National MIMS Investigator Award- Call for 2025

MIMS is the Swedish EMBL node and part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. MIMS Investigators are funded through a grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and Kempestiftelserna. MIMS is supported by the Swedish Research Council and Umeå University. 

This program targets early-stage principal investigators (PIs) at a Swedish University within 12 years after their PhD, who are active in basic research and have time and resources as PI for running their own research groups. The MIMS Investigator will receive two years of postdoc funding (up to 2 million SEK) to be based in the MIMS Investigator’s laboratory in Sweden, and access to MIMS and Nordic EMBL activities for four years. The award does not contribute to the PI’s salary. 

Aims of the program are to support research excellence, to build new links between Swedish scientists and the EMBL network and to bring complementary expertise to the Swedish EMBL node.  

Eligibility 

• An outstanding track record in research and a strong established or emerging profile as PI.
• An original project idea in the broad area of infection medicine.
• Up to 12 years post PhD in their research career (mitigating circumstances apply).
• Work in a strong research environment at a Swedish University.
• Have time and money to run own research group.
• Present a strong case for how collaboration with researchers at MIMS or Nordic EMBL nodes can add value to their work.
• Be willing to contribute to MIMS activities, such as symposia and conferences.  

Research collaboration  

MIMS and the Nordic EMBL Partnership offer many opportunities for collaboration. Applicants are encouraged to contact group leaders directly or ask the MIMS office at saba.parween@umu.se to facilitate. Send us a brief synopsis of your research plans well ahead of the final deadline, and we shall be happy to point you towards potential collaborators.   
Research groups at MIMS: https://www.umu.se/en/mims/research/ 

Selection Process 

Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of independent experts and MIMS PIs not directly involved in the proposed projects. A funding decision will be taken by the MIMS Executive Board.  

Evaluation criteria will include: 

• Scientific excellence of the applicant.
• The quality of the project and its potential to seed ground-breaking research.
• Mutual benefits of the association for MIMS and the Investigator.   

Application process  

Applications must be submitted in English and as a single combined PDF file containing the following:  

• CV including any other funding received with academic achievements (2 pages).
• A list of publications. Highlight up to five peer-reviewed publications and provide no more than three sentences explaining their relevance and your contribution.
• A motivation letter explaining how your application meets the different conditions for funding (1 page).
• A description of the proposed research (up to 5 pages), including a title, summary, and keywords. There should be sections providing scientific background, specific aims, any preliminary data and a research plan. Include statements explaining feasibility, scientific relevance and potential collaborative aspects or links to Nordic EMBL and MIMS research.
• Letters of support from the MIMS collaborator(s).
• Copies of certificates for PhD and/or relevant qualifications.
• Since these are personal fellowships, we also require names and contact details of up to three references.

Submit the application by email to saba.parween@umu.se no later than  Friday, August 8, 2025. Please make sure to write in the subject line ‘‘Application for MIMS Investigator Award 2025’’.