JOB SHADOW

The Department of Biomedical Sciences Job-Shadow Programme provides high school learners an opportunity to walk a mile in a scientists shoes and gain unique insight into what a career in research entails. The Department of Biomedical Sciences, host this programme bi-annually (during the second and third semester school holidays) and can accommodate a total of 20 learners per intake.

2024 Job Shadow Program Dates:

    • Generation Science (GenS): June, 18th to 21st – hosted in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
    • Biomedical Sciences (BioSci): September, 23rd and 25th to 27th

If you would like to get a more details account of this amazing program, please see our blog post about the official launch of the Job-Shadow Program that took place in June 2019 titled “A day in the life of a scientist” . Since its inception, the Job Shadow Program has evolved from a two-day program hosted solely within the MBHG Division to a five-day departmental wide program informed from feedback by past attendees. This new and improved program features more hands-on activities in various laboratory settings to give attendees a holistic view of the various options available within Biomedical research.

Learners interested in applying for this program must complete the online application form during the application cycles:

  • Generation Science (GenS) 2024: Application OPEN on 26 April, and CLOSE on 20 May
  • Biomedical Sciences (BioSci) 2024: Applications OPEN on 2 August, and CLOSE on 26 August


Please be aware that space for the program is limited, and preference will be given to students from institutions serving historically disadvantaged communities and who demonstrated alignment with the nature of our programme and its core objectives, namely those whose motivations underscore a keen interest in health research and careers in science specifically. Please note that we do not cover costs of transport or accommodation incurred as a result of participation in the Job Shadow programme. 

Please be informed that this initiative is exclusive to secondary school learners. Undergraduates wishing to visit our facility can attend the yearly Departmental Open Day. Details pertaining to this will be shared on our social media accounts so be sure to follow us