NORPOD is a collaborative postdoctoral program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. The partnership is a network of four national research centers across the Nordics and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), with complementary research expertise at the forefront of molecular medicine research. With the NORPOD program, the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to foster the next generation of researchers in molecular medicine by implementing joint postdoctoral research projects to nurture strong competences and research excellence.
More information about the Nordic EMBL Partnership can be found here.
Nordic EMBL Partner Institutes:
- DANDRITE - The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience at Aarhus University performs basic and translational research in the brain and the nervous system.
- FIMM - The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland at the University of Helsinki is a translational research institute focusing on human genomics and precision medicine.
- MIMS - The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine at Umeå University performs basic and translational research in molecular infection medicine and is the home of the CRISPR-Cas9 discovery.
- NCMM - The Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway at the University of Oslo is an international biomedical research centre, with the overall objective of translating basic medical research into clinical practice.
The Nordic EMBL Partnership is seeking postdoctoral fellows for collaborative projects in molecular medicine through the second NORPOD call.
Description
We invite applications for three NORPOD postdoctoral fellowship projects. The projects are offered as collaborations between two Nordic EMBL supervisors (PIs) across the nodes of the Nordic EMBL Partnership. Each project has two supervisors. One supervisor will host the NORPOD Fellow at his/her node’s host university, while collaborating with a co-supervisor from a different Nordic EMBL node.
As a NORPOD Fellow, you will develop a collaborative project under the supervision of two Nordic EMBL PIs at two different sites. You will obtain a 30-month, full time postdoctoral employment at the institution of the hosting supervisor.
As a NORPOD Fellow 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. You will gain access to state-of-the-art core facilities and platforms available in the wider network of the Nordic EMBL Partnership. You also participate and contribute to strengthening your personal and professional development. You will advance the goals of the Nordic EMBL Partnership by fostering synergies and research excellence.
For comprehensive information on the NORPOD program’s all projects, explore the NORPOD program page.
List of NORPOD projects open for application
Project 1: Genetic and adaptive dynamics of microbiome in colorectal cancer: How do microbes adapt to the hostile tumour microenvironment? (ADAPT-MIC)
Nordic EMBL PIs: Rafa Najumudeen (FIMM) and Chinmay Dwibedi (MIMS)
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.
Host institution and employment: FIMM, University of Helsinki, Finland
Collaborating site: MIMS, Umeå University, Sweden
Find all information and apply here.
Project 2: Novel insights into the cancer genome and epigenome using long-read sequencing and machine learning
Nordic EMBL PIs: Esa Pitkänen (FIMM) and Biswajyoti Sahu (NCMM)
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.
Host institution and employment: FIMM, University of Helsinki, Finland
Collaborating site: NCMM, University of Oslo, Norway
Find all information and apply here.
Project 3: Revealing the epigenetic history of colon cancer progression (REVEAL)
Nordic EMBL PIs: Biswajyoti Sahu (NCMM) and Rafa Najumudeen (FIMM)
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.
Host institution and employment: NCMM, University of Oslo, Norway
Collaborating site: FIMM, University of Helsinki, Finland
Find all information and apply here.
Selection process and timeline
- 10 December 2024 - 24 January 2025:
Application period open
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.
- 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.
Application
Application deadline for all NORPOD projects: January 24, 2025
To apply for one of the NORPOD projects:
- Select the project of interest and proceed by following the link under "Find all info and apply".
- 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.
With question:
- If your question is related to the scientific project, please reach out to the PIs of the project.
- With questions about the NORPOD program in general, you can reach out to Nóra Lehotai, central coordinator of the NORPOD programme, at nora.lehotai@umu.se .
Visit the NORPOD program page to learn more about the programme.
We welcome your application!
