Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme supports early-career life science researchers with funded postdoctoral positions in Italy, India, and South Africa. It offers competitive stipends, research support, and access to world-class laboratories for up to three years, starting 1 October 2026.
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) offers a competitive Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme in Life Sciences for highly motivated scientists seeking advanced research training in a globally recognized scientific environment. The programme is designed to strengthen scientific capacity in ICGEB Member States while advancing cutting-edge research in biotechnology and related life science fields.
About ICGEB
ICGEB is an international organization dedicated to research, training, and technology transfer in genetic engineering and biotechnology. It operates major research centres in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa), supporting scientists from its Member States.
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
The fellowship is awarded for an initial period of two years. A one-year extension may be granted based on performance and scientific progress. All fellowships commence on 1 October 2026 at the selected host centre.
Fellowship Locations
Fellows are hosted at one of the following ICGEB centres:
Financial Support and Benefits
The fellowship provides a competitive monthly stipend based on the host location.
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Trieste, Italy: EUR 2,300 per month
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New Delhi, India: USD 1,749 per month
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Cape Town, South Africa: ZAR 27,500 per month
Additional benefits include: -
Medical insurance coverage
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Reimbursement of visa-related expenses
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Coverage of research-related costs
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Support for participation in academic events, typically through the Group Leader
Family-related financial or administrative support is not included.
Accommodation Support
Accommodation arrangements depend on the host centre.
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Trieste: Fellows receive contact lists to secure housing independently.
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New Delhi: Access to a campus guest house is provided.
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Cape Town: Accommodation is arranged prior to arrival.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
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Be a national of an ICGEB Member State
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Not undertake the fellowship in their home country unless they have lived abroad for at least three years at the time of application
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Hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences or have a minimum of three years of research experience
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Preference is given to candidates under 35 years of age
Research Project and Supervisor Requirement
Before applying, candidates must identify and contact an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator. Applicants must:
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Submit a motivation letter to the Group Leader
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Confirm the availability of laboratory space
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Jointly define a research project aligned with ICGEB research priorities
A written statement of support from the selected Group Leader is mandatory and must be included in the application.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
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Identify an ICGEB Group Leader at the preferred host centre.
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Contact the Group Leader with a motivation letter and research interests.
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Develop a joint research proposal with the Group Leader.
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Obtain a written support statement from the Group Leader.
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Complete the online application form.
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Upload all required documents.
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Ensure endorsement by the national ICGEB Liaison Officer.
Only one application submission is permitted per call.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents online:
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Complete curriculum vitae (CV)
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Academic degrees and transcripts with English translations
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Written statement from the ICGEB Group Leader
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Valid identity document
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English language proficiency certificate, where applicable
Selection and Evaluation Process
After submission, applications are forwarded to the applicant’s national ICGEB Liaison Officer for endorsement. Endorsement is mandatory for further consideration. The ICGEB Selection Committee evaluates applications based on:
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Scientific merit of the proposed research
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Academic and research profile of the candidate
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Potential benefit to the applicant’s home country
Final decisions are communicated via email. Individual feedback is not provided.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme:
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Provides access to world-class research infrastructure
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Supports international scientific mobility
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Builds research capacity in developing and emerging economies
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Enhances career prospects for early-career life scientists
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting an application without a Group Leader’s written support
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Applying to conduct research in the home country without meeting the residency exception
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Uploading incomplete or untranslated academic records
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Missing national Liaison Officer endorsement
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Attempting multiple submissions in the same call
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the duration of the ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts two years, with a possible one-year extension.
Can I apply without a PhD?
Yes, if you have at least three years of documented research experience in Life Sciences.
Is family support included in the fellowship?
No, the fellowship does not provide family-related financial or administrative support.
Can I choose my host country?
Yes, applicants may apply to Trieste, New Delhi, or Cape Town, subject to Group Leader availability.
Is national endorsement mandatory?
Yes, applications must be endorsed by the national ICGEB Liaison Officer to be considered.
When will fellows start their research?
All selected fellows begin on 1 October 2026.
How will I know the application outcome?
Results are communicated by email; individual feedback is not provided.
Conclusion
The ICGEB Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a highly competitive opportunity for early-career life science researchers from ICGEB Member States to gain international research experience, financial support, and mentorship. With structured funding, strong institutional backing, and global research exposure, the programme serves as a critical pathway for advancing scientific careers and contributing to capacity-building in home countries.
For more information, visit ICGEB.