National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials Internship

The CSIR has an Internship opportunity in the National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials.

The purpose of this programme is to equip students with technical experience and practical work experience by involvement in our research projects:

• Polymer Nanocomposites: chemical and polymer processing involving manufacturing of nano structures, scaling-up, and developing polymer nanocomposites for various applications,
• Clay / nano additives: chemical processing involving manufacturing of nano-structures and scaling-up for various applications,
• Materials for Device Applications: fabrication and testing / characterisation of materials
• Characterisation Facility: assisting staff, CSIR, academic and industrial clients in the characterisation of materials across a number of techniques and instruments.

This position is based in Pretoria.

The National Centre for Nanostructured Materials is a platform for the implementation of the South African National Nanotechnology Strategy.

It undertakes innovative research on nano-structured materials and has an extensive research network with other local and international research organisations.

It has a strong focus on human capital development, makes a significant contribution to the creation and dissemination of new scientific knowledge, and collaborates closely with industry to help ensure successful outcomes and impact of the group’s research and development activities

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct literature searches for research projects;
• Conduct experimental work in the laboratory for research projects;
• Assist researchers and operators where needed;
• Operate scaling-up plant equipment (e.g. Extruder, Injection Mould, Film Blow Mould, Autoclave, Product Drying equipment, etc. – training will be provided);
• Characterise products/materials (e.g. SEM, XRD, TGA, etc. – training will be provided);
• Compile reports and other project related documents;
• Housekeep labs and scaling-up plants.
• SS-F-HR-363 REV05 Advert template business unit/competency area

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A three year qualification (N.Dip, Bsc or BTech) in chemical engineering, polymer science, polymer processing and/or polymer technology or
• Bachelor’s degree honours (Bsc hons,BEng hons) in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, polymer procession and/or polymer technology;
• Knowledge in the following will be an advantage:
  o Research in nano materials, clay/nano additives and/or polymer processing or synthesis

o Industrial experience in chemical plant operation, compounding or polymer processing or synthesis

o Expertise in hands-on running of characterization equipment, either electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), x-ray instruments (XRD), optical instruments (FTIR, PL, etc.), or polymer characterization instruments (TGA, DMA, DSC, Rheometry etc).

Communication and presentation skills;

Research and report writing skills;

Problem solving, solution seeking orientation;

Goal orientated approach

Ability to work independently;

Computer literate.

Closing Date: 26 Auguast 2016

HOW TO APPLY

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