About SciLifeLab and the PULSE Program
SciLifeLab (Science for Life Laboratory) is Sweden’s leading national research infrastructure for molecular biosciences. It integrates advanced research capabilities with cutting-edge technology platforms, enabling scientists to tackle some of the world’s most complex biological and medical questions. Within this dynamic ecosystem, the PULSE Fellowship (Postdoc for Utilization and Life Science Entrepreneurship) was conceived to transform academic discoveries into meaningful applications.
SciLifeLab’s PULSE Fellowship Call 2 opens in December 2025, targeting exceptional PhD-qualified researchers passionate about translating life science innovations into real-world impact. With structured academic and entrepreneurial tracks, this prestigious Swedish fellowship supports interdisciplinary projects aiming for societal utilization or commercialization. The fellowship officially begins in October 2026.
Backed by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, one of the country’s most respected private research funders, the fellowship bridges academic excellence with entrepreneurial ambition. It empowers researchers to pursue scientific innovation that addresses critical healthcare, environmental, or societal challenges.
Who Should Apply?
The PULSE Fellowship is tailored for ambitious researchers eager to harness their scientific training toward impactful innovation. It offers two parallel tracks:
Academic Track
Focuses on projects aimed at producing technologies or approaches for societal good, such as therapeutic tools, diagnostics, health platforms, or public
Entrepreneurial Track
Designed for researchers intending to commercialize their innovation, including startup development, venture funding strategies, and scalable biotech solutions.
Ideal candidates include:
- Postdoctoral researchers with demonstrable innovation interests
- Scientists interested in applied or translational research
- Entrepreneurs planning to launch biotech ventures
- Professionals with interdisciplinary collaborative experience
Fellowship Benefits and Funding Support
The PULSE Fellowship offers a robust package to support fellows through every stage of their innovation journey:
- Competitive full-time salary in line with Swedish research institute standards
- Dedicated project funding for lab work, validation studies, and travel
- Access to SciLifeLab infrastructure: proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, imaging, and bioinformatics platforms
- Dual mentorship from academic supervisors and industry professionals
- Tailored entrepreneurship and innovation training, including IP, business planning, regulatory pathways, and pitch coaching
- Networking opportunities across Swedish universities, hospitals, and life science hubs
This integrated support ensures that fellows can focus fully on turning bold research concepts into tangible societal or commercial solutions.
Focus Areas and Priority Research Themes
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that align with pressing global and national challenges in health, sustainability, or technology. Key themes include:
- Translational Medicine and Therapeutics
- Bioengineering and Device Innovation
- Diagnostic Platforms and Biomarker Discovery
- Digital Health and Clinical Informatics
- AI andData Science for Life Sciences
- Sustainable Biotechnologies
Preference is given to proposals with well-articulated utilization pathways—either via academic deployment or commercial feasibility.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Call 2 of the PULSE Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in life sciences, bioengineering, medicine, computational biology, or a related discipline
- Have no more than 5 years of postdoctoral research experience (excluding career breaks)
- Present a clear plan for utilization or commercialization of their research
- Identify a suitable host institution in Sweden willing to support the project
- Show evidence of scientific productivity (publications, patents, technology transfers, etc.)
Applicants of all nationalities are welcome. However, the fellowship must be conducted in Sweden in collaboration with a Swedish academic, clinical, or innovation partner.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
The fellowship application window will open in December 2025. Here are the steps to apply:
- Online Registration on the SciLifeLab application portal
- Submit Project Proposal (max 5 pages), clearly stating aims, innovation, methodology, and potential impact
- Upload CV and Research Outputs including high-impact publications, patent filings, or prior innovation experience
- Motivation Letter outlining the applicant’s interest in theacademic or entrepreneurial track
- Letter of Support from the host institution
- Optional: Business plan draft (entrepreneurial track only)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for panel interviews and feedback rounds. Final selection will be announced by mid-2026.
Why Choose Sweden and SciLifeLab?
Sweden ranks among the top global leaders in research output, innovation, and life science infrastructure. SciLifeLab offers fellows access to a multidisciplinary environment with leading researchers, hospital partners, and industrial networks.
- Located in Stockholm, Uppsala, Gothenburg, and Lund
- Part of Sweden’s National Research Infrastructure
- Member of the European Life Sciences Alliance
PULSE Fellows benefit from a uniquely collaborative ecosystem that encourages high-risk, high-reward scientific innovation.
Final Thoughts
The SciLifeLab PULSE Fellowship Call 2 (2025–2026) presents a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to translate scientific excellence into societal value. Whether your aspiration is to develop scalable diagnostics or launch a biotech startup, this fellowship provides the tools, mentorship, and funding to realize your vision.
- Application Opens: December 2025
- Program Starts: October 2026
Program Overview
Feature | Details |
Program Name | SciLifeLab PULSE Fellowship – Call 2 |
Host Country / Region | |
Funded By | SciLifeLab, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation |
Duration | 2 years |
Study Mode | Full-time |
Eligibility | Early-career PhD holders interested in academic or entrepreneurial life science innovation |
Financial Support | Salary, research budget, mentorship, commercialization support, travel, and infrastructure access |
Fields of Study | Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Translational Medicine, Diagnostics, AI in Biomedicine, Bioinformatics |
Application Deadline | December 2025 (exact date will be updated soon) |
Official Website | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The SciLifeLab PULSE Fellowship is a two-year postdoctoral program supporting innovation-driven research in life sciences through academic or entrepreneurial pathways.
Applicants must hold a PhD in life sciences or related fields and have no more than five years of postdoctoral experience.
The application period opens in December, with final selections announced by mid-year and the fellowship starting in October.
You can choose either the academic track for societal research utilization or the entrepreneurial track focused on commercialization and startup development.
Yes, the fellowship welcomes candidates of all nationalities, provided the research is hosted by a Swedish institution.
It includes a full-time salary, project funding, commercialization mentoring, infrastructure access, and travel support.
Projects in translational medicine, biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, and AI in life sciences are highly encouraged.
The fellowship is highly competitive and seeks applicants with strong innovation potential and a well-defined utilization plan.
Yes, the entrepreneurial track supports researchers with commercialization goals, including plans to launch life science startups.
Applications are submitted through the SciLifeLab website under the PULSE program section during the open call period.
