Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The African Institute for Capacity Development–ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship offers African scientists a fully funded six-month research placement at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa. The program supports advanced training in biotechnology and related fields, providing a competitive stipend, travel, health insurance, and visa cost coverage.
This opportunity targets early-career postdoctoral researchers from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda seeking international research exposure and skills that benefit their home countries.
Six-Month Advanced Research Training for African Scientists
The African Institute for Capacity Development, in partnership with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), offers a six-month postdoctoral training fellowship for African scientists.
The fellowship enables selected researchers to conduct advanced research at ICGEB laboratories while strengthening scientific capacity in Africa through skills transfer and international collaboration.
What Is the ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship?
This fellowship is a short-term, intensive research training programme designed for postdoctoral scientists working in life sciences and biotechnology-related fields.
Fellows work under the supervision of an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator and carry out a defined research project aligned with ICGEB’s priority areas.
Research Areas and Scientific Focus
Applicants must propose research aligned with biotechnology or closely related disciplines.
Key focus areas include:
Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Infectious diseases
- Non-communicable diseases
Sustainable Agriculture
- Crop improvement
- Agricultural biotechnology
Industrial Biotechnology
- Bioprocessing
- Bio-based products
Renewable Energy
- Bioenergy
- Sustainable biotechnological solutions
Fellowship Locations
Successful applicants will be hosted at one of the following ICGEB centres.
ICGEB Trieste, Italy
A leading international research centre for molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences.
ICGEB New Delhi, India
A major life sciences hub with strong research capacity in biotechnology and health sciences.
ICGEB Cape Town, South Africa
A regional centre supporting applied biotechnology research relevant to African development needs.
Duration of the Fellowship
- Total duration: 6 months
- The fellowship is non-renewable
Financial Support and Benefits
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial and logistical support.
Monthly Stipend
The stipend varies by host location:
- EUR 2,300 per month in Trieste
- USD 1,749 per month in New Delhi
- ZAR 27,500 per month in Cape Town
Travel Support
- Round-trip travel from the fellow’s home country to the host ICGEB laboratory
- Return travel upon completion of the fellowship
Health Insurance and Visa Costs
- Medical health insurance for the full fellowship duration
- Reimbursement of visa or permit of stay application and renewal costs
Family Support
- No financial or administrative support is provided for family members
Accommodation Arrangements by Location
Accommodation support differs depending on the host centre.
Trieste, Italy
- No on-campus accommodation
- Fellows receive a list of external housing contacts
New Delhi, India
- On-campus guest house available
- Twin-share accommodation at a nominal rate
Cape Town, South Africa
- Accommodation support provided
- Housing arrangements agreed prior to arrival
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria are strictly applied.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be nationals of:
- Kenya
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Uganda
Academic and Professional Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences, or
- Have at least three years of relevant research experience
Age Preference
- Preference is given to candidates below 35 years of age
Language Requirement
- Good working knowledge of English is required
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or Cambridge) must be provided unless:
- English was the medium of instruction, and
- The university issues an official confirmation
Why This Fellowship Matters
The fellowship strengthens Africa’s scientific ecosystem by:
- Providing hands-on training in advanced biotechnology
- Building international research networks
- Supporting knowledge transfer back to home institutions
- Enhancing research capacity in priority development sectors
How It Works: Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Identify an ICGEB Group Leader
Applicants must identify an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator whose research aligns with their interests.
Step 2: Submit a Motivation Letter
Candidates contact the selected Group Leader with a motivation letter to:
- Confirm laboratory space availability
- Define the proposed research project
Step 3: Obtain Written Confirmation
A written statement from the ICGEB Group Leader confirming willingness to support the project is mandatory.
Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Full curriculum vitae (CV)
- Written statement from the ICGEB Group Leader
- Valid identification document (passport or national ID)
- Passport validity of at least 12 months is recommended
- English language proficiency certificate, where applicable
Step 5: Submit the Online Application
- Applications must be completed and submitted online
- Only one application per call is permitted
Selection Process and Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.
Selection is based on:
- Scientific excellence and feasibility of the research project
- Academic and professional quality of the applicant’s CV
- Potential benefit of the training for the applicant’s home country
Both successful and unsuccessful candidates are notified by email only.
Due to the high volume of applications, individual feedback is not provided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without securing written support from an ICGEB Group Leader
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
- Ignoring English language certification requirements
- Applying without meeting nationality or experience criteria
- Submitting more than one application per call
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply without contacting an ICGEB Group Leader?
No. A written statement from a Group Leader is mandatory.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers stipend, travel, insurance, and visa-related costs.
3. Can I bring my family during the fellowship?
Family members may accompany fellows, but no financial or administrative support is provided.
4. Is there an age limit?
There is no strict age limit, but preference is given to applicants under 35.
5. Can I choose my host ICGEB location?
Yes. Applicants propose a host location based on their chosen Group Leader.
6. Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
No. Due to application volume, individual feedback is not provided.
7. How long does the selection process take?
The selection process may take several weeks, depending on the number of applications.
Conclusion
The African Institute for Capacity Development–ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for African scientists to gain advanced research training in world-class laboratories.
By combining international exposure, financial support, and high-impact research, the fellowship strengthens scientific capacity and supports sustainable development in Africa.
For more information, visit ICGEB.