ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) – Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027
About this opportunity
Postdoctoral fellowship for South African women researchers under the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) for 2027.
The ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) offers PhD fellowships in biotechnology, specifically targeting South African women researchers. These fellowships, in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), support innovative research projects aligned with ICGEB’s focus areas: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, and Virology. Fellowships include tuition coverage at the University of Cape Town, a monthly stipend, mentorship, and mobility support to ICGEB labs in Trieste (Italy) and New Delhi (India) for up to three years. Applications must be submitted by October 20, 2026, with a strong endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader.
What it offers
- Three-year PhD fellowship with tuition and monthly stipend (ZAR 16,500).
- Mobility support to conduct research at ICGEB Components in Trieste (Italy) and New Delhi (India).
- Mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and complementary skill development.
- Access to a top-tier international research environment.
Who can apply
- South African women researchers (citizens or permanent residents with a valid ID).
- Preference given to Black and disabled applicants.
- Must hold (or confirm intention to submit) an MSc degree by fellowship commencement.
What you'll do
- Conduct innovative PhD research in biotechnology, focusing on one of ICGEB’s macro research areas.
- Engage in collaborative projects with ICGEB Cape Town Group Leaders.
- Participate in research mobility at ICGEB’s global sites.
How to apply
-
Email fellowships@icgeb.org with:
- Copy of South African ID.
- Project proposal (must align with ICGEB research areas).
- Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader.
- Proof of MSc degree or confirmation of MSc thesis submission (required at award time).
-
Contact the ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader in advance to discuss the project.
Good to know
- Application deadline: October 20, 2026.
- No application fee.
- Stipend and tuition are provided—no additional costs.
- Mobility support covers travel to ICGEB’s global components.
Key requirement: A mandatory letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader is essential for submission.
Key details
South AfricaWhat you get
- Tuition fees covered at University of Cape Town
- Monthly stipend of ZAR 16,500
- Mobility support for research trips to ICGEB Components in Trieste (Italy) and New Delhi (India)
- Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Access to a top-tier international research environment
Documents needed
- South African ID copy
- Project proposal (aligned with ICGEB research areas: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, Virology)
- Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
- Proof of MSc degree or confirmation of MSc thesis submission (required at award time)
How to apply
- Email [fellowships@icgeb.org](mailto:fellowships@icgeb.org) with the required documents.
- Contact the chosen ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader in advance to discuss the proposed research project.
- Ensure the Group Leader submits the mandatory endorsement letter with the application.
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