Position: R&D Intern, Enzyme Development Group
Focus Area: Enzyme Engineering
Position Type: Temporary Employee (Intern), 12 months
Location: Cape Town, South Africa, onsite
Experience: BSc Honours or MSc (preferred) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or related discipline.

Company description

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa, and head offices in Boulder, Colorado, US. Our team is passionate about innovation and we value collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in designing, engineering, developing, and producing DNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Watchmaker Genomics is seeking applications for an on-site, entry level, temporary position as a R&D Intern in our Cape Town office.

The R&D Intern reports to the R&D Scientist and will, with close supervision, assist with day-to-day activities related to enzyme engineering, expression, purification and characterisation. The intern is expected to provide accurate, consistent and timely results to members of the Enzyme Development Group, and other project teams as required.

As an R&D intern you will gain experience in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This position will offer you unique challenges, as well as opportunities for learning and growth, and to support a global organization.

Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare standard buffered chemical solutions and microbiology media; maintain and calibrate equipment; and manage stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables.
• Plan and perform microbiology experiments including: cell transformation, plating, streaking; and protein expression in shaking cultures and bioreactors.
• Plan and perform molecular biology and biochemistry experiments including: PCR and qPCR; next-generation sequencing sample prep; plasmid vector design and construction; agarose gel electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE.
• Accurately document details of all experiments in an electronic lab notebook; meticulously analyse and interpret data; and regularly present results and project status updates to managers and peers for discussion.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have a BSc Hons (MSc preferred) in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline. Some experience in the following areas is desirable: next-generation sequencing (NGS); PCR and qPCR; gene cloning; site-directed mutagenesis; recombinant protein expression and purification; enzyme characterisation. Knowledge of DNA-modifying enzymes and experience in the analysis of NGS data would be advantageous.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• The ability to multitask, perform consistently under pressure and work without supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team.
• Good communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative.
• A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
• Most recent academic transcripts

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Sunday, 1st March 2026. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.