University of Copenhagen
Programme: BRIDGE – Translational Excellence Programme
Institution: University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Application Deadline: 16 February 2026, 23:59 CET
Employment Type: Full-time, 2-year postdoctoral positions (37 hours/week)
Departments: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND) / Faculty of Science (SCIENCE)
Overview
The BRIDGE – Translational Excellence Programme at UCPH is seeking 14 highly motivated postdoctoral fellows (7 with an MD background and 7 with an MSc background) to participate in an interdisciplinary programme bridging basic research, clinical science, and the life science industry.
The programme is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and provides a structured career path for translational medicine, mentoring fellows through academic, clinical, and industrial environments.
Programme Details
Translational Research Project
- Projects must cover early translational stages T₀ (Disease modelling, Omics studies, Basic Research) to T₁ (Biomarker discovery, Target development, Preclinical development).
- Optional coverage of early T₂ (Phase 1–2b clinical trials) is encouraged but not required.
- Fellows spend 80% of their time on research projects, co-designed with a Mentor Team consisting of:
- Basic biomedical scientist from SUND or SCIENCE, UCPH
- Clinical scientist from the Capital Region of Denmark or Region Zealand
- Optional: Life science industry mentor (highly encouraged)
Academic Curriculum
- 55-day mandatory curriculum covering T₀–T₁ translational stages and early T₂ interface
- Courses include research management, ethics, research communication, and grant writing
- Curriculum and additional events (Boot Camp, Academic Afternoons, Alumni Event) comprise 20% of fellows’ time
- Fellows are not required to teach during the fellowship
Eligibility
Fellows must hold either:
- MD + PhD (or equivalent doctoral-level qualification)
- MSc + PhD (or integrated BSc-PhD) in relevant disciplines (e.g., veterinary science, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, pharmacy, dentistry, medical engineering)
Additional requirements:
- PhD obtained no more than 8 years before the application deadline (extensions granted for documented leave)
- Current PhD students may apply if thesis defense is expected before 1 September 2026
- Maximum 2 years of prior postdoc experience at UCPH for eligibility, with documented leaves extending the period
Mentor Teams
- Minimum two mentors required: 1 basic biomedical, 1 clinical, optional industrial
- Additional mentors from DTU or other institutions encouraged if relevant
- Mentors can supervise a maximum of two candidates per call
- Mentor Team must be preapproved before submission
Qualifications
BRIDGE Fellows are expected to be:
- Scientifically independent with a high degree of academic maturity
- Enthusiastic about translational research and co-designed projects
- Experienced in project management and research supervision
- Able to communicate research clearly, demonstrate leadership, and interact effectively with peers and broader scientific community
- Strong track record in publications (minimum one first-author paper) and conference presentations
Application Process
- Connect with a Mentor Team: Basic biomedical, clinical, and optionally industry mentors
- Prepare Application Material:
- Part 1: Project description (co-designed with Mentor Team)
- Part 2: Project abstract and CV (independent)
- Part 3: Supplementary documents
- Submit Online via HR Manager no later than 16 February 2026, 23:59 CET
- Cover letter not required
- Only complete submissions considered
Assessment:
- Applications evaluated per Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012
- Assessment considers academic qualifications and match with translational project
- Opportunity to comment on assessment (Part 2)
Interviews:
- Scheduled 11–13 May 2026
- Mentor Teams present online for introduction
- Travel/accommodation reimbursed
Terms of Employment
- Full-time (37 hours/week), 2-year postdoc positions
- Salary, pension, and terms according to Danish AC agreement and “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” 2025
- Annual DKK 40,000 provided for project costs (PC, travel, language courses, conferences)
- Certificate of Excellence awarded upon completion of programme and research project
Contact
Programme Manager: Kathrine Bjerregaard Nielsen
Email: bridge@sund.ku.dk
Phone: +45 35 32 98 71
More information: www.bridge.ku.dk
Equal Opportunity:
The University of Copenhagen values diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
