DST National Centre for Nanostructured Materials Internship Opportunity 2024
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation, implementing projects throughout Africa and making a difference in people’s lives.
Internship Opportunities: National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials
About the job:
The CSIR has five internship opportunities in the National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials within the Material Science and Manufacturing (MSM) unit.
The research unit is seeking motivated and enthusiastic Interns to gain exposure and practical work experience by involvement in our research projects.
These positions are based in Pretoria.
About the unit The CSIR/DST National Centre for Nanostructured Materials is a platform for the implementation of the South African National Nanotechnology Strategy.
It undertakes innovative research on nanostructured materials and has an extensive research network with other local and international research organisations.
It has a strong focus on human capital development, makes a significant contribution to the creation and dissemination of new scientific knowledge, and collaborates closely with industry to help ensure successful outcomes and impact of the group’s research and development activities.
Research topics:
Clay / nano additives: chemical processing involving manufacturing of nano-structures and scaling-up for various applications;
Materials for Device Applications: fabrication and testing / characterisation of materials;
Characterisation Facility: assisting staff, CSIR, academic and industrial clients in the characterisation of materials across a number of techniques and instruments.
Key responsibilities:
Conduct literature searches for research projects;
Conduct experimental work in the laboratory for research projects;
Assist Researchers and Operators where needed;
Operate Scaling-up plant equipment (e.g. Extruder, Injection Mould, Film Blow Mould, Autoclave, Product Drying equipment, etc. – training will be provided);
Characterise products/materials (e.g. SEM, XRD, TGA, etc. – training will be provided);
Compile reports and other project related documents;
General housekeeping of labs and Scaling-up plants.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
National Diploma / Bachelor of Technology: Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Processing and/or Polymer Technology;
Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Science Honours: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Processing and/or Polymer Technology;
Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Engineering Honours: Chemical Engineering or Polymer Processing;
Knowledge of the following will be an advantage:
o Research knowledge in nano materials, clay/nano additives and/or polymer processing or synthesis; o Industrial know how in chemical plant operation, compounding or polymer processing or synthesis; o Hands-on experience in running of characterization equipment, either electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), x-ray instruments (XRD), optical instruments (FTIR, PL, etc.), or polymer characterization instruments (TGA, DMA, DSC, Rheometry etc).
The following skills are essential:
o Communication and presentation skills;
o Research and report-writing skills; o Solution-seeking orientation and problem solving skills;
o A goal-oriented approach;
o Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
o Computer literacy.
Should you meet the above requirements, please email your CV to jobapplications@csir.co.za with your name and surname, position title and reference number in the subject line, (e.g. John Smith: Internships – Nano – Structured Materials : Reference No: 307951) .
Closing date: 03 April 2024
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.