About
The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) is inviting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University – 2027, an international research programme designed to support early-career researchers in interdisciplinary science.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to conduct research at Uppsala University, Sweden, for the first two years, followed by a return phase of up to one year at a Danish university or another eligible Danish public or nonprofit research institution.
The programme aims to strengthen scientific independence, support international collaboration, and help researchers develop projects with potential benefits for human health or sustainability.
Fellowship Details
- Fellowship Provider: Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF)
- Host University: Uppsala University, Sweden
- Research Location: Sweden for the first two years, followed by a return phase in Denmark
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Maximum Funding: Up to DKK 3.6 million per fellowship
- Annual Funding: Approximately DKK 1.2 million
- Call Opens: 30 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 29 January 2027, 2:00 PM Copenhagen time
- Expected Results: June 2027
Research Areas
Applications are welcomed in the following broad areas, provided the proposed project is interdisciplinary and has clear potential impact on human health or sustainability:
- Natural Sciences: Fundamental and applied scientific research.
- Technical Sciences: Technology-focused and interdisciplinary research.
- Biomedicine: Research addressing biomedical questions and human health.
- Biotechnology: Research using biological systems and technologies to address scientific or societal challenges.
Applicants should clearly explain the interdisciplinary nature of their proposed research and its expected relevance to human health or sustainability.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme offers:
- Up to DKK 3.6 million in research funding over three years.
- Two years of research at Uppsala University.
- A return phase of up to one year at an eligible Danish research institution.
- Research mentorship through a host principal investigator at Uppsala University.
- Opportunities to develop international scientific networks and collaborations.
- Support for scientific independence and interdisciplinary research.
- Employment through the confirmed Danish host institution, which administers the grant.
The grant supports the research project and associated eligible costs; the total award should not be interpreted as a personal salary or take-home stipend.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the programme’s formal requirements.
Academic Qualification:
- A PhD in natural sciences, technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology, obtained within five years of the fellowship start date.
- Current PhD students may apply if their supervisor confirms that they are expected to complete their PhD before the fellowship starts.
Research and Host Requirements:
- Establish contact with a principal investigator at Uppsala University who agrees to act as the primary research mentor.
- Have a confirmed Danish host institution and principal investigator for the return phase.
- Demonstrate a connection to the Danish educational system or research environment, for example through a Danish degree, Danish citizenship, or several years of research experience at a Danish institution.
- Have spent no more than one year as a postdoctoral researcher at Uppsala University at the time of application.
The Danish host institution must employ the fellow throughout the grant period and administer the grant. Applicants should review the official guidelines carefully, as a PhD qualification alone is not sufficient to establish eligibility.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s official grant application system.
Application Steps:
- Read the official fellowship announcement and applicant guidelines.
- Confirm that your PhD qualification, career stage, and connection to the Danish research environment satisfy the eligibility requirements.
- Identify and contact a suitable principal investigator at Uppsala University to discuss the proposed research project and obtain agreement to act as your mentor.
- Secure a Danish host institution and principal investigator for the return phase.
- Develop an interdisciplinary research proposal explaining its potential impact on human health or sustainability.
- Prepare the required supporting documents according to the official guidelines.
- Submit the application through the Foundation’s online application system before the deadline.
Official Fellowship Page: https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/postdoctoral-fellowships-at-uppsala-university-2026/
Official Application Portal: Access the application system through the fellowship page.
Deadline
Application Deadline: 29 January 2027, at 2:00 PM Copenhagen time.
The call opened on 30 September 2026, and results are expected in June 2027.