ICGEB SAWBP Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

If you’re a South African woman researcher with a PhD and you’re ready to build momentum in biotech, the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) is a strong postdoctoral route. The fellowship is hosted at ICGEB Cape Town and is designed for hypothesis‑driven research in defined life-science priority areas — but you must first secure a letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader.

About the sponsor

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is an intergovernmental organisation supporting research, training and technology transfer in the life sciences. The SAWBP Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme is offered in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Research Foundation.

What this opportunity is

The ICGEB‑SAWBP Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme supports South African women researchers (PhD level) to perform hypothesis‑driven research at ICGEB Cape Town. The programme also promotes mobility and interaction with the broader ICGEB community, including potential visits to other ICGEB components in Trieste (Italy) and New Delhi (India).

Research areas (must align)

• Infectious Diseases
• Non‑Communicable Diseases
• Bioinformatics
• Plant Systems Biology
• Biopesticides
• Virology

Eligibility requirements and “gotchas”

• Female applicants only.
• Citizenship/status: Only South African citizens and South African permanent residents with a valid SA ID number may apply.
• Preference note: Preference is given to Black and disabled applicants.
• Mandatory endorsement: You must include a written endorsement/statement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader who is willing to support your project — this is mandatory.
• Engage a supervisor early: The call states you should contact the relevant Principal Investigator/Group Leader in advance to discuss your research project.

What it covers (as listed)

• Non‑taxable stipend: ZAR 320,000 per annum
• Research costs: ZAR 50,000 per annum
• Mobility support to visit other ICGEB components (Trieste, Italy and New Delhi, India)

Closing date

Applications close on 15 April 2026. Because you need a Group Leader endorsement, treat this as a two‑step process: identify a suitable ICGEB Cape Town group, discuss your project idea, and secure the endorsement well before the final submission.

Quick tips for applicants

• Start with the Group Leader contact — your application is not valid without the endorsement.
• Keep your proposal tightly aligned to the official macro areas and show why it is innovative and feasible in 2 years.
• Build in time for NRF Connect admin steps (accounts, institutional selection, uploads, checks).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting without the required ICGEB Group Leader endorsement letter.
• Choosing a project outside the listed ICGEB Cape Town research macro areas.
• Leaving your NRF Connect submission to the last day (upload and admin delays are common).

Application checklist

• Proof of SA citizenship/permanent residency (valid SA ID number)
• Proof of PhD (certificate or confirmation)
• Research project proposal aligned to the listed macro areas
• Mandatory endorsement letter from the ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader
• CV and any NRF-required supporting documents (as per NRF Connect)

How to apply

• Contact an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader/PI to discuss your proposed research project and request the mandatory endorsement letter.
• Apply under the NRF Postdoctoral Grants and indicate “ICGEB” as the institution of choice (as per the official call).
• Submit via NRF Connect and ensure all required supporting documentation is uploaded.