
• Other project-related activities. Pasted text

Stakeholder Interaction

Interns may interact with:

• Research scientists;
• Technicians;
• Clients;
• Internal team members; and
• Other employees involved in project execution. Pasted text

They may also support project meetings and presentations and assist with administrative queries from internal stakeholders.

Research Documentation and Administration

Interns will assist with:

• Capturing research data;
• Filing information;
• Maintaining project documentation;
• Record keeping;
• Tracking project milestones;
• Following Standard Operating Procedures;
• Supporting administrative processes; and
• Preparing documentation for the procurement of laboratory consumables or services. Pasted text

Laboratory Safety and Compliance

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Comply with laboratory Safety, Health and Environment systems and procedures;
• Follow the Platform’s quality-management system;
• Comply with established Standard Operating Procedures;
• Perform assigned tasks according to applicable requirements; and
• Maintain the confidentiality of research, project and platform information. Pasted text

How to Apply for TIA Bioprocessing Internships 2026

Applications must be submitted online through TIA’s official eRecruitment system.