SciLifeLab PULSE: an International Postdoctoral Program Empowering Future Leaders in Life Sciences
SciLifeLab has received a funding invitation from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND, part of EU’s Horizon Europe, for SciLifeLab PULSE (Program for Future Leaders in Life Science), a comprehensive 5-year postdoctoral program. The program will train 48 future leaders in life sciences with a launch following the final grant decision in fall 2024. Postdocs will be recruited in two calls (January 2025 and 2026), with the first cohort of 24 postdocs starting in October 2025.
PULSE will focus on innovative, fundamental and translational research carried out in supportive and diverse academic and industrial environments, preparing postdocs with necessary skills for long-term career sustainability. The program will offer 3-year fellowships hosted by one of nine Swedish universities with secondments at 24 academic and non-academic partners in Sweden and abroad.
“This is a unique program, from a strategic Swedish perspective. It will enable interdisciplinary collaboration and bridge institutional barriers. For instance, it brings together nine universities under a joint recruitment process, which is a rare and commendable approach in academia”, says Erik Litborn, national contact point for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon Europe) at Vinnova.
Advancing research to address key scientific challenges
PULSE will stand out by offering unique international research and training opportunities built upon SciLifeLab’s advanced infrastructure for molecular life sciences. The program aims to foster a new generation of researchers capable of addressing significant scientific challenges across five key areas:
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Precision Medicine & Diagnostics
- Evolution & Biodiversity
- Epidemiology and Infection Biology
- Drug Discovery & Development
Immersed in the vibrant SciLifeLab community – home to hundreds of distinguished research groups, the SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science, and strong ties to other major national and international initiatives – they will have access to extensive and unparalleled training opportunities facilitating success as they pursue their fellowship projects and long-term career goals.
The PULSE training catalog will be openly accessible and fully aligned with FAIR principles, making it a valuable resource for the pan-European postgraduate life science research and training community.
Bridging the gap between basic research and innovation
PULSE will offer a unique setup, enabling candidates to choose between academic (32 positions) or entrepreneurial (16 positions) tracks (recruited in two calls). Both tracks will include advanced training in research and transferable skills, integrating international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral elements with annual networking events to further foster collaborations and career development.
The integrative approach to training establishes a strong foundation for future leaders in life sciences, breaking down barriers between sectors and geographic distances while facilitating the formation of professional networks. Postdocs will benefit from robust career support through a supervisor/mentor panel and specialized training via secondments with PULSE’s international academic and non-academic partners, to gain a well-developed toolbox for long-term success.
“By giving postdocs the tools, networks, and experiences they need to succeed in entrepreneurship, PULSE bridges essential gaps and provides the expertise crucial for driving innovation. This program ensures that researchers are ready to excel and lead in the fast-paced world of start-ups. This program is a fantastic opportunity for small, innovative companies, like Akiram, and we’re truly excited about the chance to engage with talented scientists and advance our business” says Marika Nestor, Professor, Biomedical Radiation Sciences, and co-founder of Akiram Therapeutics (which is a partner of PULSE).
Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion
SciLifeLab recognizes the importance of, and enthusiastically embraces, diversity and inclusion at all levels and roles within its ecosystem. By making science more representative, novel discoveries will emerge that benefit lives across the globe. To fully realize the program’s true potential, PULSE will systematically integrate gender aspects and diversity considerations, to proactively address unconscious and unintended biases across all project areas. This commitment includes utilizing targeted outreach material to encourage applications from individuals across all continents. Specifically, the PULSE dissemination strategy will actively promote applications from researchers from diverse backgrounds, encompassing differences in gender, nationality, socio-economic status and age.
Setting new standards for postdoctoral training
PULSE aims to achieve measurable scientific outputs, such as impactful research, new technologies, translational drug discoveries, prototype drugs, and intellectual property. The program prioritizes long-term career development and scientific success, empowering postdocs to progress into academic or industrial positions, or even to establish start-ups that directly address societal needs. Additionally, PULSE strives to enhance the global visibility of life science research through outreach activities, taking advantage of the highly interactive professional networks established to promote respect and trust in science.
“To advance curiosity-driven, innovative, and translational research while also supporting sustainable careers, increased cooperation across sectors is essential. The SciLifeLab postdoc program PULSE, with partners from academia, research infrastructures, research institutes, as well as biotech and medtech companies, will provide a common foundation for future leaders in life sciences, reduce barriers between sectors and regions, and help build strong networks for future collaborations.
This initiative will not only strengthen Sweden as a life science nation but also offer significant individual benefits by enhancing personal development and international career opportunities. We are grateful for the support from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND to our program, and look forward to the official launch of the program on September 1, 2025”, says Mia Phillipson, SciLifeLab Co-Director and Director of the SciLifeLab PULSE program.
Read more on: https://www.scilifelab.se/research/pulse
SciLifeLab PULSE (Program for Future Leaders in Life Science) is a five-year postdoctoral program which has received a funding invitation from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND (part of EU’s Horizon Europe). It will be coordinated by SciLifeLab, and have nine implementing partners and 24 associated partners.
Implementing partners: Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Linköping University, Lund University, Stockholm University, Umeå University, University of Gothenburg, Uppsala University, Örebro University, SciLifeLab Drug Discovery & Development Platform
Associated partners: Affibody, Akiram Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Beactica Therapeutics, CoVaRR Net, Cytiva, Eatris, EMBL, Human Technopole, Lif (The research-based pharmaceutical industry), Lipum, Malmö University, Max IV, Orion Pharma, ProSilico, QureTech Bio, Red Glead Discovery, RISE, Strike Pharma, SweDeliver, SwedenBIO, Testa Center, Toleranzia, VIB.
