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Novo Nordisk Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Oxford

Postdoctoral-level fellowships

The internal Oxford Physics selection process for this fellowship is now OPEN.

Summary

Internal Oxford Physics EOI deadline: 04 December 2025, 12:00 GMT
Funder deadline: 29 January 2026, 14:00 CET

  • Three-year fellowship supporting early-career researchers for two years at Oxford followed by up to one year at a Danish institution.
  • Focus on interdisciplinary research with potential impact in human health or sustainability.
  • Applicants must hold (or expect to hold) a PhD in natural or technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology within five years of the fellowship start date (excluding eligible leave).
  • Requires confirmed support from both an Oxford host PI and a Danish host institution, with fellows  intending to return to Denmark after the Oxford phase.
  • All queries: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Overview

The Novo Nordisk Foundation–Oxford Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme provides outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in collaboration with groups at the University of Oxford and a Danish university or public research institution.

Fellows spend the first two years based in Oxford developing their project, followed by a return phase of up to one year in Denmark to consolidate collaborations and continue their research. The programme aims to:

  • strengthen scientific collaboration between Denmark and the University of Oxford;
  • support researchers in developing independent careers and networks; and
  • promote mobility, innovation, and long-term knowledge exchange between the Danish and UK research communities.

Further details are available on the Novo Nordisk Foundation call page.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • hold a PhD in natural or technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology obtained within five years of the fellowship start date (periods of leave do not count toward this limit);
  • have demonstrable links to the Danish educational or research system (for example, Danish citizenship, a degree from a Danish university, or several years of research experience at a Danish institution);
  • have secured the support of a University of Oxford host PI, who will act as primary mentor during the Oxford phase;
  • have confirmed support from a Danish host institution (university or other public/non-profit research organisation) that will employ the fellow for the full duration of the grant;
  • propose an interdisciplinary research project clearly relevant to human health or sustainability; and
  • intend to return to Denmark following the Oxford phase.

Key dates and deadlines (2026 round)

  • 04 December 2025, 12:00 GMT – Oxford Physics internal EOI deadline
    • Submit a the following EOI information to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, copying your Oxford Physics sponsor.
    • Include:
      • 2-page CV (with outputs list)
      • 1-page research proposal
      • Sub-department (ALP, AOPP, Astro, CMP, PP, Theory)
      • Brief description of Danish affiliation
      • Confirmation of support from your Danish host institution
  • ~15 December 2025 - Results of internal sub-department selection announced
  • 29 January 2026, 14:00 CET – Novo Nordisk Foundation deadline
  • Results announced: June 2026
  • Earliest fellowship start date: 1 October 2026

Additional information

Sponsor - Applicants must secure an Oxford Physics academic sponsor in advance. The sponsor must be CC’d on your EOI submission email. If you require assistance identifying an appropriate sponsor, contact fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

Danish Host Institution - Applicants are advised to secure the support of a danish host institution ahead of the internal EOI submission, and to provide details of this host in the EOI details. Oxford Physics are unable to assist with identifying a danish host institution.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Oxford Physics supports flexible working and recognises that career paths are not linear. Applicants are encouraged to highlight contextual factors such as career breaks, caring responsibilities, or health-related circumstances confidentially if required, with the Research Facilitation Team at fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

The department particularly welcomes EOIs from individuals from underrepresented groups in physics. If you have difficulty securing a sponsor or require specific support or accommodations during the process, please contact the Fellowships Facilitation Team (in confidence if required).

For more information, visit our ED&I webpage.