Postdoctoral Fellowships at ICGEB Italy and South Africa
The ICGEB-AICAD Short Term Postdoctoral Fellowships offer an exceptional Research Opportunity in South Africa, Italy, and India for early-career scientists from Africa. These prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowships support advanced training in biotechnology, health sciences, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy, making them a highly valuable opportunity for life science graduates seeking international research exposure.
About ICGEB
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is a leading international research organization dedicated to advanced training and innovation in life sciences. With laboratories in Italy, India, and South Africa, ICGEB supports capacity building, scientific excellence, and international collaboration through globally recognized Postdoctoral Fellowships and research programs.
Postdoctoral Fellowships Details:
- Fellowship Title: ICGEB-AICAD Short Term Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET
- Duration: 6 months
- Host Locations:
- ICGEB Trieste, Italy
- ICGEB New Delhi, India
- ICGEB Cape Town, South Africa
ICGEB–AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Overview
The African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD), in collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), offers Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships for African scientists.
The fellowship provides a 6-month research training placement at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa, enabling fellows to strengthen research capacity in biotechnology and related disciplines.
Research Focus Areas
Applicants may propose projects in biotechnology and related fields, including:
- Health Sciences
- Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a national of:
- Kenya
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Uganda
- Hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences, or
- Have at least 3 years of research experience
- Preference given to candidates under 35 years of age
Financial Support
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including:
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Monthly Stipend
- Italy (Trieste): €2,300
- India (New Delhi): USD 1,749
- South Africa (Cape Town): ZAR 27,500
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Additional Support
- Round-trip travel from home country to host ICGEB laboratory
- Medical health insurance for the full fellowship duration
- Reimbursement of visa and residence permit application/renewal costs
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Note: No financial or administrative support is provided for family members.
Accommodation Arrangements
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ICGEB Trieste (Italy):
- No on-site housing
- Fellows receive a list of recommended external housing options
-
ICGEB New Delhi (India):
- On-campus guest house (twin-share) at a nominal cost
-
ICGEB Cape Town (South Africa):
- Accommodation support provided
- Details arranged prior to arrival
How to Apply for Postdoctoral Fellowships?
- Identify and contact an ICGEB Group Leader / Principal Investigator (PI)
- Submit a motivation letter
- Confirm laboratory availability
- Define a joint research project proposal
- Obtain a written statement of support from the selected ICGEB Group Leader
- This document is mandatory
- Submit the online application
- Only one application per call is allowed per candidate
Required Application Documents (PDF format)
- Applicants must upload:
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Written statement from the supporting ICGEB Group Leader
- Valid identification document (passport or national ID)
- Recommended passport validity: minimum 12 months
- English language certificate (TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent)
- Not required if English was the official medium of instruction and certified by the awarding institution
Selection Process for Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Applications are reviewed by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee
- Evaluation is based on:
- Scientific quality of the proposed project
- Strength of the applicant’s CV
- Potential impact on the applicant’s home country
- Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email
- Due to high application volume, individual feedback is not provided.
