Biological Sciences jobs

Laboratory & Environmental Science Intern

Company: SoilScopes
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Job Type: Full-time Internship
Contract: 6-month internship, with potential for extension or progression
Salary: Approximately R8,500 per month, depending on experience and qualifications

About SoilScopes

SoilScopes is a soil microbiology laboratory and regenerative agricultural consultancy working across agriculture, horticulture and ecosystem restoration.

We specialise in understanding and improving soil health through microbial analysis, microscopy, biological soil management, composting, biofertilisers, research trials and regenerative agricultural practices.

We are looking for a motivated Laboratory & Environmental Science Intern to join our growing laboratory team and gain practical experience working directly with our Head of Lab Services.

This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career scientist who wants hands-on experience in environmental microbiology, soil science, laboratory systems and applied agricultural research.

Key Responsibilities

The intern will assist with a combination of laboratory, research and environmental work, including:

• Preparing and processing soil, compost and biological samples.
• Assisting with soil microbiology and microscopy assessments.
• Supporting routine laboratory testing and sample preparation.
• Assisting with basic microbiological and environmental laboratory procedures.
• Maintaining accurate sample records, laboratory data and documentation.
• Supporting laboratory organisation, equipment care and quality-control procedures.
• Assisting with research trials involving soil health, compost, biochar, biofertilisers and regenerative agriculture.
• Collecting and recording experimental and plant-growth data.
• Assisting with data organisation, basic analysis and scientific reporting.
• Supporting occasional soil sampling, farm visits and environmental fieldwork.
• Learning new laboratory methods and contributing to the development of SoilScopes' testing and research systems.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have completed or be completing a relevant qualification such as:

• BSc Biotechnology
• BSc Microbiology
• BSc Environmental Science
• BSc Botany
• BSc Soil Science
• BSc Agricultural Science
• Or a closely related biological or environmental science qualification

Recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Skills and Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in microbiology, soil health, agriculture and environmental science.
• Is eager to learn and gain practical laboratory experience.
• Has good attention to detail and can follow scientific procedures accurately.
• Is comfortable working with samples, microscopes and laboratory equipment.
• Can record and manage scientific data carefully.
• Is organised, reliable and able to work independently once trained.
• Works well as part of a small collaborative team.
• Is curious and interested in developing new scientific skills.

Previous laboratory, microscopy, microbiology, research or fieldwork experience would be beneficial but is not essential.

What You Will Gain

This internship is designed as a practical learning and development opportunity.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to:

• Applied soil microbiology.
• Environmental and agricultural laboratory testing.
• Soil Food Web microscopy.
• Soil, compost and biological sample analysis.
• Laboratory quality systems and scientific documentation.
• Agricultural and environmental research trials.
• Compost, biochar and biological soil amendments.
• Farm and ecosystem soil-health projects.
• Scientific data collection and interpretation.
• Emerging laboratory technologies and biological soil-health research.

You will work closely with experienced SoilScopes staff and receive practical mentoring throughout the internship.

Future Opportunities

SoilScopes is a growing company developing new laboratory capabilities in microbiology, molecular biology, soil chemistry, environmental research and AI-supported biological analysis.

Strong-performing interns may be considered for future junior laboratory, research or technical positions as the company grows.

Pay: R7 000,00 - R10 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person