NHLS Intern Medical Scientist Positions – 2026/2027 Intake

ByRainbow Time

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invites suitably qualified graduates to apply for Intern Medical Scientist positions for the 2026/2027 intake. These positions are offered on a two-year fixed-term contract and provide structured, discipline-specific training at accredited universities and national institutes across South Africa. Successful candidates will gain supervised practical experience in diagnostic laboratory procedures and medical science research within an established public health environment.

During the internship period, candidates will develop professional competence in their chosen pathology disciplines in accordance with approved standard operating procedures. The programme is designed to prepare interns for registration as Independent Medical Biological Scientists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Interns will receive a stipend aligned with their qualification level, ranging from NQF 8 to NQF 10, as prescribed by NHLS policies.

Position: Intern Medical Scientist (Grade TC1)
Duration: Two-year fixed-term contract (2026/2027 intake)
Salary/Stipend:

  • NQF 8: R193,583.78 per annum
  • NQF 9: R243,353.53 per annum
  • NQF 10: R294,026.14 per annum

Location: Various NHLS-accredited training centres across South Africa, including selected universities and national institutes
Closing Date: 23 January 2026

Applicants must hold a four-year BSc degree or an Honours degree in a relevant medical or clinical pathology discipline, with pathology-related coursework being a compulsory requirement. Interested individuals are required to submit a concise CV, certified identification, qualifications, and academic transcripts by the stipulated closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and all appointments will be made in line with NHLS employment equity objectives.

INTERN MEDICAL SCIENTIST

A limited number of positions on a 2-year fixed-term contract are available for Intern Medical Scientists (Grade TC1), for the 2026/2027 intake at the following training centres:

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

(Ref. GAUSMU-1225-001)

  • Anatomical Pathology ×1
  • Haematology ×2
  • Virology ×4

University of Cape Town

(Ref. WNCUCT-1225-001)

  • Chemical Pathology ×1
  • Genetic Counselling ×5
  • Haematology ×2
  • Immunology ×1
  • Virology ×2

University of the Free State

(Ref. FNWUFS-1225-001)

  • Chemical Pathology ×2
  • Haematology ×1
  • Medical Microbiology ×1

University of KwaZulu-Natal

(Ref. KZNUKZN-1225-001)

  • Anatomical Pathology ×3
  • Chemical Pathology ×1
  • Medical Microbiology ×2

University of Pretoria

(Ref. GAUUP-1225-001)

  • Chemical Pathology ×3
  • Haematology ×2
  • Medical Microbiology ×2
  • Medical Virology ×2

University of Stellenbosch

(Ref. WNCUS-1225-001)

  • Immunology ×1
  • Medical Microbiology ×1
  • Medical Virology ×2

University of the Witwatersrand

(Ref. GAUWITS-1225-001)

  • Anatomical Pathology ×2
  • Genetic Counselling ×4
  • Haematology ×2
  • Human Genetics ×4
  • Molecular Biology ×2

National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

(Ref. NICD-1225-001)

  • Medical Microbiology ×5
  • Molecular Biology ×2
  • Virology ×2

National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)

(Ref. NIOH-1225-001)

  • Analytical Services ×2
  • Anatomical Pathology ×1
  • Medical Microbiology ×2
Training & Stipend

During this period, candidates will attain, under supervision, discipline-specific knowledge and experience, and undergo training to perform diagnostic procedures and medical science research as prescribed in standard operating procedures to qualify for registration as an Independent Medical Biological Scientist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Stipend (depending on qualifications):

  • NQF 8: R193,583.78
  • NQF 9: R243,353.53
  • NQF 10: R294,026.14
Requirements
  • 4-year BSc degree or Honours degree in a medical/clinical pathology discipline
  • Only graduates with pathology courses will be shortlisted
How to Apply

Interested persons who meet the requirements must submit their applications by emailing a concise curriculum vitae, certified copy of an identity document, relevant qualifications, and full academic transcripts to [email protected]. Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the name of the university or training centre and the specific discipline applied for in the email subject line to ensure correct processing of the application.

Very important: Please indicate the name of the University/centre and discipline in your email subject line
(e.g. University of Pretoria, Immunology)

Enquiries can be directed to the same email address.

Important Notes
  • Applicants must ensure their applications are received
  • Pre-employment screening and qualification verification will be conducted
  • Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only
  • If you have not heard from NHLS within 2 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
  • Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered

NHLS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment Equity targets will guide the filling of positions.

CLOSING DATE: 23 JANUARY 2026