Research Laboratory Intern

Description:

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is seeking a highly motivated and detail‑oriented Research Laboratory Intern to join the Kloverpris Lab. This internship provides valuable hands‑on experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. The successful candidate will gain exposure to a range of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and data management practices, while contributing to the smooth operation of the laboratory.

Overview of Duties:

This role offers a unique opportunity to explore novel aspects of HIV infection using rare human tissue samples in state‑of‑the‑art facilities, with access to advanced technologies through international collaborations. The Kloverpris Lab focuses on immune responses to HIV, particularly immune cell subsets located within human tissue. Our research aims to deepen understanding of tissue‑based immune responses that are directly linked to disease pathology. This work is enabled through access to human tissue samples collected at clinical research sites in and around Durban.

Overview of Duties

1. Assist in BSL2 processing of primary human samples (blood and tissue).

2. Assist in running laboratory assays including:

• Support on Histology
• Multiparameter flow cytometry
• RNA sequencing protocols (population and single cell assays)

3. Maintain good laboratory practice

4. Responsible for maintaining and organizing some laboratory materials,
including many different types of molecular reagents.

5. Assist post-doc and technicians in setting up and prepping for longer
experimental setups

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc/Hons degree in Biology or related life/health science discipline

Minimum Experience

• Experience with common lab procedures such as pipetting, weighing, preparing solutions
• Experience with basic laboratory equipment such centrifuges, microscopes, nanodrop
• Completion of lab courses that provide hands-on-experience
• Basic experience with recording and analysing data, either through coursework or previous
internship
• Understanding of standard lab safety practices, such as the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE) and proper waste disposal

Skills Required

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English
• Accuracy and precision
• High computer literacy; proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Must be able to work under pressure; independently or in a team
• Experience with any lab-specific software or data analysis tools is advantageous

Worker Type:

EmployeeThe application closing date:

27 May 2026

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.

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.