About the opportunity
The BRIDGE – Translational Excellence Programme, financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation at the University of Copenhagen, is seeking 14 highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to commence on September 1, 2027. The programme aims to train fellows in translational medicine through mentorship by top-level professionals in basic biomedical research, clinical environments, and the life science industry. Appointed fellows spend 80% of their time on individual translational research projects co-designed with a Mentor Team, and 20% participating in a mandatory 55-day Academic Curriculum and other events. Fellows are appointed for two years full-time at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time salary and pension in accordance with the collective agreement between AC and the Ministry of Finance
- An annual sum of DKK 40,000 to cover costs for personal computers, travel, language courses, conferences, and workshops
- Financing of running research project costs by hosting environments
- Participation in a uniquely developed 55-day Academic Curriculum covering translational stages and generic skills
- A Certificate of Excellence upon successful completion of course participation and research projects
Who can apply?
- Must hold an MD and a PhD degree or equivalent, or an MSc and a PhD degree (or BSc integrated PhD) within a relevant discipline such as veterinary science, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, pharmacy, dentistry, or medical engineering
- PhD degree must have been obtained no more than eight years before the application deadline (extensions granted for documented leave)
- Current PhD students may apply if their thesis is submitted and defended prior to project commencement on September 1, 2027
- Must comply with Danish legislation limiting postdoc service to a maximum of four years at one university, allowing no more than two years of prior postdoc experience at UCPH departments
- Must apply in cooperation with a preapproved Mentor Team consisting of a basic biomedical scientist from UCPH (SUND or SCIENCE) and a clinical scientist from a hospital in the Capital Region or Region Zealand and/or a life science industry representative
Required documents
- Project description (Part 1, co-designed by the applicant and Mentor Team)
- Project abstract and CV (Part 2, composed independently by the applicant)
- Supplementary documents (Part 3)
- Supervisor declaration for current PhD students stating thesis submission and defense will occur prior to project commencement
When to apply
- List of submitted project synopses published on December 14, 2026
- Application deadline is February 9, 2027, at 23:59 CET
- Appointment interviews scheduled for May 11-13, 2027
- Programme and employment commence on September 1, 2027
- Mandatory two-day boot camp held on September 9-10, 2027
How to apply
- Connect with a Mentor Team or browse the list of published Open Mentor Teams to explore collaboration
- Have the Mentor Team constellation preapproved by sending a request to bridge@sund.ku.dk before the application deadline
- Prepare the application materials including project description, abstract, CV, and supplementary documents
- Submit the application online through the official link by February 9, 2027
Additional information
- The programme expects to appoint 7 fellows with an MD background and 7 fellows with an MSc background
- Fellows are appointed in the lab of the basic mentor at either the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences or the Faculty of Science at UCPH
- Travel and accommodation expenses for physical interviews will be reimbursed by the programme
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career researchers holding an MD or relevant MSc alongside a recent PhD who want to bridge basic biomedical science, clinical care, and the life science industry.
- Candidates who already have or can quickly establish a multidisciplinary mentor team spanning academia and clinical or industrial sectors in Denmark.
- Scientists seeking a structured academic curriculum and dedicated time for interdisciplinary translational projects rather than traditional teaching-heavy postdocs.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Denmark is required as fellows are employed full-time at the University of Copenhagen and must attend on-site activities and boot camps.
- The fellowship is strictly fixed-term for two years, meaning career planning beyond this window must be considered.
- Securing preapproval for the required Mentor Team requires proactive outreach well ahead of the February application deadline.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a strong career accelerator for researchers aiming for leadership roles at the intersection of academic medicine, clinical practice, and the biotech industry. The combination of dedicated research time, formal training in translational stages, and cross-sector networking directly supports a transition toward independent academic or industry leadership.
Our take
Ambitious postdoctoral researchers with a background in medicine or life sciences who are eager to conduct collaborative translational research in Denmark should seriously consider applying. Those without access to a suitable clinical or basic science mentor network may find the initial coordination hurdles challenging unless they utilize the programme's open mentor matching lists.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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