National Metrology Institute Of South Africa (NMISA) Internship: Radioactivity Standards Vacancy

Opportunity Overview

The National Metrology Institute Of South Africa (NMISA) is a Type 3A Public Entity, established under the Measurement Unit and Measurement Standards Act. Its core mandate is to implement the international system of units (SI) in South Africa, maintain national measurement standards (NMS), and ensure these standards are internationally comparable.

This 24-month internship offers practical training within NMISA's Biomedical Science unit, specifically in the Radioactivity Standards section based in Cape Town. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in the development and maintenance of measurement standards, as well as their dissemination through various services provided by the section.

The internship involves supporting the development of new measurement capabilities and performing client work, contributing directly to the institute's critical functions.

Minimum Requirements

• A BSc Honours degree focusing on Radiochemistry or Nuclear Physics.
• Knowledge of the operation of various radiation detection instruments.
• Basic understanding of various radioactive decay processes.
• Basic understanding of radiation interactions with matter.
• Basic understanding of radiation protection.
• Basic understanding of MS Office Software.
• Mathematical and statistical knowledge.
• Good communication and report writing skills.
• No prior internship or work experience is required.
• Advantageous:
• Knowledge of gamma-ray spectrometry/liquid scintillation analysis/alpha-spectrometry.
• Knowledge of radiochemical separation techniques.
• Understanding of quality systems and good laboratory practices (GLP).

Key Responsibilities

• Comply with NMISA’s policies, procedures, and the Total Quality Management System (TQMS) within an accredited laboratory environment.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of radioactivity measurement standards and their dissemination.
• PProvide support in the development and maintenance of new measurement capabilities.
• Support client work, including performing measurements, conducting analysis, generating certificates, and checking results.
• Assist in generating, validating, and reviewing procedures for radioactivity measurements, and maintain detailed records of equipment and measurement results.
• Assist with administrative duties, including the purchasing of laboratory consumables.
• Initiate and follow up on the timely procurement of necessary equipment, instruments, or consumables.
• Support Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) objectives by maintaining specified EHS and laboratory duties.
• Participate in metrology skills transfer activities, such as attending courses and conferences, and presenting work on assigned projects.
• Assist in 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 as 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.

What the Work Involves

This 24-month internship is based in Cape Town, within an accredited laboratory environment under the Biomedical Science unit's Radioactivity Standards section. Day-to-day work will involve direct engagement with scientific equipment, assisting with measurements, data analysis, and the generation of technical reports and certificates for clients.

The intern will be responsible for meticulous record-keeping, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of measurement results, and contributing to the maintenance of laboratory equipment. A key aspect of the role is to support the development of new measurement capabilities and adhere to strict quality management systems and environmental health and safety protocols. You will work closely with senior laboratory personnel, assisting them with research, testing, and method development, while also contributing to general laboratory administration and maintaining a clean and safe workspace.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please visit the National Metrology Institute Of South Africa (NMISA) website:

http://www.nmisa.org/