Bacteriology Internship at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) – A Chance to Work With Plant Bacteria
If you’ve finished a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology, plant pathology or a related science and you’re curious about the tiny organisms that can make plants sick, this internship could be the next step for you. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC), through its Plant Health and Protection unit (ARC‑PHP), is looking for one motivated student to join a hands‑on program in Roodeplaat, Pretoria. You’ll work in a research lab, help with field experiments, and learn how to identify plant‑disease bacteria with modern tools like PCR. The program ends in 2026, and the pay is on the market rate for research work.
What the Internship Looks Like
You’ll start by making growth media and buffers – the basic food and environment for bacteria. Then you’ll isolate, purify and store bacterial cultures. You’ll learn to extract DNA from plant‑pathogenic bacteria and run PCR tests to find out what species are present. The ARC has a national collection of bacterial samples and you’ll help keep it organized and expanding. You’ll also help gather data, write reports, and support the diagnostic services that identify disease threats for farmers. On top of the lab work, you’ll take part in soil preparation and run glasshouse trials to see how bacteria affect plant growth. The job involves trips to different provinces to collect plant samples, and you’ll follow strict quality and safety rules at all times.
The role blends wet‑lab skills, field work, and real‑world research, giving you a rounded view of plant health science.
Who Should Apply
You need a National Diploma or a BSc in one of the following areas:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Plant Pathology
- A similar science field
Having a post‑graduate diploma or honours degree is a bonus. If you already have a year of experience in a plant bacteriology lab, that will help your application. Experience with bacterial preservation is also useful. You should be ready to help with soil and glasshouse work and willing to join field trips.
Equality and Fairness
ARC follows the Employment Equity Plan. Candidates from designated groups, especially people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. The council is an equal‑opportunity employer and follows the national employment equity laws.
How to Apply
Send in a cover letter that explains why you want this internship. Include a detailed CV and at least three recent references who can be contacted. Add certified copies of your qualifications and any supporting documents. If you have a foreign qualification, include a SAQA evaluation report. Don’t forget a certified copy of your driver’s licence.
Incomplete applications won’t be accepted.
Apply here for the ARC Bacteriology Internship Programme 2026
https://arcjobs.mcidirecthire.com/Vacancy/Application?parameters=q4%2f37VDQTFWXnK7wNIeCPbJmtl5WRPdl1QgHSbh7YBEEW%2f2d7iDAYcUFQwHwmhpp35P%2b4DMdchga0O%2bwOiPogdggU4Z1%2fO906eNSYxO8cswJqLJ7rZ9BP3U4eO1czuGnoU6Ii%2bTf%2bNZd0Te8%2bA7eStA8U%2bKXmbRlH65IUvyRAxX1JlRg0Ox98no8FeKaymm%2bT6xTFbO3lG7sID%2bZne%2bahC4oV8eMGUf2qHqEN%2b8OaO8%3d
Apply before 23 January 2026. If you don’t hear back within four weeks after that date, your application will be considered unsuccessful. ARC keeps the right to not offer the position if needed.
Why This Internship Matters
Working on this program gives you:
- Direct exposure to national plant‑health research projects
- Hands‑on experience with DNA work and bacterial diagnostics
- Field and lab research skills that are useful for any science career
- A solid base if you want to pursue a master’s or a PhD, or a career in biosecurity, diagnostics, or plant protection
If you want to help keep crops healthy and fight plant diseases, this internship offers a practical path into agricultural science. It’s a chance to see how research can protect food supplies and support farmers across South Africa. If you’re ready to learn, work hard, and help discover new ways to keep plants safe, this position might be the right fit for you.