The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) has opened applications for its Short-Term Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Programme, offering early-career researchers the opportunity to gain hands-on training in a world-class research environment.
The fellowship supports collaborative research between scientists from ICGEB Member States and ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India and South Africa, strengthening scientific capacity through international exchange.
Focus
The programme is designed for pre-doctoral researchers seeking to deepen their research skills through short-term placements in leading laboratories.
Fellows are embedded within ICGEB Component laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi, or Cape Town, where they contribute to ongoing research projects while developing technical expertise. The programme emphasises scientific excellence, collaboration and knowledge transfer, with the goal of strengthening research capacity in fellows’ home countries.
Funding details
Fellowships last between 1 and 12 months, with monthly stipends determined by the host location:
Trieste: approximately $1,630 per month
New Delhi: approximately $1,122 per month
Cape Town: approximately $880 per month
The programme also covers round-trip travel, medical health insurance, and reimburses visa or permit costs. No financial or administrative support is provided for accompanying family members.
Accommodation arrangements
Accommodation support varies by host location:
Trieste: Fellows receive housing contact lists but are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
New Delhi: On-campus guest house accommodation is available at a modest cost on a shared basis.
Cape Town: Accommodation arrangements are made in advance, with details agreed upon prior to arrival.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be nationals of an ICGEB Member State.
- Undertake the fellowship outside their home country, unless currently working abroad.
- Hold a BSc (Honours) degree for placements in Trieste or Cape Town, or an MSc degree for New Delhi.
- Demonstrate a good working knowledge of English, with certification where required.
Selection process
Applicants must first contact an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator to confirm laboratory availability and agree on a joint research project. A written statement of support from the Group Leader is mandatory.
Selection is competitive and based on the quality of the proposed project, the applicant’s curriculum vitae, and the potential impact of the fellowship on the fellow’s home country. Only one application per call is permitted.
Deadline
Applications close on March 31, 2026. Interested candidates can apply via the ICGEB website.
Access more global science fellowships on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
