Technology Innovation Agency (Tia) Vacancies

In brief

**Job Title: BIOPROCESSING INTERN x 2** **Overview** This internship position at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is for two Bioprocessing Interns based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The primary purpose of the role is to assist and support research, development, and general project management activities within TIA's Bioprocessing Platform. TIA is described as a talent-driven, customer-centric, and impact-focused organisation dedicated to supporting technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes by providing funding and non-funding support. The agency aims to cultivate a culture of teamwork, impact, and accountability while promoting the careers of previously disadvantaged persons in line with the Employment Equity Act. **What you will do** * Assist with project management activities within the Bioprocessing Platform. * Operate and maintain laboratory equipment under supervision. * Collect, record, and analyse experimental data accurately. * Support quality control and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. * Participate in troubleshooting and process improvement initiatives. * Prepare scientific reports and presentations summarizing findings for internal review. * Provide basic support in administration of the Platform. * Undertake general research activities as assigned by the mentor or project custodian. * Liaise with internal team members (research scientists, technicians, clients, and other staff) to assist with project execution and undertake research activities. * Support the team in preparing for project meetings or presentations. * Assist in responding to administrative queries from internal stakeholders. * Assist with the accurate capture, filing, and record-keeping of research data and project documentation. * Support project management activities by assisting in tracking project milestones or administrative deliverables. * Follow all established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory and administrative tasks. * Assist in preparing documentation for the procurement of laboratory consumables or services. * Adhere to all laboratory Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) systems and procedures. * Ensure all assigned tasks are performed in compliance with the Platform's quality management system and SOPs. * Maintain confidentiality of all research, project, and platform information. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Qualification:** * Minimum of BSc in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry or Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology or Chemistry. * BSc Hons or MSc Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology OR Chemistry (preferred). * **Work Experience:** * 0-2 years. This is an entry-level internship position. **Who should apply** Ideal candidates are talent-driven, customer-centric, and impact-focused individuals who demonstrate resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, dynamic work ethic, and an optimistic disposition. They should be team players committed to teamwork, impact, and accountability. TIA actively promotes the careers of previously disadvantaged persons and will consider internal candidates first, provided it supports Employment Equity goals. **Deadline** 2026/10/13 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/technology-innovation-agency-tia-vacancies-4 Source: govpage --- **Job Title: TECHNICAL ADVISOR: BOARD TECHNICAL COMMITTEE** **Overview** This is a 12-month fixed-term contract position for a Technical Advisor to the Board Technical Committee (BTC) at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), based in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. The role involves providing independent, objective, and specialist advice to the BTC to strengthen its oversight and recommendations on technology development, innovation programmes, commercialisation pathways, research and development trends, technology risks, emerging technologies, and strategic initiatives aligned with TIA’s mandate. TIA is a talent-driven, customer-centric, and impact-focused organisation that supports technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes. TIA promotes employment equity in accordance with the Employment Equity Act, as amended. **What you will do** * Attend BTC meetings and provide independent technical advice on a policy/strategic level in areas such as advanced technologies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and other strategic technology domains relevant to TIA’s mandate. * Review committee documentation and provide technical commentary on matters referred to the BTC. * Assess innovation potential, commercialisation readiness, scalability, market relevance, and alignment with TIA’s mandate. * Identify technology, commercialisation, innovation, and portfolio risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. * Advise on emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and industry developments. * Undertake specialised reviews approved by the BTC Chairperson, including validation of technical assumptions and evaluation of research, development, and strategic technology initiatives. * Support sound, evidence-based recommendations through technical analysis, strategic foresight, and relevant industry good practice. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Qualification:** * A master’s degree in science, engineering, technology, innovation management, commercialisation, or a related field. * **Work Experience:** * At least ten years’ relevant senior-level experience. * Demonstrated expertise in research, development, and innovation, technology commercialisation, or venture funding. * Experience serving on a board, advisory panel, investment committee, or an equivalent governance structure. * Knowledge of systems thinking, policy development and advocacy, innovation theory, and thought leadership. * High ethical standards, professional integrity, and the ability to provide independent advice. * **Preferred Requirements:** * A PhD in a relevant field. * Senior executive experience or relevant business-school or scholarly experience. * Experience in technology transfer, intellectual-property exploitation, and the commercialisation of technology-based businesses. * Knowledge of the South African National System of Innovation, public-sector governance, the PFMA, and applicable Treasury requirements. * Experience in innovation funding, venture capital, blended finance, strategic innovation programmes, portfolio management, or investment due diligence. * Strong background in policy and strategy development. * **Key Competencies:** * Strategic thinking; systems thinking; technical judgement; commercial acumen; governance awareness; risk assessment; strategic foresight; stakeholder engagement; analytical report writing; verbal communication; independence; integrity; and sound decision-making. **Who should apply** The ideal candidate is an individual who demonstrates strategic insight, integrity, agility, accountability, and a commitment to value creation, capable of providing independent, objective, and specialist advice at a strategic and policy level. Candidates should embody high ethical standards and professional integrity. TIA promotes employment equity and reserves the right not to make an appointment. Internal candidates will be considered first, provided it supports the achievement of Employment Equity goals. **Deadline** 2026/10/06 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/technology-innovation-agency-tia-vacancies-4 Source: govpage

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• Project management
• Agile / Scrum

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

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