Deadline: March 31, 2026
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for early‑career researchers in the life sciences to undertake advanced, fully funded postdoctoral research in internationally recognised laboratories. Hosted by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), this fellowship supports high‑impact research, global collaboration, and career development for promising scientists from eligible countries.
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 are designed to strengthen scientific capacity, promote excellence in research, and foster long‑term international networks across the life sciences ecosystem.
About the Fellowship
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships are competitive, fully funded awards that enable talented postdoctoral researchers to work on cutting‑edge research projects under the supervision of leading scientists at ICGEB laboratories. The programme focuses on advancing scientific knowledge while supporting the professional growth of early‑career researchers.
Fellows are embedded in dynamic research environments, gaining access to world‑class infrastructure, mentorship, and collaborative networks that extend beyond the duration of the fellowship.
Host Institutions and Locations
Successful candidates will be hosted at one of the ICGEB international laboratories located in:
- Trieste, Italy
- New Delhi, India
- Cape Town, South Africa
Each host centre offers specialised research strengths, modern facilities, and an international scientific community.
Fields of Research
The fellowship supports postdoctoral research across a broad range of life sciences, including but not limited to:
- Molecular biology
- Biotechnology
- Genetics and genomics
- Biomedical sciences
- Bioinformatics
- Related interdisciplinary life science fields
Research projects must align with the expertise of the selected ICGEB Group Leader and the strategic priorities of the host laboratory.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of an ICGEB Member State.
- Hold a PhD in the Life Sciences or have at least three years of relevant research experience.
- Be an early‑career researcher, with preference given to candidates under 35 years of age.
- Applicants are not permitted to undertake the fellowship in their home country, unless they have been working abroad for a minimum of three consecutive years prior to application.
- Meet the academic and research standards required by the proposed host laboratory.
Only one application per candidate is permitted under this call.
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 provide comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend (amount varies by host centre):
- Trieste, Italy: approximately €2,300
- New Delhi, India: approximately US$1,749
- Cape Town, South Africa: approximately ZAR 27,500
- Return travel costs between the fellow’s home country and the host institution.
- Medical and health insurance for the full duration of the fellowship.
- Coverage of visa and residence permit costs, where applicable.
- Access to research resources and infrastructure within the host laboratory.
- Opportunities for participation in scientific meetings, training courses, and professional development activities, subject to host group support.
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
- Fellowship start date: Typically 1 October 2026
- Duration is aligned with ICGEB postdoctoral fellowship guidelines and the approved research plan.
Application Deadline
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026 (by midnight, Central European Time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Process
The application process involves the following key steps:
- Identify and contact an ICGEB Group Leader (Principal Investigator).
Applicants must first secure the agreement and written support of an ICGEB Group Leader. This includes discussing and defining a suitable research project aligned with the host laboratory’s expertise. - Prepare required documentation, which typically includes:
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic certificates and transcripts (with official English translations, where applicable)
- PhD certificate or proof of research experience
- Written statement of support from the selected Group Leader
- Valid passport or national identification document
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
- Submit the complete application online through the official application portal before the deadline.
Additional Opportunities
Fellows who successfully complete the programme may be eligible to apply for ICGEB Early Career Research Grants, supporting the establishment of independent research programmes upon return to an ICGEB Member State.
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