NORPOD - Postdoctoral Researcher Programme
WHAT IS NORPOD?
The NordForsk-funded NORPOD program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to nurture the next generation of scientists whilst promoting research collaborations in molecular medicine across the Nordics and beyond for human health. The four Nordic EMBL nodes work in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and its sites throughout Europe thus, encouraging competence building and engagement with its research networks.
The NORPOD program connects our three cross-cutting research themes to address major challenges in health and medicine in Nordic societies:
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Precision medicine
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From microbes to infection genomics
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Neuroscience—from genes and circuits to disease mechanisms and interventions.
With NORPOD, the Partnership aims to develop exciting cross-disciplinary projects and collaborations to train and mentor future scientists in molecular medicine. By strengthening translational research in precision and personalized medicine, the program will benefit healthcare through cross-sector innovation, from the clinic to industry.
WHY JOIN AS A NORPOD FELLOW?
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You will develop a collaborative project under the supervision of two Nordic EMBL PIs at two different sites.
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You will obtain a 30-month full-time postdoctoral employment at the institution of the hosting supervisor.
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You will travel for short or long-term stays to the collaborating supervisor's lab to promote collaboration and carry out parts of the research project.
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You will gain access to state-of-the-art core facilities and platforms available in the wider network of the Nordic EMBL Partnership.
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You will also participate and contribute to strengthening your personal and professional development.
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You will advance the goals of the Nordic EMBL Partnership by fostering synergies and research excellence.
WHO CAN I WORK WITH?
DANDRITE
Thomas Kim
Neuroscientist Group Leader, DANDRITE, Aarhus
NCMBM
Charlotte Boccara
Neuroscientist Group Leader,
NCMM, Oslo
FIMM
Helena Kilpinen
Human Geneticist Group Leader, FIMM, Helsinki
Arafath (Rafa) Najumudeen
Cancer Group Leader, FIMM, Helsinki
MIMS
Chinmay Dwibedi
Human Gut Microbes Group Leader, MIMS, Umeå
LIST OF NORPOD PROJECTS OPEN FOR APPLICATION
PROJECT TITLE | PROJECT DESCRIPTION | HOST PI, NODE | CO-PI, NODE | FIND ALL INFO AND APPLY HERE |
Project 1: Uncovering convergent chromatin dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders with systematic phenotyping of in vitro neurons | This project explores how mutations in chromatin-modifying genes disrupt early neurodevelopment by systematically profiling in vitro neurons using multimodal single-cell and spatial profiling. By integrating gene expression, chromatin accessibility, cell morphology, and spatial data, we aim to uncover shared regulatory disruptions across neurodevelopmental disorders. | Helena Kilpinen, FIMM, Helsinki, Finland | Thomas Kim, DANDRITE, Aarhus, Denmark | |
Project 2: Genetic and adaptive dynamics of microbiome in colorectal cancer: How do microbes adapt to the hostile tumour environment? (ADAPT-MIC) | This project aims to identify the spatial genetic and adaptive dynamics of the tumour microbiome in colorectal cancer. To do so, we will integrate single-cell genomics, transcriptomics and clinical data using unique novel mouse models, spatial technologies and analytical methods. | Rafa Najumudeen, FIMM, Helsinki, Finland | Chinmay Dwibedi, MIMS, Umeå, Sweden | |
Project 3: Sleep-driven maturation of interneurons and glia: Spatial profiling across postnatal development | This project will combine the Boccara group’s expertise in in vivo developmental sleep manipulation and freely behaving neural recordings with the Kim group’s spatial transcriptomics and molecular phenotyping platform to dissect how sleep shapes cell-type maturation across postnatal development. | Charlotte Boccara, NCMBM, Oslo, Norway | Thomas Kim, DANDRITE, Aarhus, Denmark |
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HOW TO APPLY
To apply for one of the NORPOD projects:
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Select the project of interest and proceed by following the link under "Find all info and apply".
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This link will direct you to the specific job ad for the research project, describing all details, such as eligibility criteria, required skills, salary information, and more.
At NORPOD, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team and help us build an inclusive culture.
We welcome your application!
TIMELINE & SELECTION PROCESS
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13 June 2025 - 15 August 2025:
Application period open
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15 August-26 September 2025:
The PIs of the research project will shortlist top candidates based on all the submitted applications. For each project, the collaborating PIs may plan in-person/online lab visit and meeting with the top candidates.
Top candidates will be invited for an online interview conducted by an independent NORPOD selection panel where they will also be given the opportunity to pitch their project plan.
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14 October: Interviews
NORPOD Fellowships will be awarded based on the recommendation of the selection panel, and expected to start late 2025/early 2026.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The NORPOD-programme is supported by NordForsk, that provides funding for and facilitates Nordic cooperation on research and research infrastructure.
WHO CAN I CONTACT?
