# Postdoctoral Fellowships at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 3.6 million per grant
**Deadline:** 29 January 2027 (14:00 Copenhagen time)
**Duration:** 3 years (2 years at MIT, up to 1 year return phase in Denmark)
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by a Danish institution with a confirmed host PI at MIT
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-09
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/postdoctoral-fellowships-at-massachusetts-institute-of-technology-2026/
**Last updated:** 11 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Postdoctoral fellowship for early-career researchers (PhD within 5 years) in natural/technical sciences, biomedicine or biotechnology to conduct research at MIT with a confirmed host PI, followed by a return phase at a Danish host institution that employs and administers the grant. Applicant must demonstrate association with the Danish educational/research system.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships fund researchers in natural sciences, technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology to spend two years at MIT followed by one year at a Danish host institution, with up to DKK 3.6 million (approximately DKK 1.2M per year) over three years. Open to researchers within five years of their PhD who have a demonstrable connection to Denmark through degree, citizenship, or prior research experience. Applicants must be employed throughout by a Danish public non-profit research institution.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers within 5 years of their PhD in natural sciences, technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology
- Danish nationals or researchers with a Danish degree or prior Danish research experience
- Applicants employed by a Danish public non-profit research institution for the full three-year period
- Researchers seeking international experience at MIT with a structured return to Danish research

## Key dates

- Annual deadline in September 2026
- Two-year placement at MIT followed by one-year mandatory return phase at Danish host institution
- Three-year fellowship duration

## Tips for applicants

- The return-phase requirement is non-negotiable: you must complete year three at your Danish host institution, so secure that placement before applying.
- Demonstrate your Danish research roots explicitly, the panel evaluates connection to the Danish research environment as a gate criterion.
- MIT placement alone does not suffice; articulate how the MIT experience feeds back into your Danish research trajectory.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Fellowship pay?

Up to DKK 3.6 million over three years, approximately DKK 1.2 million per year.

### Who is eligible for the Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Researchers within five years of their PhD in natural sciences, technical sciences, biomedicine, or biotechnology with a connection to Denmark (Danish nationality, degree, or prior research experience), employed by a Danish public non-profit research institution.

### Where do I conduct research on the Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The first two years are based at MIT; the third and final year must be conducted at a Danish host institution.

### When is the deadline for the Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The call is annual with a deadline in September; the next round is September 2026.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-postdoctoral-fellowships-at-massachusetts-institut-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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