All jobsScience & Research

28 Science & Research Jobs in South Africa

Experiments advance through careful observation, troubleshooting, and collaboration across laboratory benches.

Science & Research jobs by city

• Callao39
• Basel35
• Aurora29
• Shanghai28
• Colombia24
• Beijing23
• Arequipa22
• Karachi22
• Mengeš18
• Visp18
• Barcelona17
• Juncos17
• Singapore16
• Brussels16
• Oslo15
• Ljubljana14

Specialities in Science & Research

• Health and Medical Research616
• General Research552
• Scientific Technicians546
• Chemical and Physical Science372
• Environmental and Climate Science342
• Biological Science213

Questions

• What qualifications do entry-level research positions require?

  Most laboratory technician and research assistant roles require a high school diploma or associate degree, though bachelor's degrees are increasingly common. Employers value coursework in relevant sciences and any hands-on laboratory experience from internships or academic programs.

• What does a typical day in a research laboratory involve?

  Days involve bench work like preparing samples, running instruments, and recording observations, interspersed with data analysis, equipment maintenance, and documentation. The rhythm varies depending on the project phase and whether experiments require continuous monitoring or can proceed overnight.

• How do research roles differ between academia and industry?

  Academic researchers typically balance bench work with grant writing, mentoring, and publication while working on longer-term fundamental questions. Industry scientists often focus on specific targets with defined timelines, more standardized protocols, and greater emphasis on reproducibility and regulatory compliance.

• What skills are most critical for advancement in research?

  Technical proficiency with instruments and methodologies is essential, but progression increasingly depends on problem-solving ability, written and verbal communication, and the capacity to work across teams. Project management and statistical analysis skills become more important at senior levels.

• How much time is spent on administrative versus hands-on work?

  Early-career researchers spend the majority of time at the bench or analyzing data, though documentation and safety protocols consume significant portions. Senior researchers spend progressively more time on reporting, mentoring, and strategic planning.

• What distinguishes clinical research from basic laboratory research?

  Clinical research involves human subjects, regulatory oversight, and direct translation to medical applications, creating different timelines and ethical considerations than basic science. The work requires additional training in informed consent, protocol compliance, and patient safety procedures.

• Do all research positions require graduate degrees?

  No. Technician, specialist, and technologist roles exist across experience levels, though progression to independent research typically requires at least a master's degree and often a PhD. Many scientists enter with bachelor's degrees and pursue advanced study part-time or later in their careers.

• What working conditions should researchers expect?

  Laboratory work involves standing, repetitive motions, and exposure to chemicals, biological materials, or radiation depending on the field, all managed through safety protocols. Hours are usually standard, though deadline-driven phases or time-sensitive experiments may require flexibility.

• How do roles in pharmaceutical R&D differ from biotech positions?

  Pharmaceutical companies typically focus on drug development with strict regulatory frameworks and longer timelines from discovery to market. Biotech companies often emphasize platform technologies or earlier-stage work with more experimental latitude and faster-moving iterations.

• What progression typically looks like from technician to senior scientist?

  Technicians develop specialized expertise and may advance to senior technician or specialist roles managing protocols and training others. Scientists with advanced degrees move from postdoctoral or early-career positions through scientist, senior scientist, and principal investigator levels, with advancement often tied to independent contributions and project leadership.