Junior Research Scientist at Technology Innovation Agency

In brief

**Overview** The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), established by an act of the South African parliament on 24 November 2008 as an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology, is seeking a Junior Research Scientist. TIA is a talent-driven, customer-centric, and impact-focused organization dedicated to supporting technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes through funding and non-funding support. The organization also actively promotes the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act. This role involves assisting in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments within a laboratory environment at one of TIA's Platforms. **What you will do** The Junior Research Scientist will be responsible for a range of duties, including: * **Financial tasks:** Giving input to the formulation of the operational budget, monitoring and tracking applicable spending, and assisting in managing and monitoring financial obligations that clients/projects have to TIA (e.g., service fees). * **Stakeholder Relationships:** Assisting the relevant Scientist in ensuring that the Platform and assigned section are compliant with relevant accreditation prescripts and procedures, supporting the Platform to deliver required services to its stakeholders on brief, on time, and with requisite quality levels, responding in a timely manner to internal and external stakeholder queries, and maintaining professional engagements. * **Internal Processes:** Planning, setting up, and undertaking experiments; recording experimental results and analysing them accordingly; reviewing experimental results ensuring effective analysis of data and providing technical opinion (to the relevant Research Scientist); providing support in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and new tests methods and their validation; providing input into the development of research protocols and SOP for the laboratory; preparing technical reports, summaries, and reviews of the reports; assisting in the collation and review of new technical processes and procedures; sourcing approved equipment and consumables and tracking stock levels; providing support with experimental set-up, preparation of reagents, and sterile consumables; performing quality control on laboratory equipment to ensure operability; ensuring the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the laboratory; performing limited troubleshooting of instruments; writing motivations as required to execute Platform activities in line with TIA processes (SCM, Legal, etc.) and to ensure compliance with approved industry norms; and providing general administrative support to the Platform. * **Learning and Growth:** Assisting in ensuring continued compliance with Legislation (e.g., PFMA and National Treasury Guidelines), and assisting in the process leading to the Bioprocessing Platform complying with different statutory requirements (i.e., SANAS). **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Qualifications:** * Minimum: BSc, B Tech, or National Diploma in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Biotechnology. * Preferred: BSc Honours or MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or Microbiology. * **Job Experience:** * Minimum: 1 year of experience in the relevant scientific field. * Preferred: 2-4 years of experience in a relevant scientific field or management context. * **Job Type:** Full Time * **Location:** KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. * **Job Field:** Research and Development, Science. **Who should apply** Ideal candidates are team players who are value creators, agile thinkers, possess progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic, and an optimistic disposition, contributing to a culture of teamwork, impact, and accountability. Applicants should have a scientific background in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Molecular Biology, with experience in laboratory environments, experimental design, execution, and analysis. The role suits individuals keen on contributing to technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes, capable of assisting with financial oversight, stakeholder interaction, compliance, and administrative tasks, and committed to upholding quality standards. **Deadline** 19th October, 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/junior-research-scientist-technology-innovation-agency Source: myjobmag

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

At a glance

• At least 1 year of experience.

• Agile / Scrum

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

Job description

Before you apply

• Confirm the requirements and closing date on the original listing (myjobmag). SPANi lists vacancies from other sites and may not reflect last-minute changes.
• Legitimate employers do not charge application, registration or training fees.
• Don't send your ID or bank details before you have confirmed the employer is real.

How to spot a job scam

Applying for permanent roles

• Mirror the job title and top three requirements in your CV summary and most recent experience.
• Quantify results where possible: sales targets, cases handled, tickets closed, or team size.
• Proofread contact details and filenames before submitting — small errors cost interviews.
• Verify the company and role on the source page before sharing ID copies or banking details.