Student | Laboratory Intern: Algae and Analytical Lab (JB1698)
Germiston, Johannesburg
R15 000 per month, negotiable
Duration: Six-month contract (with possibility of extension)

Overview
The lab intern will assist in the daily care of algal cultures, including inoculation, monitoring, vessel transfers, weighing, and cleaning protocols and will provide support to senior laboratory staff. This provides an ideal opportunity for work experience within the field of microalgae production and culture optimization.

Minimum Requirements:
• The ideal candidate will be studying towards a BSc or BSC Hons in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry.
• Previous experience working with hazardous materials, chemicals and laboratory equipment, and knowledge of maintenance of axenic cultures and maintaining sterile culture conditions is a plus
• Ability to operate a microscope unaided
• Must be computer literate, proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, specifically Excel. Experience with data collection is a plus
• Ability to follow instructions
• Good communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Discretion when dealing with disclosures of sensitive and proprietary information. This contract will include strict non-disclosure terms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Prepare nutrient and chemical stocks for algae production
• Perform cleaning and sanitation duties for algae production equipment
• Prepare flask, media, and algae production equipment for autoclaving
• Inoculate flasks with algal cultures and maintain cultures in a controlled growing environment for scale-up, up to 10 L photo-bioreactors, ensuring sterile and axenic culture conditions
• Monitor algae growth parameters in lab and scale-up bioreactors
• Perform routine water chemistry analysis and routine measurements for characterizing algae productivity and process yield
• Perform microscopic evaluations of cultures
• Keep daily records of observations and activities
• Assist with research and experiments as needed