Advance Your Research Career with an International Biotech Fellowship

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) 2026 is a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship designed to support South African women scientists in advancing cutting-edge biotechnology research.

This opportunity is supported in partnership with the National Research Foundation South Africa and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation South Africa.

Application Deadline

15 April 2026

Quick Overview

Programme: SAWBP Postdoctoral Fellowship
Organisation: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Location: ICGEB Cape Town Component
Duration: 2 years
Field: Biotechnology & related disciplines
Target Group: South African women researchers

About the Fellowship

This programme supports highly qualified women researchers to:

Conduct innovative, hypothesis-driven research
Work in a world-class international scientific environment
Collaborate with global experts in biotechnology
Access advanced scientific tools and methodologies

Research Areas Covered

Your research proposal must align with one of these areas:

Infectious Diseases
Non-Communicable Diseases
Bioinformatics
Plant Systems Biology
Biopesticides
Virology

You can also:

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support

Stipend: ZAR 320,000 per year (tax-free)
Research Funding: ZAR 50,000 per year
Duration: 2 years

International Exposure

Opportunity to visit:
- ICGEB Trieste
- ICGEB New Delhi
Exposure to global research collaborations

Professional Development

Mentorship from leading scientists
Peer-to-peer learning
Advanced research training
Access to cutting-edge technology

Eligibility Requirements

You must:

Be a South African woman
Hold a PhD degree in Biotechnology or related field
Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
Have outstanding research ability
Be willing to conduct innovative, hypothesis-driven research

Preference Given To:

Black applicants
Applicants with disabilities

Application Requirements

To apply, you must:

Apply under NRF Postdoctoral Grants
Indicate ICGEB as your host institution
Contact an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
Obtain a letter of endorsement (mandatory)

Visit the Official Webpage of the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme SAWBP – Postdoctoral Fellowship

Your research proposal must be aligned with ICGEB research themes.

Important Application Step

You must:

Contact a Principal Investigator (Group Leader) at ICGEB Cape Town
Discuss and align your research project
Secure written support before applying

Why This Fellowship Is Important

This programme helps:

Empower women in science
Strengthen biotechnology research in South Africa
Build global scientific collaboration
Develop the next generation of scientific leaders

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Only South African women with a PhD in biotechnology or related fields.

2. Is this a postdoctoral fellowship?

Yes, it is a 2-year postdoctoral research programme.

3. What is the stipend?

You will receive ZAR 320,000 per year, plus research funding.

4. Is international travel included?

Yes, mobility support is provided to:

ICGEB Trieste
ICGEB New Delhi

5. Is a supervisor required?

Yes, you must secure a Group Leader endorsement before applying.

6. What research areas are accepted?

Infectious diseases
Bioinformatics
Virology
Plant systems biology
Non-communicable diseases
Biopesticides

Final Tip

This is a highly competitive international fellowship — start preparing early, secure your supervisor, and refine your research proposal.

YouthSpace

ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 – Apply by 15 April!