Location: Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha
Contract: Fixed term, 11 months (1 February 2027 to 31 December 2027)
Working hours: 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Closing date: Friday, 30 October 2026
About uYilo
uYilo is South Africa’s national electric mobility programme, hosted by Nelson Mandela University. It drives innovation in energy storage and sustainable transport, and this internship gives graduates hands-on experience in a growing clean energy sector.
About the Internship
Interns receive mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge energy storage technologies. The programme prepares graduates for impactful careers in the sector. Candidates should be highly motivated and ready to take initiative.
What You Will Do
- Work with laboratory quality management systems (ISO, SANAS), write SOPs, and apply Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), including the safe handling of battery manufacturing materials and batteries
- Handle and analyse batteries and raw chemical materials
- Test batteries and raw materials
- Provide day-to-day laboratory support
- Take part in project management, including proposal writing, literature searches, experiment execution, reporting, and mini research projects
- Attend training sessions to build your technical, quality, and project management skills
- Assist with energy storage projects as per the operational plan
- Support laboratory activities with tasks matched to your qualification and skillset
Minimum Requirements
You must have completed one of the following at a University of Technology or TVET college within the last 3 years:
- Diploma (or Advanced Diploma) in a chemistry field
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Diploma in an energy storage-related field
- Diploma or qualification in quality management systems, or a strong demonstrated aptitude for laboratory quality systems (ISO, SANAS, GLP)
Please note:
- The programme is not open to students enrolled for AY2027
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will be automatically disqualified
Skills and Attributes
- Curiosity and a passion for innovation
- Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
- Strong organising skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute meaningfully within a team
- Willingness to work across disciplines such as chemistry and engineering
- Good time management skills and the ability to multi-task under pressure
- Good presentation skills
How to Apply
Email the following documents:
- Your detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Your full academic record
- A covering letter stating how you meet the selection criteria
Nelson Mandela University encourages candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to apply. The university will respond only to shortlisted candidates. If you have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date, you can assume your application was unsuccessful.