The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) has announced the Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University – 2027 call. This competitive 3-year mobility fellowship is designed to support outstanding early-stage researchers seeking to advance their careers through world-class international collaboration. Fellows spend the first two years conducting interdisciplinary research at Uppsala University in Sweden, followed by a one-year return phase at a Danish university or research institution.
Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Funding Body | Novo Nordisk Fonden (NNF) |
| Host Institutions | Uppsala University (Years 1–2) and a Danish Research Institution (Year 3) |
| Research Areas | Natural and Technical Sciences, Biomedicine, Biotechnology (Interdisciplinary) |
| Total Funding | Up to DKK 3.6 million (approx. DKK 1.2 million per year) |
| Duration | 3 years (2 years abroad + 1 year return phase) |
| Application Deadline | 29 January 2027, 2:00 PM (Copenhagen time) |
Summary
This fellowship provides a unique bridge between the Danish scientific research ecosystem and Uppsala University—one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The grant fosters international mobility, scientific independence, and interdisciplinary breakthroughs with potential applications for human health or sustainability.
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow (3-Year Mobility Fellowship)
Research Area
The call welcomes projects across:
- Natural and Technical Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
Note: The proposed project must be interdisciplinary and demonstrate clear potential impact/applications toward human health or sustainability.
Location
- Years 1 & 2: Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Year 3 (Return Phase): An eligible Danish university or public/non-profit research institution in Denmark
Eligibility / Qualification
To be eligible for the Postdoctoral Fellowship, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- PhD Degree: Obtained a PhD in natural and technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology within 5 years of the fellowship start date. (Documented leaves of absence do not count toward this 5-year limit).
- Current PhD Students: May apply if a written statement from the PhD supervisor confirms expected graduation prior to the fellowship start date.
- Uppsala University Host: Must have established contact with a host Principal Investigator (PI) at Uppsala University who agrees to act as primary mentor during the stay abroad.
- Prior Postdoc Duration: Applicants must not have spent more than one year as a postdoctoral researcher at Uppsala University at the time of application.
- Danish Host Institution: Must have a confirmed Danish hosting institution and host PI that will serve as the legal employer, administer the grant, and host the fellow during the final year.
- Affiliation with Denmark: Applicants must demonstrate association with the Danish educational system or research environment (e.g., degree from a Danish university, Danish citizenship, or several years of research experience in Denmark).
- Single Application Rule: Candidates may only submit one application at a time for any NNF postdoctoral fellowship call.
Job Description & Fellowship Objectives
As a fellow under this program, responsibilities and scope include:
- Designing and executing an interdisciplinary, high-impact research project across Sweden and Denmark.
- Spending the initial two years embedded within a host laboratory at Uppsala University, utilizing international infrastructure and expanding professional networks.
- Completing the final (third) year back at the Danish host institution to facilitate knowledge transfer and reintegrate into the Danish research ecosystem.
- Collaborating effectively across disciplines and presenting scientific outputs in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
How to Apply
Applications must be prepared in accordance with the official guidelines and submitted through the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s electronic application system (NORMA):
- Review the detailed Application Guidelines available on the NNF grant page.
- Establish formal commitments and obtain support letters from both the Uppsala University host PI and the Danish host institution PI.
- Register and log in to the NORMA application portal to complete your online submission.
Last Date for Apply
29 January 2027 at 2:00 PM (Copenhagen time)
(Results are expected to be announced in June 2027.)
Apply Link
- Online Application Portal (NORMA): Submit Application on NORMA
- Official Grant Call & Guidelines: Novo Nordisk Fonden Fellowship Details
