Nutreco Quality Control Internship Programme 2026: Johannesburg Intake

Nutreco is recruiting a Quality Control Intern to provide hands-on laboratory support in Johannesburg. This role suits early-career candidates or recent graduates who want practical experience in a quality-control laboratory environment, helping with sample handling, routine tests and laboratory housekeeping so technicians can focus on complex analysis.

Quick overview

Position	Quality Control Intern
Employer	Nutreco
Location	Johannesburg, Gauteng
Employment type	Intern / Full-time
Work arrangement	On-site
Apply	Apply on the employer’s careers page
Posted	20 July 2026

About the organisation

Trouw Nutrition is described as a global provider of feed specialties, premixes and nutritional services for the animal nutrition industry. The organisation focuses on species-specific solutions — products, models and services — designed to boost productivity and support animal health across life stages. It operates in multiple countries and emphasises innovation in feed and nutrition.

What the role involves

This laboratory-focused internship provides practical support to laboratory technicians and, where applicable, researchers. You will keep the lab running smoothly by managing supplies and samples, performing routine, standardised measurements and maintaining equipment so testing and production processes stay on schedule.

Duties and responsibilities

Manage laboratory supplies: inventory, stock levels and ordering of consumables and disposables.
Perform administrative tasks that support daily laboratory operations and reporting workflows.
Maintain good housekeeping and waste management to ensure a clean, safe and compliant laboratory environment.
Handle sample logistics: fetching, delivering, receiving, dosing and storage of product samples according to procedure.
Carry out standard analyses on samples following established rules and procedures (examples include moisture content, composition and protein content).
Record and register analysis results accurately and in a timely manner in the relevant reporting systems, and report defects or problems to internal stakeholders.
Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work in compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 17025.
Perform first-line maintenance and cleaning of laboratory tools and instruments; set up and adjust equipment at prescribed values and flag required maintenance to supervisors.
Support routine measurements for R&D projects where applicable, under supervision.
Carry out other duties as directed to support uninterrupted laboratory testing and quality assurance.

Requirements explained clearly

The role emphasises practical, on-the-bench support rather than deep specialist knowledge. Expected capabilities and behavioural standards include:

Ability to follow written procedures and SOPs reliably — accuracy and consistency are essential.
Comfort with physical sample handling and routine laboratory tasks such as dosing, simple measurements and documentation of results.
Attention to detail when recording results and reporting defects so downstream teams can act on reliable data.
Basic familiarity with laboratory housekeeping and waste-management practices; commitment to a safe, compliant work environment.
Willingness to perform first-line maintenance and cleaning of equipment and to escalate technical issues to supervisors.
Capability to work on-site in Johannesburg and to coordinate effectively with technicians and internal stakeholders.

Note: The vacancy description indicates that in-depth laboratory knowledge is not essential; the role requires the ability to learn and apply relevant procedures quickly.

Who should consider applying

Recent graduates or students in biosciences, food science, chemistry, animal science, or related fields seeking practical laboratory experience.
Candidates looking for an entry point into quality control, laboratory operations or R&D support within the animal nutrition or food production sectors.
Practical, organised people who enjoy hands-on work, routine testing and keeping processes running smoothly.
Applicants comfortable with an on-site, laboratory environment and following formal procedures and quality standards.

Application checklist

Prepare these items before you apply:

A concise CV that highlights any laboratory, quality control or related practical experience (academic lab work, internships, trainee roles).
A short cover letter or supporting statement explaining your interest in lab support and any relevant skills (sample handling, SOP adherence, basic tests).
Contact details for at least one referee who can speak to your practical or academic work ethic.
Copies or details of relevant academic qualifications or training, if available.
Be ready to confirm your ability to work on-site in Johannesburg and to follow established safety and quality procedures.

How to apply

Apply via the employer’s careers page

Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here

Edupstairs advice: make your application stand out

Lead with practical examples: In your CV and cover letter, give short, concrete examples of times you followed SOPs, handled samples, ran routine tests or kept laboratory areas compliant and tidy.
Highlight measurable outcomes: If you helped reduce delays, improved stock control or contributed to accurate reporting in a prior role or project, say so briefly and with numbers if possible.
Demonstrate safety and quality awareness: Mention any training in health and safety, laboratory practice, or familiarity with standards such as ISO 9001/17025 — even basic exposure is relevant.
Show your willingness to learn: The role expects quick familiarisation with procedures. Note any experience picking up new lab techniques or instruments quickly.
Keep documentation ready: Have scanned copies of qualifications and a referee available so you can upload them if requested on the employer page.
Tailor your cover letter: Explain why you want practical lab experience in quality control and how an internship at Nutreco aligns with your career goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the working arrangement?The role is on-site in Johannesburg.
Is this a full-time position or an internship?The vacancy lists both INTERN and FULL_TIME as employment types, indicating it is offered as an internship position with a full-time work pattern.
What kinds of tests will I perform?Expect to perform standard, protocol-driven measurements such as moisture content, composition and protein content, plus other routine analyses as defined by lab procedures.
What standards and procedures apply?All work must comply with laboratory SOPs and relevant quality standards, including ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 where applicable. Legal and company rules on quality, safety and environment apply.
Do I need in-depth laboratory knowledge before applying?In-depth knowledge is not essential. The role expects general knowledge of standard procedures and the ability to learn and follow specific work instructions quickly.
Will I need to maintain and clean equipment?Yes — the role includes first-line maintenance and cleaning of tools and instruments, and identifying when further inspection or maintenance is required.
What about equal opportunity and accommodations?The employer is an equal opportunity employer and requests applicants advise them during recruitment if accommodation is required.

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Disclaimer

Please confirm final details such as application requirements, timelines and role specifics on the employer’s official application page before applying.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY