ICGEB Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

Organization Overview

Established in 1983, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is a premier Intergovernmental Organization dedicated to advanced research and training. With major components in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa), it operates under the UN Common System umbrella. ICGEB New Delhi specifically focuses on structural parasitology, plant biology, and infectious diseases like Malaria and Tuberculosis, serving as a hub for technology transfer and scientific excellence across its 60+ Member States.

About ICGEB Careers

Key Job Profiles

Career paths at ICGEB are primarily focused on research and academic excellence, categorized into fellowship and project-based roles:

• Postdoctoral Fellow (Arturo Falaschi): For highly motivated scientists with a recent Ph.D. Stipend: Approx. US$ 1,749 per month in New Delhi. Duration: 2 years with a possible 1-year extension.
• PhD Fellowships: Aimed at students seeking a "Doctor Philosophiae" in Life Sciences. Stipend: Approx. US$ 1,500 per month for SMART fellowships.
• Research Associate (RA-I): Project-based roles requiring a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. Pay follows DBT/ICGEB norms, often starting at ₹58,000 + HRA.
• Project Research Scientist: Mid-level roles for Master's or Ph.D. holders with expertise in specialized areas like CryoEM, animal handling, or cell culture.
• Administrative Consultant/Data Manager: Crucial support roles for managing large-scale biological data and research operations.

Salary & Benefits

Employees and fellows at ICGEB New Delhi receive competitive international-standard emoluments. Benefits are often tax-exempt or follow specialized UN-aligned structures:

• International Stipend: Postdoc fellows in India receive approximately US$ 1,749 per month, while those in Italy receive €2,300.
• Bench Fee: An additional US$ 500 monthly fee may be allocated to the laboratory to support the fellow's specific research costs.
• Travel & Insurance: Fellowships include international economy return travel and full medical health insurance coverage.
• Research Grants: Successful fellows may become eligible for Early Career Research Grants to kickstart their independent investigator journey.

Selection Process

The selection at ICGEB is highly competitive and merit-based, involving multiple layers of international scrutiny:

1. PI Endorsement: Applicants must first contact an ICGEB Group Leader to define a research project and secure a mandatory written statement of support.
2. Online Submission: Applications are submitted via the ICGEB Service Gateway (ISG) by the deadline (e.g., 31 March 2026).
3. National Endorsement: Applications are reviewed and endorsed by the respective ICGEB Liaison Officer of the applicant's home country.
4. Scientific Review: An international committee evaluates candidates based on scientific excellence, CV quality, and potential impact on the home country.
5. Interview: Shortlisted project staff (JRF/SRF/RA) usually undergo an online or in-person technical interview.

How to Crack ICGEB Exams & Fellowships

• Secure a Mentor Early: The most critical step is finding a Group Leader whose research aligns with yours. Start communicating at least 3-4 months before the deadline.
• Focus on SCI Publications: For RA and Postdoc roles, having at least one high-impact publication in an SCI-indexed journal is almost a prerequisite.
• Master Technical Skills: Expertise in specialized areas like Malaria parasite culture, Animal handling, or Bioinformatics pipelines significantly increases selection chances.
• English Proficiency: Ensure you have a TOEFL/Cambridge certificate or a letter from your university certifying English as the medium of instruction.