2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship: Fully Funded for African Scientists
Are you an early-career scientist from Africa looking to build skills in biostatistics or health data science? The 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship offers a fully funded chance to gain real-world experience. This program targets nationals from Sub-Saharan Africa and runs for 12 months starting in mid-April 2026.
Fellowship Overview
The GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship takes place at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, part of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Fellows join active research in the Statistics and Computational Bioinformatics department. You will work on projects in clinical trials, epidemiology, modeling and machine learning, and bioinformatics.
This hands-on program helps you learn study design, data management, and statistical analysis. You get mentorship from expert biostatisticians and researchers. Training covers statistical methods, software tools, and scientific writing. Fellows also connect with the ISEP network for ongoing learning and teamwork in biomedical and public health research.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship, meet these key requirements:
- Be a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a BSc with at least a 2:1 grade (or equivalent) in mathematics, statistics, or a related field.
- Have an MSc with a GPA of 3.2 or higher (or equivalent) in biostatistics, health data science, or a similar area.
- Show at least one year of relevant work experience.
- Know how to code in R, Stata, or SAS, or be ready to improve those skills.
- Prove strong English skills.
People with a PhD are welcome to apply too. This setup fits early-career scientists ready to grow.
What You Gain
The fellowship provides practical skills for a career in health research. You handle real data from public health studies. Mentors guide you through complex analysis and reporting. By the end, you have a stronger resume with published work potential and global contacts.
Benefits Package
This fully funded program covers your main needs:
- An annual stipend to support living costs.
- On-site accommodation.
- Return air travel to and from The Gambia.
These perks let you focus on learning without money worries.
Application Deadline and Process
Act fast: the deadline is 18 April 2026 at 23:00 GMT. Send your application to [email protected].
Prepare these documents in PDF format with specific file names:
- CV, named cv_[your name].pdf
- Personal statement, named ps_[your name].pdf
- Two references, named re1[your name].pdf and re2[your name].pdf
- Academic transcripts, named at_[your name].pdf
For full details, check the official LinkedIn announcement. Start gathering your materials today to meet the tight timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship?
You must be a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country, hold a BSc with at least a 2:1 in math, stats or related fields, an MSc with GPA 3.2+ in biostatistics or health data science, have one year of experience, coding skills in R, Stata or SAS, and strong English proficiency. PhD holders are also welcome.
What activities will fellows do in the program?
Fellows work on real research projects in clinical trials, epidemiology, modeling, machine learning, and bioinformatics at the MRC Unit The Gambia. They gain hands-on skills in study design, data management, statistical analysis, and scientific writing with expert mentorship.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
It is fully funded with an annual stipend, on-site accommodation, and return air travel to The Gambia. Fellows build practical skills, strengthen their resume, and connect with global networks in health research.
How and when should you apply for the fellowship?
The deadline is 18 April 2026 at 23:00 GMT. Email PDF documents—CV (cv[name].pdf), personal statement (ps[name].pdf), two references (re1[name].pdf, re2[name].pdf), and transcripts (at_[name].pdf)—to [email protected].