The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for early-career scientists who have completed their Ph.D. training at a university in Africa. Fellows will be able to expand their existing research experience in biochemistry related to human metabolic diseases, continue their career development, and make impactful contributions to the scientific community upon their return to Africa.
The selected fellows will work in a cutting-edge research lab led by a faculty member from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Biochemistry, (Madison, WI, USA), who will mentor and support the fellow throughout the duration of the fellowship.
The Department of Biochemistry is built on a commitment to excellence in basic research, established when it was founded in 1883, and continuing to the present day. Contributions by our researchers have dramatically changed our understanding of life and rank among the highlights of biochemistry to date. You can learn more about the Department’s history on our About page, and about the University of Wisconsin–Madison on the university’s main website.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA, is located northwest of Chicago, Illinois, USA, an approximately 2.5 hours drive or bus ride from O’Hare International Airport.
Application for the current cycle has been closed.
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Key Details
- Competitive stipend and access to state-of-the-art facilities for laboratory research
- Membership in a lab in the UW–Madison Department of Biochemistry. Research support and mentorship will be provided by a faculty member in the Department.
- Fellowship duration: Up to 3 calendar years
- Application materials must be uploaded August 31, 2025.
Accompanying recommendations must be uploaded by September 15, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- Ph.D. and doctoral training from a university in Africa
- Early-career scientists within 5 years of Ph.D. focused on advancing research in genetic and biochemical processes related to human metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and cancer
- Current employment in an African institution
Application Materials
A complete application includes the following:
- A current resume or curriculum vita (CV)
- Transcripts from graduate level coursework
- Research statement (or proposal) A one-page description of the applicant’s ongoing research, written by the candidate at a level understandable to a generalist audience outside their field of specialty. The one-page research project description should clearly summarize the nature and scope of accomplishments to date and the broader relevance of the project.
- A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD degree OR a list of any manuscripts published from the previous two years
- Relevant reprints or preprints of papers and conference presentation abstracts
- Up to three letters of recommendation
• One reference must be the PhD research advisor of the applicant
• A second reference should be an additional research mentor familiar with the research experience of the applicant
• A final recommendation may be requested at the discretion of the applicant
About Professor James M. Ntambi
Professor James M. Ntambi, a professor in the UW–Madison Department of Biochemistry, has dedicated much of his career to developing strategies for managing and preventing metabolic diseases. His approach emphasizes solutions that are mindful of the needs, resources and cultures of affected communities. In his home country of Uganda, he collaborates with doctors and healthcare professionals to promote disease prevention and address metabolic and endocrine diseases. At UW–Madison, he co-leads two study abroad programs through which hundreds of UW undergraduate students have had opportunity to explore connections between metabolic disorders, medical care, agriculture, health and nutrition.
This Fellowship is named in his honor and supports basic science research and training to empower postdoctoral scientists from African universities to new opportunities in their independent research careers.