Upcoming call: 2026 DDLS Research School Postdoc Program

The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science is preparing for yet another major recruitment round. The upcoming call for DDLS postdoctoral researchers will open in January 2026, offering promising young scientists the opportunity to develop cutting-edge projects at the intersection of data science and life science.

Ahead of the call, we spoke with the Director of the DDLS Research School Postdoc Program, Lukas Käll (KTH). In the interview, Lukas explains how the initiative is designed to identify talent, strengthen Swedish research environments, and support researchers who want to build long-term careers in Sweden.

Q: What is the main aim of the DDLS Postdoc Program?

A: The program is built to recruit technically strong postdoctoral researchers and give them the conditions they need to succeed. We aim to run a program of excellence, attract skilled talent, and support researchers who view Sweden as a place to advance their careers.

A central component of the program is the DDLS Research School, which connects postdocs and PhD students across the country. It provides a shared national framework for training and creates opportunities to interact with other young scientists. Through annual meetings, seminars, and national events, the Research School supports networking across the DDLS research areas.

Q: How do you define data-driven life science in the context of this call?

A: It refers to research that uses data, computational methods, and AI to understand biological systems. This might involve integrating large datasets, applying statistical and machine learning approaches, or developing new computational methods to uncover biological insights.

Projects must include a clear data science component. Proposals that primarily rely on generating new biological material or conducting laboratory work will not be prioritized. Laboratory validation can be included, but the core of the project must be data-driven.

Q: What kinds of projects can be funded in this call?

A: Projects must fall within the four DDLS research areas and should offer a clear and original data-driven perspective. We seek high scientific quality, a sound and feasible plan, and a training environment that supports the postdoctoral fellow’s development.

Each project receives 2 MSEK in KAW funding over two years. The host employer is responsible for any additional costs and confirms this through a commitment letter.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree before starting the position. For academic-track positions, the degree should generally have been awarded within three years prior to the call deadline, with allowances made for parental leave, medical leave, compulsory service, or union work.

It is considered a merit if applicants propose a different academic supervisor than their PhD advisor and if they have not already been employed as a postdoc for more than one year with the same employer in a similar subject area. Each applicant may submit only one application, and each supervisor may support only one applicant.

Q: The program includes both academic and industrial tracks. How do these tracks work?

A: The academic track supports postdocs employed at Swedish universities or the Swedish Museum of Natural History. The industrial track places postdocs at companies in the life sciences sector in Sweden.

The structure is similar. We place researchers in strong host environments while ensuring they remain connected to the national DDLS program and the Research School.

Importantly, it is the postdoc candidates who apply for these positions. They propose a project that they have developed together with an academic supervisor, and when applicable, an industrial supervisor. If selected, the funding is awarded to the postdoc.

We will announce postdoc calls several times until the end of the DDLS program. This year’s call will award 15 academic and 7 industrial postdoc projects.

Q: What are the expectations regarding supervision?

A: Every proposal must include an academic supervisor with primary employment at a Swedish university or the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Industrial-track applications must also include a supervisor employed by the company.

Supervisors must have secured employment for the full duration of the project and are responsible for guiding the postdoc. For industrial-track applications, the academic supervisor may be affiliated with the company but cannot be the CEO or majority owner. Public-sector bodies and research institutes cannot serve as industrial hosts. Companies must be based in Sweden or have a substantial presence here.

A person may act as the main academic or industrial supervisor on only one application per call. A company may support several applications if the projects and supervisors differ.

Q: Is there structured support for finding supervisors or partners?

A: Yes, we will launch a national matchmaking site, where academic research group leaders and industrial supervisors can advertise their interest in hosting a postdoctoral researcher. Postdoc candidates can browse this list and reach out to potential hosts.

Candidates are also free to use their own networks, but the matchmaking site is designed to lower the threshold for making contact. Regardless of how they find a supervisor, the postdoc and the supervisor apply together with a jointly developed project, and the funding is awarded to the postdoc.

Q: What is the timeline for the application process?

A: The call opens in January 2026, and from that point, candidates begin reaching out to potential supervisors, developing their project idea, and preparing their application in the DDLS portal. Once the call closes in late March 2026, all submitted proposals undergo an eligibility check before being sent to external experts for evaluation. Based on these reviews, the highest-ranked applicants are invited to online interviews. After interviews are completed, the final selection is made, and successful candidates are expected to begin their employment in October 2026.

Q: What should universities keep in mind when hosting a DDLS postdoc?

A: Universities must employ the postdocs under Swedish employment conditions and provide any necessary co-funding. They should offer a supportive research environment that aligns with the proposed project. Supervisors and postdocs are expected to participate in national DDLS Research School activities, which is essential for building a strong, connected community in data-driven life science.