NATIONAL METROLOGY INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA (NMISA)

INTERNSHIP: RADIOACTIVITY STANDARDS - 24 MONTHS 

Salary Range R 7 478 – R 8 878 per month (differentiated according to level of qualification) 

Overview of the Organisation 

The NMISA is a Type 3A Public Entity established in accordance with the Measurement Unit and Measurement Standards Act, No. 18 of 2006 (the Act). The NMISA is mandated by the Act to provide for the use of the international system of units (the SI) and other measurement units in South Africa, to maintain national measurement standards (NMS) and to determine and ensure the comparability of the NMS. More information can be obtained from www.nmisa.org

The Position 

The purpose of the internship is to provide a graduate with practical training within the Biomedical Science unit, under the Radioactivity Standards section, based in Cape Town, on development and maintenance of measurement standards, and dissemination thereof through services provided by the section. To provide support in the development of measurement capabilities, perform client work and duties as required by the section. 

Requirements:

·       A BSc Honours degree focussing on Radiochemistry or Nuclear Physics. 

·       Knowledge of operation of various radiation detection instruments. 

·       Knowledge of gamma-ray spectrometry/liquid scintillation analysis/alpha-spectrometry will be and added advantage. 

·       Basic understanding of various radioactive decay processes. 

·       Basic understanding of radiation interactions with matter. 

·       Knowledge of radiochemical separation techniques will be an added advantage 

·       Basic understanding of radiation protection 

·       Basic understanding of MS Office Software 

·       Mathematical and statistical knowledge 

·       Good communication and report writing skills 

·       Understanding of quality systems and good laboratory practices (GLP) will be advantageous. 

·       No prior internship or work experience is required. 

Responsibilities:

·       Work in an accredited laboratory for the period of their training, the incumbent will comply with NMISA’s policies and procedures and perform all duties in line with the TQMS (Total Quality Management System) 

·       Assist with the development and maintenance of radioactivity measurement standards and dissemination thereof 

·       Assist with the development and maintenance of new capabilities. 

·       Assist with client work, measurements, analysis, generating certificates, checking results 

·       Assist in generating, validating, and reviewing procedures for the performance of measurements in field of radioactivity as well as maintain detailed records of equipment and measurement results generated during the projects. 

·       Assist in administrative duties including purchasing of laboratory consumables. 

·       Initiate and follow up on the timely procurement of any equipment, instruments, consumables or other expenses required to execute the duties. 

·       Assist in meeting EHS objectives by maintaining specified EHS and laboratory duties. 

·       Participate in metrology skills transfer by attending courses and conferences, presenting work done on given projects. 

·       Assist with ensuring compliance with laboratory health, safety and environmental requirements. 

·       Participate in housekeeping activities to maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory environment. 

·       Assist senior laboratory personnel with research, testing, method development, and other technical activities where required. 

·       Assist with filing and maintaining laboratory documentation and records in accordance with organisational procedures. 

·       Assist with any other laboratory-related duties assigned by the supervisor or laboratory manager. 

Person Specification: 

The ideal candidate will preferably be a self-starter who is self-motivated and very detail conscious and meticulous, dependable and will act in an understanding and helpful manner while performing tasks associated with the position. The candidate must be open to learning and embrace challenges, can multi-task, work in a team environment and be able to meet strict deadlines. The candidate must have excellent organisational, planning and time management skills and ability to follow instructions and procedures. The position also requires being honest and ethical, being pleasant with others and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. 

Please note: 

How to apply – please read carefully (non-compliant applications will not be considered): 

Email your application to Careers1@nmisa.org, using this exact subject line: “INTERNSHIP: RADIOACTIVITY STANDARDS”. Submit only one application per person for this position. 

You must attach THREE separate PDF documents – do not combine them into one file. Name each file using exactly these labels – CV, ID, Qualifications – as “Surname Name – Label”, for example: 

·       Your CV – e.g. “Mokoena Thandi – CV.pdf” 

·       A certified copy of your ID – e.g. “Mokoena Thandi – ID.pdf” 

·       Your qualification certificate(s) – e.g. “Mokoena Thandi – Qualifications.pdf” 

Format rules (applications that do not follow these will not be considered): 

·       All three documents must be in PDF format. Word documents, photographs, JPEG/image files, and links (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) will not be accepted. 

·       Your CV must be a proper PDF created from a document (for example, “Save as PDF” from Word) – not a scan or a photograph – and your full name, cell number and email address must appear at the top of the CV. 

·       Your certified ID and qualification certificate may be scanned, but must be clear, legible PDFs. 

·       Only applications that include all three documents, correctly named and in the correct PDF format, will be considered. 

Closing date for applications: 18 September 2026. 

NMISA subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged candidates who meet the requirements and who will add to the cultural and gender diversity of the organisation. 

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The NMISA reserves the right not to appoint. 

By applying for this position at the NMISA, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the NMISA may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or the relevant authority in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances, and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. You voluntarily give the NMISA consent to process your personal information.

Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa || Private Bag X34, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0040, South Africa Logistics Office: +27 12 947 2801 | logistics@nmisa.org || Reception: +27 12 947 2800 | info@nmisa.org

Board Members: Prof Andrew Buffler, Mr Gerhard Fourie, Dr Charl Wynand Louw, Dr Precious Gugulethu Motshwene, Dr Mbulelo Geoffrey Nokwequ, Ms Sara Natalia Prins, Dr James Tshilongo, Dr Alufelwi Maxwell Tshavhungwe