Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The ICGEB Short-term Postdoctoral Fellowships fund 1–6 month collaborative research visits at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa for early-career life scientists from ICGEB Member States. The programme provides a monthly stipend, travel, health insurance, and visa cost reimbursement, with applications submitted online in collaboration with an ICGEB Group Leader.
Programme Overview
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) offers Short-term Fellowships for Postdoctoral studies to promote collaborative research between scientists from ICGEB Member States and research groups based at ICGEB Component laboratories. Fellowships can be undertaken at ICGEB Trieste (Italy), ICGEB New Delhi (India), or ICGEB Cape Town (South Africa). The programme is designed to strengthen scientific capacity, foster international collaboration, and generate benefits for researchers’ home countries.
Fellowship Duration and Financial Support
The fellowship supports research stays of 1 to 6 months. Financial support varies by host location and is provided as a monthly stipend. Fellows receive €2,300 per month in Trieste, US$1,749 per month in New Delhi, and ZAR 27,500 per month in Cape Town. In addition, round-trip travel from the fellow’s home country to the host ICGEB laboratory is covered. Medical health insurance is provided for the full fellowship period, and costs related to visa or permit of stay applications and renewals are reimbursed. Financial or administrative support for accompanying family members is not provided.
Eligible Research Fields
The fellowship is open to postdoctoral research in Life Sciences and related disciplines aligned with the research focus of ICGEB laboratories. Projects must be collaborative in nature and clearly integrated into the host laboratory’s ongoing research activities.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be nationals of an ICGEB Member State. They may not apply to undertake the fellowship in their country of origin unless they have been working abroad for at least the last three consecutive years at the time of application. Candidates should hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences or have at least three years of research experience. Preference is given to applicants below 35 years of age.
Host Country Restrictions
Fellowships cannot normally be undertaken in the applicant’s country of nationality. The only exception applies to candidates who have been professionally based outside their home country for a minimum of three years immediately prior to application.
How the Fellowship Works
Applicants must independently identify and contact an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator at their preferred host laboratory. A motivation letter should be sent to discuss laboratory availability and jointly define a feasible research project. A written statement from the ICGEB Group Leader confirming support for the project is mandatory and forms a core part of the application.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online, and only one application per call is permitted per candidate. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format. Required documents include a full curriculum vitae, a written statement of support from the ICGEB Group Leader, a valid passport or identity card with at least 12 months validity, and an English language certificate if English was not the medium of instruction or if official certification is unavailable.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee. Assessment is based on the scientific excellence and feasibility of the proposed project, the quality and experience reflected in the applicant’s CV, and the potential benefit of the training and collaboration for the applicant’s home country. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified by email. Due to high application volume, the selection process may take several weeks, and individual feedback is generally not provided.
Accommodation Arrangements
Accommodation support depends on the host location. ICGEB Trieste does not provide housing but shares a list of local accommodation options. ICGEB New Delhi offers on-campus accommodation at the ICGEB Guest House on a twin-sharing basis for a nominal fee. ICGEB Cape Town provides accommodation support arranged prior to the fellow’s arrival.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often overlook the requirement for a written statement from an ICGEB Group Leader, which is mandatory. Submitting incomplete documentation, applying to a host country that violates nationality rules, or proposing a project not aligned with the host lab’s research focus can also lead to rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can the fellowship last?
The fellowship duration ranges from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 6 months.
Is travel funding included?
Yes. Round-trip travel between the fellow’s home country and the host ICGEB laboratory is covered.
Can I bring family members?
No financial or administrative support is provided for family members.
Can I apply without contacting an ICGEB Group Leader first?
No. A written statement from a supporting ICGEB Group Leader is mandatory for application.
Is there an age limit?
There is no strict age cutoff, but preference is given to candidates under 35 years of age.
Can I submit more than one application per call?
No. Only one application per call is allowed for each candidate.
Conclusion
The ICGEB Short-term Postdoctoral Fellowships provide a focused opportunity for early-career life scientists to engage in high-quality international research collaboration. With structured financial support, access to world-class laboratories, and strong emphasis on scientific excellence and capacity building, the programme serves as a strategic pathway for advancing postdoctoral research and strengthening global scientific networks.
For more information, visit ICGEB.
