Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University 2027: Funded Research Opportunity by Novo Nordisk

Early-career researchers seeking an international postdoctoral experience now have a remarkable opportunity through the Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University 2027, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF). This prestigious fellowship program is designed to support outstanding researchers in natural sciences, technical sciences, biomedicine, and biotechnology by enabling them to conduct groundbreaking interdisciplinary research at one of Europe’s most respected universities.

The fellowship offers a unique three-year career development pathway, combining international research experience in Sweden with a structured return phase in Denmark. With funding of up to DKK 3.6 million per fellowship, the program provides researchers with the resources, mentorship, and collaborative environment necessary to advance their scientific careers while contributing to research that can positively impact human health and sustainability.

About the Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University 2027

The Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University 2027 are part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s commitment to strengthening international scientific collaboration and nurturing the next generation of research leaders. The program connects talented early-stage researchers with leading research groups at Uppsala University, allowing them to work in a highly interdisciplinary and internationally recognized academic setting.

Uppsala University is widely known for its strong scientific tradition, research excellence, global collaborations, and innovative educational environment. Through this fellowship, selected researchers will spend two years conducting research in Sweden before returning to Denmark for a final year of research and knowledge transfer.

The program is specifically structured to create stronger scientific ties between Denmark and Sweden while supporting the long-term career development of promising researchers.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship runs for a total of three years and follows a two-phase model:

Phase 1: Research at Uppsala University

During the first two years, fellows will:

• Conduct advanced research projects at Uppsala University.
• Work closely with a host Principal Investigator (PI).
• Gain international research experience.
• Access world-class facilities and scientific resources.
• Build international scientific networks and collaborations.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary research skills.

Phase 2: Return Phase in Denmark

The final year is dedicated to a return phase at a Danish host institution. During this stage, fellows will:

• Continue their research activities in Denmark.
• Transfer knowledge and expertise gained abroad.
• Strengthen collaborations between Danish institutions and Uppsala University.
• Expand their professional network within the Danish research ecosystem.
• Advance their path toward scientific independence and leadership.

Program Objectives

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has designed this fellowship to support exceptional researchers through:

1. Advanced Research Training

Fellows gain access to high-level international research environments where they can work on cutting-edge scientific challenges and receive world-class mentorship.

2. International Mobility

The program encourages scientific mobility by enabling researchers to broaden their perspectives, gain new experiences, and establish global partnerships.

3. Scientific Independence

By leading their own projects and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations, fellows can strengthen their capacity to become independent researchers.

4. Knowledge Exchange

The fellowship promotes scientific exchange between Denmark and Sweden and supports the long-term transfer of skills, expertise, and innovative ideas.

5. Network Development

Researchers are encouraged to establish lasting professional relationships that can support future collaborations and career opportunities.

Areas of Research Supported

Applications are welcomed from researchers undertaking interdisciplinary projects that have potential relevance to either human health or sustainability.

Supported fields include:

• Natural Sciences
• Technical Sciences
• Biomedicine
• Biotechnology

The program supports both:

• Fundamental and basic scientific research
• Applied and innovative research projects

A key requirement is that applicants clearly explain how their proposed research could contribute to human health, sustainability, or both.

Examples of Suitable Research Themes

Research projects may involve:

• Biomedical innovations
• Biotechnology advancements
• Sustainable technologies
• Health-related scientific discoveries
• Interdisciplinary scientific solutions
• Translational research connecting science and societal impact

Funding Benefits

The fellowship offers substantial financial support that enables researchers to focus on their projects with minimal financial barriers.

Funding Amount

• Up to DKK 1.2 million per year
• Maximum funding of DKK 3.6 million per fellowship

The funding covers the three-year fellowship period and supports international research mobility, project implementation, and collaborative activities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet several important eligibility criteria.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD in:
  • Natural Sciences
  • Technical Sciences
  • Biomedicine
  • Biotechnology
• Have obtained their PhD within five years of the fellowship start date.

PhD Candidates

Current PhD students may also apply if:

• Their PhD supervisor provides documentation confirming that they are expected to complete their doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.

Uppsala University Host Requirement

Applicants must:

• Secure a host Principal Investigator at Uppsala University.
• Obtain confirmation from the host PI that they will provide mentorship throughout the research stay abroad.

Danish Host Institution Requirement

Applicants must also:

• Have a confirmed Danish host institution.
• Have a host PI in Denmark.
• Be employed through the Danish host institution during the entire fellowship.
• Ensure the Danish institution administers the grant funding.

Connection to Denmark

Applicants must demonstrate a strong link to Denmark’s educational or research environment. Examples include:

• Graduation from a Danish university.
• Danish citizenship.
• Several years of research experience at a Danish institution.

Previous Stay at Uppsala University

Applicants are not eligible if they have spent more than one year as a postdoctoral researcher at Uppsala University at the time of applying.

Special Application Rules

Applicants should take note of the following conditions:

One Fellowship Application at a Time

Researchers may submit only one application at a time across Novo Nordisk Foundation postdoctoral fellowship programs.

Applicants must wait for the outcome of their current application before submitting a new one.

Click here to apply

Co-Funding is Permitted

Projects may receive funding from other sources.

However:

• All co-funding arrangements must be clearly disclosed in the application.
• Applicants must explicitly state external funding contributions.

Leave of Absence Consideration

Periods of approved leave do not count toward the five-year post-PhD eligibility limit.

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation if requested.

For more information about this opportunity, click here.

Important Dates

Applicants should carefully note the timeline:

Milestone	Date
Call Opens	30 September 2026
Application Deadline	29 January 2027, 2:00 PM (Copenhagen Time)
Results Announcement	June 2027
Next Recurring Call	September 2027

Application Deadline

29 January 2027 at 2:00 PM (Copenhagen Time)

Late applications are typically not considered, so applicants should begin preparing well in advance.

Why Researchers Should Apply

This fellowship stands out because it combines:

• Significant financial support.
• Access to a globally respected university.
• International mobility opportunities.
• Structured career development.
• Strong mentorship.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Long-term networking opportunities.
• Continued integration into the Danish research ecosystem.

For ambitious scientists seeking to accelerate their careers and establish themselves as future research leaders, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform for growth and impact.

Conclusion

The Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University 2027 represent an outstanding opportunity for talented early-career researchers seeking to expand their international experience, develop scientific independence, and contribute to innovative research that can improve human health and sustainability. With funding of up to DKK 3.6 million, access to Uppsala University’s world-class research environment, and a structured return phase within Denmark, the fellowship provides a comprehensive pathway toward academic excellence and long-term career advancement. Researchers with strong ties to Denmark and ambitious interdisciplinary research ideas should strongly consider applying before the January 2027 deadline.

Click here for similar fellowship opportunities on the Opportunities For Youth website.