2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Fellowship: Apply Now
Early-career scientists from Africa have a chance to advance their skills in biostatistics and health data science. The 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship offers fully funded training in key areas of research. This program helps build expertise for real-world health challenges.
Fellowship Overview
The 2026 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 the Statistics and Computational Bioinformatics department. They work on active research in clinical trials, epidemiology, modeling and machine learning, and bioinformatics.
Participants gain hands-on experience in study design, data management, and statistical analysis. They receive mentorship from expert biostatisticians and researchers. Training covers statistical methods, software tools, and scientific writing skills. Fellows also get exposure to biomedical and public health projects, plus access to the ISEP network for ongoing learning and teamwork.
The program lasts 12 months and starts in mid-April 2026.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship, applicants must meet these 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.
- Hold an MSc with a GPA of 3.2 or higher (or equivalent) in biostatistics, health data science, or a related discipline.
- Have at least one year of relevant work experience.
- Be able to code in R, Stata, or SAS, or show willingness to improve these skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English.
People with a PhD are welcome to apply as well.
Program Benefits
This fully funded fellowship provides strong support for participants. Fellows receive an annual stipend to cover living costs. The program includes accommodation and return air travel to The Gambia. These perks allow focus on research without financial worries.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship are due by April 18, 2026, at 23:00 GMT. Send your materials to [email protected].
Prepare these documents in PDF format:
- CV, named with “cv_” prefix.
- Personal statement, named with “ps_” prefix.
- Two references, named with “re_” prefix.
- Academic transcripts, named with “at_” prefix.
For more details, check the official announcement on LinkedIn. Act soon to meet the deadline and start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship?
You can apply if you are a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country, hold a BSc with at least a 2:1 in math or stats, an MSc with GPA 3.2 or higher in biostatistics or related fields, have one year of work experience, and can code in R, Stata, or SAS.
What does the fellowship program offer?
The 12-month program provides hands-on training in biostatistics, data science, clinical trials, and more at the MRC Unit The Gambia, with mentorship, stipend, accommodation, and travel.
When does the fellowship start and what is the application deadline?
It starts in mid-April 2026, and applications are due by April 18, 2026, at 23:00 GMT.
How do I submit my application?
Email your PDF documents—CV (cv prefix), personal statement (ps prefix), two references (re prefix), and transcripts (at prefix)—to [email protected].