The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) is a world-renowned agricultural research institute conducting research for the sugar industry. There are a number of different research projects that take place at SASRI which are clustered into four multidisciplinary programmes, namely, Variety Improvement, Crop Protection, Crop Performance & Management and System Design and Optimisation.

SASRI is currently looking for a Post-Graduate and/or Graduate in the field of Microbiology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Breeding for 2025. The successful candidate will be working with a team of scientists in the Biotechnology laboratories.

Purpose of the Graduate Programme is to:

• Provide workplace experience to graduates and post-graduate allowing them practical exposure that will enrich their academic training, enhancing future employability
• Provide additional skills development training that will stimulate personal and professional growth, provide life skills and boost work readiness (Basic Business, Technical and Life Skills Training) through formal mentorship

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Familiarity with microbiological techniques and plant propagation by tissue culture
• Conduct pot-based plant bioassays
• Conduct routine data collection, management and analysis
• Experience with statistical packages (e.g. SAS / Genstat / RStudio) would be an advantage
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• A team player that can self-motivate and work independently

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• This programme specifically targets South African candidates who have completed a Post Graduate and/or a Honours Degree in Microbiology/Plant Biotechnology/Plant Breeding

Term of Internship:

• Participants will be offered a one-year contract

Remuneration and Benefits:

• Successful participants will receive an allowance of R4500.00 monthly
• We offer onsite accommodation, meals, clinic facilities and a laundry service: Should you make use of this option a monthly deduction of R380.00 will be made from your allowance via our payroll
• There will be opportunities for growth and development for students who stand out from the rest and contribute significantly during the year

Please Note:

• Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to reply to all applicants. Should you not get a response from us by 15 January 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful