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Science Communication Internship (NQF Level 9)

Duration: Two years (1 September 2026 – 30 August 2028)

Location: Bellville, Cape Town

Closing date: Friday, 7 August 2026

Are you passionate about communicating science in ways that inform policy, inspire action and make research accessible to wider audiences?

The DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) is offering an exciting two-year Science Communication Internship for an early-career communications professional who is eager to build a career in research and science communication.

Hosted by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and co-hosted by the University of Pretoria (UP), the CoE-FS is a leading national research centre, bringing together researchers, policymakers, government, civil society and international partners to address food security challenges.

This internship is funded through the Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) Internship Programme and provides structured workplace learning alongside experienced communication professionals and leading researchers.

Learning and development

The internship is intended to provide structured workplace learning in science communication. Throughout the two-year programme, the intern will receive mentorship and practical experience across a broad range of communication functions, enabling them to develop professional competencies in research communication, multimedia storytelling, digital communication, stakeholder engagement, media relations, event communication and science writing.

Who should apply?

Applicants must:

• hold an NQF Level 9 qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent)
• be South African citizens
• be 35 years of age or younger at the commencement of the internship
• have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• demonstrate a strong interest in science communication, research communication or public engagement.

Advantageous
Experience in journalism, communication, digital media, multimedia storytelling, social media management or related fields will be advantageous
Proficiency in one or more additional official South African languages, in addition to English, will be considered an advantage.

Application requirements

Please submit:

• a motivation letter (maximum one page)
• a comprehensive CV
• certified copies of qualifications
• a certified copy of your South African ID
• contact details for three referees (this can include supervisors, colleagues, community leaders, etc.)
• a brief portfolio (maximum five work samples) showcasing your communication work. This may include published articles, social media content, photography, videos, newsletters, podcasts, graphic design, multimedia projects or other relevant examples. Where examples are group efforts, please include a description of your contribution.

Applications should be emailed to foodsecurity@uwc.ac.za by Friday, 7 August 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an online interview, which will take place on 12 and/or 13 August 2026. Applicants are requested to ensure their availability on these dates.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.