Considering applying for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship? Explore the opportunity to collaborate with Nord University as your host institution.
Over the past four years, Nord University has demonstrated continuous success in MSCA applications. In 2024, Nord achieved two outstanding MSCA PF results with scores of 100% and 98.4%, respectively. Out of 17 submitted applications, 2 applications were granted funding, 75% achieved scores above 80%, with 9 researchers receiving the Seal of Excellence.
In 2023 and 2022, Nord University was successful in getting two grants every year.
In 2025, Nord University has submitted 16 MSCA PF Applications. The results will be announced in February 2026.
Nord University is a vibrant and innovative institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and research. Our strategic pillars are:
- Blue and green growth
- Sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
- Health, welfare, and education
- Social security
Nord University in numbers
- 11,300 students, 270 PhD candidates, and 1,300 employees
- 8 campuses across central and northern Norway
Geographic influence
- Covers 40% of Norway's coastline (900 km from the northernmost to the southernmost campus)
- Campuses in Nordland and Trøndelag counties
- Strong regional ties with public and private sectors in both counties
Key industries in Nordland and Trøndelag
- Nordland: Aquaculture, Tourism, Space Technology, Energy, Forestry, Mining
- Trøndelag: Technology, Agriculture, Forestry, Energy, Maritime
Strategic vision
Nord University's Strategy 2030 emphasizes "Global Challenges – Regional Solutions." Our strong regional, national, and international research collaborations across various academic disciplines aim to address global challenges effectively. Nord University is a member of two alliances;
- SEA-EU (European University of the Seas) alliance—a strategic partnership of nine European coastal universities, and
- Arctic 6 alliance - a strategic partnership of six universities of the Arctic,
Nord University provides MSCA researchers with extensive research expertise, international networking opportunities, research expeditions, cultural experiences, and unique access to different disciplines and environments.
Proven track record
Nord University has a proven track record in supporting and hosting successful MSCA fellowships under both H2020 and Horizon Europe programs. Equipped with modern infrastructure, resources, and robust support systems, Nord University actively supports researchers in achieving their goals. Our current MSCA PF projects include: OCEANHITCH, FAIRYSCAPE, BIOALGAE, SAXOMICS, and SNOWGIANTS highlighting our commitment to nurturing research talent.
MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a duration of 12-30 months (12-24 months of Research + 6 months of additional placement in non-academic sector) to researchers of any nationality who:
- Are in possession of a doctoral degree.
- Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research after their doctoral degree.
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e., have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the call deadline.
- Have identified a supervisor at Nord University willing to host and supervise them.
If awarded, the Postdoctoral Fellowship grant covers salary, mobility allowance, family allowance (if eligible), and other allowances (if eligible) for the research fellow. The grant also covers research costs and overheads for Nord University.
If you are interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF), you have two options:
- Option 1: Scroll below to find the Nord University Expressions of Interest and send the below mentioned required documents to the contact persons mentioned in the Expression of Interest.
- Option 2: Visit our faculty and research group webpages to explore topics and areas that align with your research interests.
Document requirements
To apply, please provide the following documents:
- Eligibility Information:
- PhD Degree Award Date
- Full-time research equivalent experience
- Period of stay in Norway
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a full list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise clearly related to your proposed research area and topic.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in joining the relevant professor and research group.
- Explain your research and career objectives.
- Demonstrate alignment of your research themes with the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Selected candidates will collaborate with us to prepare a full MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) application for submission under the Horizon Europe Programme, with a deadline in September.
We will provide comprehensive support throughout this process, including:
- Assistance in refining and focusing your research topic
- Participation in the MSCA Masterclass
- Professional reviews and feedback on your application
- Other necessary guidance to ensure submission of a high-quality application
Please note that MSCA PF is highly competitive, bringing together some of the best research talent globally. While funding success is not guaranteed, participating in the application process provides valuable experience and insights into your own research and proposal writing skills, as well as fostering close collaboration with your supervisor and research group.
