TWAS-ICCBS Postdoc Fellowship

TWAS-ICCBS Postdoc Fellowship Program offers a prestigious opportunity for young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) to conduct advanced research at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi. The fellowship promotes scientific development, collaboration, and innovation in the fields of chemical and biological sciences, supporting progress in the Global South.

Host Country	Pakistan
Host Institute	International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS)
Level	Postdoc
Eligible Nationality	Developing countries
Fellowship Type	Fully Funded
Duration	6-12 months
Opening Date	17 April 2025
Closing Date	14 August 2025

Table of Contents

Institutional Overview and Program Details

Established in 1976, the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) comprises two premier institutions: the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry and the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research. The center offers state-of-the-art facilities, including:

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Seventeen specialized research divisions, focusing on areas such as synthetic chemistry, genomics, proteomics, and green chemistry
A Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) virology facility, essential for advanced research on infectious diseases
The country’s largest natural products library, containing over 500,000 biological extracts
A state-of-the-art Science Information Centre, alongside Pakistan’s first ISO-certified animal research facility

These advanced resources enable fellows to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary research comparable to that carried out in leading institutions of high-income countries.

These institutes are globally renowned for their pioneering research in chemistry and the biological sciences. ICCBS provides a dynamic research environment, equipped with advanced laboratories and facilities, and promotes international collaboration among scientists.

Supported Research Areas

The TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship promotes research across the following core scientific fields:

Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Molecular Medicine
Pharmacology
Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry

These areas represent pivotal branches of the natural sciences, offering substantial opportunities for innovation and positive global impact.

Duration and Funding Details

Duration: The fellowship may be held for a period ranging from a minimum of six months to a maximum of twelve months.

Stipend: Fellows receive a monthly stipend from ICCBS to support essential living expenses, including food, housing, local travel, and minor medical needs. Please note that the stipend is non-convertible to foreign currency, and recipients are advised to manage their finances accordingly.

The medium of instruction and research at ICCBS is English, ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for international researchers.

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoc Fellowship, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

Must be a citizen of a developing country, excluding Pakistan.
Must be 45 years of age or younger by 31 December of the application year.
Must hold a PhD in a relevant area of the natural sciences.
Must not possess a visa for temporary or permanent residence in Pakistan or any developed country.
Must be currently employed in a developing country (other than Pakistan) and actively engaged in research.
Must submit a certificate of good health issued by a qualified medical practitioner.
Must secure an official preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS.
Must demonstrate proficiency in English if it was not the language of previous academic instruction.
Must provide a written commitment to return to their home country after completing the fellowship.
Must agree not to take on any other professional responsibilities during the fellowship tenure.
Must assume full financial responsibility for any accompanying family members.

Steps to Apply

The application process consists of the following essential steps:

1. Preliminary Acceptance Letter:
Applicants must obtain a preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS by contacting the designated faculty member, Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen. To do so, candidates should submit a two-page CV, a brief research proposal, and a minimum of two recommendation letters (preferably including one from their most recent supervisor).

2. Application Submission:
Once the call is open—from 17 April 2025 to 14 August 2025 (midnight CEST)—applications must be submitted online through the TWAS application portal. Please note that only acceptance letters dated within the same application year will be considered valid.

3. Recommendation Letters:
Recommendation letters must be written on official institutional letterhead, signed, and clearly reference the subject line “ICCBS/PDoc” along with the applicant’s surname.

4. Program Restrictions:
Applicants may apply to only one TWAS or OWSD fellowship program per calendar year. Additionally, they are not permitted to visit or participate in other institutions under any TWAS program within the same year.

To apply for the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship, please visit the official fellowship website.

TWAS-ICCBS Postdoc Fellowship Advantages

Research Excellence: Fellows benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories and collaborate with renowned scientists at the forefront of their disciplines.

Capacity Building: The fellowship strengthens research competencies, deepens scientific understanding, and enhances the ability to engage in international collaboration.

Networking Opportunities: Participants join a dynamic scientific network, opening doors to future collaborations, partnerships, and professional growth.

Impact on Home Countries: The program supports fellows in applying their enhanced expertise to advance science and technology in their home countries.

Key Dates and Contact Details

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Application Start Date: 17 April 2025
Submission Deadline: 14 August 2025 (by midnight CEST)
Preliminary Acceptance Contact: Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, ICCBS

Applicants are strongly advised to reach out well in advance to obtain their acceptance letter prior to the opening of the official application period.

In Summary

TWAS-ICCBS Postdoc Fellowship Program offers a valuable platform for early-career scientists from developing countries to enhance their research in a well-equipped, collaborative environment. By emphasizing key scientific disciplines and promoting international partnerships, the fellowship plays a vital role in advancing global science and empowering researchers across the Global South.

This comprehensive overview serves as a practical guide for prospective applicants, outlining the program’s objectives, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and key benefits, based on the most up-to-date information available.