SAMRC Genomics Internship 2026 – Cape Town (R16 047 per Month)
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is looking for one intern to join its Genomics Platform laboratory in Cape Town. You’ll train in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), the technology used to read DNA and RNA, while working on real research projects. The internship pays R16 047 a month for one year. If you have a BSc Honours in Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field and want hands-on genomics experience, this is a rare opportunity.
Verified by Lloyd Media Lab on 13 November 2026 against the official SAMRC careers website.
Quick facts
- Organisation: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
- Programme: Genomics Platform – Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Internship
- Partner: DIPLOMICS
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
- Duration: 1 year
- Stipend: R16 047 per month
- Positions available: 1
- Reference number: R975A
- Closing date: 14 November 2026
What you’ll learn
The internship was set up in 2023 with DIPLOMICS to train young scientists in:
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
- Next Generation Sequencing
- Laboratory workflow automation
What you’ll do
- sample quality control
- DNA and RNA (nucleic acid) isolation
- preparing sequencing libraries
- laboratory admin and supporting the core lab
- taking part in genomics research projects
You don’t need hands-on NGS experience. Training is provided.
Who can apply
- BSc Honours or an equivalent four-year degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field, or a higher qualification
- One to two years of knowledge or experience in molecular biology or genetics, including basic lab techniques, through your studies or research
- A basic understanding of genomics and Next Generation Sequencing
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice
- Good communication skills and teamwork
Lab techniques you should know
- DNA and RNA isolation
- PCR
- Gel electrophoresis
Will count in your favour
- Experience with NGS lab workflows
- Sample management, or DNA and RNA quality control
- Research projects in molecular biology, genetics or genomics
- Exposure to genomic data, or to genomics in biomedical research
You must also
- not be studying full-time. Part-time classes are fine only if they’re after working hours.
- not have formal work experience in molecular biology or genetics
How you’ll be assessed
- Your academic background
- Your relevant knowledge
- Your interest in genomics and NGS
- Your potential to build practical lab skills
Documents to have ready
- An updated CV listing your lab techniques and research projects
- Your degree and Honours certificates, or your academic record
- A copy of your ID
Scan everything as PDF before you start, so you can upload it in one go.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official SAMRC careers portal.
- Update your CV. Use our free CV builder if you need one.
- Open the vacancy using the button below.
- Register or log in, and complete every section of the application.
- Upload your documents and submit before 14 November 2026.
Tips to stand out
- Apply today. It closes on 14 November, and there is only one position.
- List your lab techniques clearly. Name each one you’ve done (DNA or RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis) and where you did it.
- Describe your Honours project. In two or three lines, say what you studied, which methods you used and what you found.
- Show your interest in genomics. Mention any NGS courses, workshops, journal clubs or reading you’ve done. They assess this directly.
- Check you qualify. Full-time students and people with formal molecular biology jobs will not be considered.
What happens after you apply
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard back within a few weeks of the closing date, your application was most likely unsuccessful this time.
Scam warning: The SAMRC never asks for money to apply or to secure an internship. If anyone asks you to pay, it’s a scam. See how we verify every opportunity.
More opportunities like this
Looking for more opportunities?
Browse all internships in South Africa