Applications
In 2024, Nord University submitted 17 MSCA PF applications:
- Life Sciences: 9
- Environmental and Geosciences: 5
- Chemistry: 1
- Economic Sciences: 1
- Social Sciences and Humanities: 1
These included 15 European Fellowships (EF) and 2 Global Fellowships (GF).
EU Results
- Total MSCA applications (EU-wide): 10,360 from 95 nationalities
- Funded projects: 1,696 (16% success rate)
- Seal of Excellence awarded to 2,940 applicants (28% of total)
- Top sectors funded: Social Sciences & Humanities (22.94%) and Life Sciences (20.93%)
Nord University's performance
- Two successful applications with scores of 100% and 98.4% (both in Life Sciences)
- Overall success rate: 11.7% (22.22% success rate in Life Sciences)
- 9 candidates awarded Seal of Excellence (53%)
- 75% of applications scored above 80%; only 3 applications below the threshold (70%)
By selecting Nord University for your MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, you will join an institution deeply committed to research excellence, innovation, and societal impact, ready to support your academic journey and professional growth.
The roadmap will be shared by December 2025.
Are you a researcher or part of a research group at Nord University with an idea that could benefit from international research talent? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) is a good opportunity to:
- Attract highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from around the world
- Strengthen your research group with new ideas and perspectives
- Expand your international network and visibility
- Receive external funding to support your research initiatives
We invite you to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) if you would like to host a researcher under the MSCA PF 2025 call. Your EoI will be published on international platforms such as EURAXESS, LinkedIn, the SEA-EU Network, and Nord’s website, helping you find potential MSCA candidates aligned with your topic.
Watch a video about MSCA PF at Nord University
Expression of interest
Ready to get started? Submit your Expression of Interest here.
The Expression of Interests will be published in January 2026.
Other options for expressing your interest
In addition to the above mentioned Expressions of Interest, Nord University is also seeking ideas of postdoctoral researchers who are interested in conducting independent research and broadening their international networks to develop their future career prospects. Nord University have following faculties with different research divisions and research groups which can be contacted to develop a joint open-topic proposal:
I. Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
II. Faculty of Education and Arts
III. Faculty of Social Sciences
IV. Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
V. Nord University Business School
You can find a suitable potential supervisor to discuss your research idea by name (find a supervisor). After identifying a potential supervisor you are invited to contact her/him as soon as possible via email by sending a CV and a research project outline document (no more than 2 pages) with the following information: project title, project description, main research area, sub research area, keywords, relevance with the research division and faculty of Nord University, relevance with the supervisor expertise, and need of secondments (if required). If the contacted supervisor is convinced of the proposed project idea and your potential to implement it at Nord University, she/he will provide you with support necessary to submit a competitive proposal.
SEA-EU
Supervisor and candidates now also have the opportunity to use Sea-EU partners for secondments and for finding a second supervisor. Also, at this website candidates can find Expression of Interest from our alliance partners - Marie Sklodowska Curie – Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 – European University of the Seas (sea-eu.org)
EuroMarine Network
In addition to this, if your topic is related to any marine area then you can also use different opportunities from EuroMarine Network as Nord University is a member of this network.
About our successful researchers
Project Title: Astaxanthin Metabolism in Salmon: A Cutting-Edge Multi-Omics Exploration
Scientific Area: Life Sciences (LIF)
Descriptor: Metabolism, Transcriptomics, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Metabolomics
Free Keywords: Astaxanthin, Salmon, Cell culture, Gut microbiome, Omics techniques
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024
Grant Agreement ID: 101206696
Project Summary: SAXOmics investigates Astaxanthin (Ax) metabolism in Atlantic salmon to enhance pigmentation, health, and growth efficiency using a multi-omics approach. Ax, crucial for salmon pigmentation and health, faces retention challenges in aquaculture. The project combines in vitro, in vivo, and microbiome studies, aiming to understand Ax absorption and develop innovative feed solutions in collaboration with Nord University, NTNU, and BioMar.
