AECI South Africa Research and Development Internship Programme
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, 4052
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Purpose of the job
Our Research and Development laboratory develops specialty chemical products across mining, road construction, lubricants, oleochemicals, and waterproofing applications. We are looking for a motivated student to assist a chemist with day-to-day laboratory and development work.
This is a hands-on opportunity to gain practical experience in formulation and applications chemistry within a working industrial R&D environment.
Required Outputs Functions
- Assist with bench-scale formulation trials and experimental work under the guidance of the chemist
- Prepare and characterise experimental samples and evaluate performance against product specifications
- Set up and run application-performance tests relevant to mining, road construction, lubricant, oleochemical, and waterproofing products
- Assist with raw material screening and evaluation of alternative or reformulated feedstocks
- Support stability, aging, and shelf-life studies on developmental samples
- Assist with literature and patent searches to support new product investigation
- Record experimental observations in laboratory notebooks in line with good documentation practice
- Compile and interpret experimental data, plot trends, and assist in drafting technical reports
- Assist with scale-up trials from bench to pilot scale
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science
- National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (completed, or requiring in-service training to complete the qualification)
Advantageous
- Exposure to instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, or titration techniques
- Basic computer literacy (MS Excel and Word)
Attributes
- Accurate, methodical, and detail-oriented
- Strong safety awareness and willingness to follow procedure
- Good written and verbal communication
- Able to work independently and as part of a technical team
- Genuine interest in applied chemistry and product development
About AECI South Africa
AECI is a major South African-based specialty products and services group focused on the mining, industrial, water treatment, and agricultural sectors.
Overview and History
- Founded: Registered as African Explosives and Industries (AE&I) in 1924, tracing roots back to 1896 and the Witwatersrand gold rush.
- Headquarters: Woodmead, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Leadership: Led by Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Dickson.
- Stock Exchange: Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) under the ticker symbol AFE.
Core Business Operations
- Mining Solutions: South Africa’s largest explosives manufacturer and a key global provider of initiating systems, blasting services, and specialized mining chemicals.
- Industrial & Specialty Chemicals: Supplies raw materials and chemical reagents for water treatment, public health, agriculture, food and beverages, and general manufacturing.
- Global Footprint: Operates across 20 countries spanning six continents with over 5,300 employees.
HOW TO APPLY
Clover South Africa YES Learner Internship Program: Two(2) Positions Available