Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 cycle of the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) Postdoctoral Fellowship. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the ICGEB-SAWBP, the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the National Research Foundation. It aims to support South African women researchers who possess a PhD in Biotechnology or a closely related field, demonstrating exceptional research capabilities and who intend to conduct hypothesis-driven scientific investigations.
The SAWBP fellowship is designed to foster greater collaboration and mobility among South African women scientists specializing in Biotechnology and the broader ICGEB international network. Fellowship recipients will have the unique opportunity to undertake visits to other esteemed ICGEB centers located in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India, promoting international scientific exchange and collaboration.
Applicants are expected to propose pioneering research projects that align with one of the primary thematic areas of the ICGEB Cape Town Component. These key research domains include:
- Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Systems Biology
- Biopesticides
- Virology
The fellowship offers an attractive and comprehensive package, which includes:
- Immersion within a world-class international research environment
- A two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship based at the ICGEB Cape Town facility
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies relevant to the chosen research field
- Mentoring opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, and development of complementary professional skills
Eligibility Criteria
- Only female applicants are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, holding a valid South African ID number.
- Priority will be given to Black and disabled candidates, reflecting the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Financial Support Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Non-taxable stipend | ZAR 320,000 per annum |
| Research expenses | ZAR 50,000 per annum |
| Additional support | Funding for mobility to visit other ICGEB facilities in Trieste, Italy and New Delhi, India |
How to Apply
Prospective candidates should submit their applications through the NRF Postdoctoral Grant system, specifying ‘ICGEB’ as their institution of choice. It is important to consult the NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships Framework available on the National Research Foundation website for detailed eligibility requirements and additional criteria.
A crucial requirement for the application is a letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader. This endorsement must accompany the submission and confirms the support and feasibility of the proposed research project. Therefore, applicants should proactively reach out to a Principal Investigator or Group Leader at the chosen ICGEB Cape Town Component laboratory to discuss their research proposal well before applying.
The list of available group leaders and their research focuses can be accessed via the ICGEB Cape Town group lists.
Remember, all proposed projects must be innovative and fit within the thematic areas of the Cape Town research component, specifically in Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Biopesticides, Plant Systems Biology, or Virology.
Further Information
For comprehensive details and to access the official application guidelines, please Visit the Official Webpage of the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme SAWBP – Postdoctoral Fellowship.