Fellow Summary:
I was born in Thoothukudi, India, a coastal town known for fisheries. My educational journey spans fisheries science (BSc, MSc) in India, and a PhD in Spain as an MSCA fellow at ECOAQUA, ULPGC. Beyond academics, I've held leadership roles in student unions and international cooperation, contributing actively to community support, sports, yoga, and dance, earning recognition and awards.Fellow Background and Career Goals:
My academic career started with a fisheries degree, progressing through research on Vitamin D and calcium regulation during my MSc. My PhD, funded by MSCA ITN, focused on Vitamins D and K in seabream nutrition, earning top honors. Motivated by MSCA benefits, I now aim to establish myself as an independent researcher or lecturer, driving impactful innovations in aquaculture, animal, and human sciences.Experience with Nord University's Support:
Nord University offered exceptional support during my MSCA PF application. Despite a tight initial timeline, their guidance and masterclass improved my proposal, achieving an 80% initial score. With additional time, extensive feedback, and invaluable assistance from my supervisors and Nord's advisors, my resubmission scored 100%, marking a highlight in my professional journey, thanks to Nord’s commitment and continuous support.Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Prof. Viviane Paulette Verlhac Trichet | Nord.no
Secondment Host: Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNUSecondment Supervisor: Rolf-Erik Olsen - NTNU
Non-academic Placement Host: BioMar | Powered by Partnership. Driven by Innovation.
Placement Supervisor: Simon Leigh Wadsworth | Nord.noProject Title: Exploring the Giant Viruses of Snow and Ice Algal Blooms and their Biotechnological Potential
Scientific Area: Life Sciences (LIF)
Descriptor: Microbiology, Virology, Bioinformatics, biocomputing, and DNA and molecular computation, Ecology
Free Keywords: Snow algal blooms, Giant Viruses, Next-generation Sequencing, Metagenomics analysis, Cold adaptive enzymes
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024
Grant Agreement ID: 101210192
Project Summary: The SNOWGIANTS project aims to reveal the hidden world of giant viruses in Arctic snow algal blooms using advanced genomic methods. Giant viruses, with their extensive genomes, significantly influence algal bloom dynamics, yet they remain understudied. Through field sampling across Arctic Norway, advanced sequencing, and laboratory analysis, the project will uncover novel viruses, isolate valuable enzymes, and explore their applications in biotechnology, contributing to ecological insights and practical solutions in the face of climate change.
Fellow Summary: As an agricultural science graduate from Pakistan, I pursued advanced research in Turkey and South Korea, specializing in viral genomics and microbial ecology. At Korea Research Institute, my work on rapid viral genome sequencing led to three patents. Passionate about microbiology, my international experience spans Pakistan, Turkey, South Korea, and now Norway. At Nord University, I aim to pioneer giant virus research in Arctic ecosystems, integrating ecological discovery with biotechnology.
Fellow Background and Career Goals: My fascination with microscopic life started with agricultural sciences, leading me to excel academically and receive a gold medal in Pakistan. Scholarships allowed me to further my research in Turkey and South Korea, specializing in next-generation sequencing and viral genomics. My career goal is to become a leading researcher in environmental virology, specifically studying extreme ecosystems for biotechnological innovations. The MSCA fellowship at Nord University is pivotal for reaching these ambitions.
Experience with Nord University's Support: Nord University offered exceptional support during my MSCA PF application, providing specialized lectures, revisions, and continuous guidance. Dr. Chris Hulatt’s expertise was instrumental in refining my proposal, aligning it closely with Arctic microbial ecology. Nord’s commitment, excellent research infrastructure, and collaborative environment significantly enhanced my application process, helping secure success in my MSCA fellowship.
Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Christopher Jonathan Hulatt | Nord.noProject Title: Bioactive polyphenolic compounds from brown macroalgae: A mechanistic study on pig gut health-promoting effects
Scientific Area: Life Sciences (LIF)
Descriptor: Veterinary medicine and infectious diseases in animals, Prevention and treatment of infection by pathogens (e.g. vaccination, antibiotics, fungicide), Agriculture related to animal husbandry, dairying, livestock raising, Medicinal chemistry, Pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, drug discovery and design, drug therapy
Free Keywords: Pig, gut health, weaning, post-weaning diarrhea, brown macroalgae, phlorotannin
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023
Grant Agreement ID: 101147079DOI: 10.3030/101147079
Project Summary: BioAlgae explores bioactive polyphenolic compounds from brown macroalgae, investigating their potential to improve gut health and mitigate postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs. This research addresses urgent needs arising from the EU ban on antibiotics and zinc oxide in animal feed. Conducted at Nord University in collaboration with KU Leuven, the project assesses how these compounds influence gut microbiota, inflammation, and overall pig health, promoting sustainable livestock practices.
