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?
Esa Pitkänen
Cancer Genetics Group Leader,FIMM, Helsinki
Chinmay Dwibedi
Microbial Genomics Group Leader, MIMS, Umeå
Biswajyoti Sahu
Cancer Genetics Group Leader, NCMM, Oslo
Arafath (Rafa) Najumudeen
Cancer Group Leader, FIMM, Helsinki
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: Genetic and adaptive dynamics of microbiome in colorectal cancer: How do microbes adapt to the hostile tumour microenvironment? (ADAPT-MIC) | Current research in the cancer microbiome highlights the interaction between gut microbes and the host in tumor progression, but the adaptation of these microbes to the tumor's hostile microenvironment remains poorly understood. This project aims to identify the spatial genetic and adaptive dynamics of 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 | Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Cancer Microbiome |
Project 2: Novel insights into the cancer genome and epigenome using long-read sequencing and machine learning | Human tumors are characterized by recurrent mutations in the well-defined cancer driver genes, but also non- mutational epigenetic reprogramming and phenotypic plasticity controlled by transcription factors are important contributors to tumorigenesis. We will utilize cutting-edge long-read nanopore sequencing combined with deep machine learning approaches to model the epigenetic changes and mutational mechanisms in cancers originating from endodermal tissues. The project aims to reveal novel mechanistic details about the development of human cancer. | Esa Pitkänen, FIMM, Helsinki, Finland | Biswajyoti Sahu, NCMM, Oslo, Norway | Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Genomics and Machine Learning |
Project 3: Revealing the epigenetic history of colon cancer progression (REVEAL) | Colorectal cancers (CRC) are driven by complex genetic and epigenetic changes that enable cancer cells to adapt to their dynamic environment. We aim to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms underlying colon cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance by using genome scale Massively Parallel Reporter Assays in organoid models to identify key transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements driving oncogenic processes. After validation of these findings, we will record the epigenetic reprogramming in vivo. Our approach integrates genomic and epigenomic technologies to map the temporal epigenetic history of colon cancer. | Biswajyoti Sahu Node: NCMM, Oslo, Norway | Rafa Najumudeen Node: FIMM, Helsinki, Finland | Postdoctoral Position in Cancer Epigenomics |
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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10 December 2024 - 24 January 2025:
Application period open
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Closing of application period - early March 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.
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During last week of March 2025:
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. NORPOD Fellowships will be awarded based on the recommendation of the selection panel, and expected to start during summer/autumn 2025.
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?