Relevance for the local/region/Norway/EU/worldwide (outcomes and impact): The effect of phlorotannin is expected to be reflected in improved gut health, reduced mortality, and enhanced productivity in weaned pigs whilst reducing the dependence on in-feed antibiotics and ZnO. This has huge implications in Norway and other European countries to fill the vacuum created by the banning of in-feed antibiotics and ZnO to mitigate the economic losses posed by weaning. The introduction of an effective alternative solution can also be readily adopted outside of Europe to contribute to the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance without compromising the productivity of pig farming enterprises.
Fellow Summary: I am a dedicated researcher, currently pursuing my postdoctoral research at Nord University. With previous academic roles, including an assistant professor position, my expertise spans animal nutrition, gut health, and sustainable agriculture practices. My MSCA fellowship at Nord University aligns perfectly with my research interests, providing an ideal environment for collaborative, innovative, and impactful research.
Fellow Background and Career Goals: My professional journey began in academia as an assistant professor, focusing on nutrition and gut health. The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at Nord University represents an opportunity to significantly advance my research competencies, enabling me to pursue future tenure-track academic positions. My career goal is to leverage this experience to mentor MSc and PhD students, contribute significantly to animal nutrition research, and secure a tenure-track position in academia.
Experience with Nord University's Support: Nord University provided extensive support throughout my MSCA PF application process. Their assistance included valuable feedback, dedicated proposal development workshops, and comprehensive training, enabling me to enhance my research proposal effectively. This robust support significantly improved my proposal, leading to successful project funding and fostering a positive and productive research environment.
Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Prabhat Khanal | Nord.no
Secondment Host: Nutrition & Animal Microbiota EcoSystems Lab
Secondment Supervisor: Nadia Everaert
Project Title: Innovative modelling approach for fairy shrimp preservation and study
Scientific Area: Environmental and Geosciences (ENV)
Descriptor: Biodiversity, conservation biology, conservation genetics, Ecology, Freshwater biology
Free Keywords: Adaptive genomic variation, neutral genomic variation, landscape genomics, fairy shrimps, Anostraca, Branchiopoda, freshwater, temporary wetlands, ENM, climate change.
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023
Grant Agreement ID: 101149901DOI: 10.3030/101149901
Project Summary: This project focuses on studying the genetic diversity of species while assessing the environmental conditions in which they live, in order to predict their capacity to adapt to climate change. Specifically, we study two species of freshwater crustaceans distributed in Norway, which are part of the charismatic and ecologically vital group known as fairy shrimps. Our results aim to understand how these species interact with the landscape and environmental conditions, and to develop effective conservation measures.
Fellow Summary: I was born in Spain and I am currently 31 years old. My hobby has always been to marvel at the diversity of life, and I have found in science a way to work towards its conservation.
Fellow Background and Career Goals: I studied a bachelor in Biology and a master in scientific methods to study the biodiversity and how to conserve it. I had the fortune of completing my PhD in the department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology of the National Museum of Natural Science, in Madrid, where I gained knowledge in evolution, taxonomy, molecular methods in phylogenetics and conservation genetics. I want to continue exploring biological diversity, especially among invertebrates, and applying scientific approaches to understand and conserve it.
Experience with Nord University's Support: The first and most essential support that I received from Nord was the collaborative development of our fellowship proposal. My supervisor and professor at the Faculty of Bioscience and Aquaculture, Joost Raeymaekers, has guided every step of this project. Additionally, Nord University provides various facilities and resources essential for our research, including laboratory facilities and scientific expertise.
Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Joost Andre M Raeymaekers | Nord.no
Secondment Host: University of Exeter
Secondment Supervisor: Orly Razgour | University of Exeter
