Online programme
In the run-up to the live interuniversity Job Market for Young Researchers (Flanders Expo Ghent, 27 March (12 pm - 7 pm)), online Career Lunches are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday between 6 February and 20 March. Between 12 pm and 1 pm companies/organisations will introduce themselves and will happily answer any questions you may have. Please find below a preliminary (!) overview of the Career Lunches. Stay tuned for updates!
On 13 March CV analysis and speed career coaching will be offered online between 12 pm and 7 pm. It will be possible to make appointments with CV reviewers and career coaches as of 3 February, after registration for the Job Market. Sign up for CV analysis and speed career coaching and come to the fair well-prepared!
06 Feb 2025
12:00
This Career Lunch explores the landscape of innovation funding, highlighting opportunities for start-ups and scale-ups to transition their research into impactful innovations. It covers funding types, application strategies, and real-world success stories, providing practical insights to help PhD researchers navigate the path from lab to market.
The presenter of the Career Lunch, Bert Braeckman, is an experienced grants specialist. Bert has a background in Engineering Physics, and obtained a PhD in Physics at Ghent University. Prior to joining Moore Grants & Incentives in 2022, he worked for 5 years as a systems engineer and project manager focusing on innovative product development. His grants experience ranges from local R&D funds (VLAIO, Eurostars, FOD Economie) to EU innovation grants (Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator).
ONLINE Career Lunch Moore Belgium: Innovation Funding: Transforming Research into Impact
1h - Moore Belgium - Bert Braeckman -Link for participation
11 Feb 2025
12:00
Are you a PhD student or postdoc curious about how your skills can contribute to global challenges? This session will provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available for young professionals at the United Nations. Through testimonials from current and former UN staff, you’ll gain insights into their journeys and the impact they’ve made. We will also highlight key UN programmes specifically designed for young people, and share tips on how to navigate the application process. Whether you’re passionate about global health, climate change, education, or international diplomacy, this session will inspire you to consider how a career with the UN can align with your academic expertise and aspirations.
ONLINE Career Lunch UN: Exploring Career Opportunities for Young Researchers at the United Nations
1h - UN Regional Information Centre - Marion Blondeel -Link for participation
13 Feb 2025
12:00
Sirona Technologies develops Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to remove CO2 from the air and combat climate change. They design and build these DAC machines in Brussels, before shipping them to Kenya, where they are building a commercial plant. Their technology generates high-quality carbon credits for companies looking to offset their emissions, while also delivering meaningful co-benefits to local communities, such as job creation and renewable energy development.
The speaker is Thoralf Gutierrez, CEO & co-founder of Sirona Technologies. Thoralf Gutierrez holds a Master degree in Software Engineering from UCLouvain. He previously worked at Tesla headquarters in California for 5 years, where he built and led a big data software engineering team. After his time at Tesla, he decided to focus on climate change solutions, which led him to co-found Sirona Technologies. -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/thoralfgutierrez/
ONLINE Career Lunch Sirona Technologies: Brussels-based Direct Air Capture start-up
1h - Sirona Technologies - Thoralf Gutierrez -Link for participation
18 Feb 2025
12:00
This Career Lunch is all about demystifying the world of strategy consulting for Advanced Degree Professionals. Whether you're considering a career change after your PhD to drive real change and have impact, or looking to augment your existing skills, this presentation promises to be an insightful experience.
* High-Level Introduction to BCG: Get an in-depth look at one of the world's premier strategy consulting firms. *How BCG Leverages Advanced Degree Professionals Skills: Explore how your PhD background can be an asset in the world of consulting. *Personal growth story: Hear from a BCG consultant with PhD background about his/her unique career journeys. *Q&A Session
ONLINE Career Lunch Boston Consulting Group: A career beyond your PhD? Beyond is where we begin.
1h - Boston Consulting Group -Link for participation
20 Feb 2025
12:00
For over 90 years, SECO BELGIUM has been laying the foundation for continuous development in the construction industry, thanks to the invaluable contributions of researchers, including PhD candidates.
We are currently seeking talented PhD researchers to join our team and help advance sustainable construction practices. At SECO, you’ll have the chance to conduct groundbreaking research in renewable energy and reusable structural materials, establishing industry-leading guidelines that will shape the future of construction.
Collaborate with experienced colleagues on innovative projects that integrate renewable energy sources and promote the use of recycled structural components. These efforts aim to reduce waste while enhancing the ecological benefits of construction projects. Your research will play a pivotal role in developing technologies and methods that will revolutionize the construction industry, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Want to learn more? Join the SECO Career Lunch with Frederic De Meyer, Technical Director of SECO’s Certification and Inspection department and lecturer at Ghent University. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with an industry leader.
ONLINE Career Lunch SECO Belgium: A Legacy of Innovation in Construction
1h - SECO BELGIUM NV - Frederic De Meyer -Link for participation
27 Feb 2025
12:00
Join this Career Lunch and discover what makes Johnson & Johnson (J&J) a remarkable place to work. Meet our team, learn about our opportunities, and see how you can launch your career with us.
Els Scheers joined J&J in 2018 as a postdoc in the department of Discovery Infectious Diseases. Her main focus was on the discovery and characterization of new antivirals against hepatitis B and D virus and coronavirus. Until one year ago when she decided to leave the bench and discover other opportunities within J&J. As a Sr. Associate Global Regulatory Affairs CMC, she's responsible for the registration of drug products ready for the global market and the registration of post-approval variations in CMC.
Robbert van Putten joined J&J in 2021 as a postdoc and is currently employed as a Senior Scientist in High-Throughput Experimentation. In this role, he acts as the department’s Automation Lead and is responsible for lab automation and workflow optimization in J&J’s chemical process R&D teams.
Constantin d’Ydewalle joined J&J in 2017 as a postdoctoral fellow in the Neuroscience Discovery department. Since then, he held several positions with increasing level of responsibilities in the same department. Today, he is Senior Scientific Manager and Group Head of Neuroscience discovery managing a team of 12 colleagues. He is responsible for the discovery activities in the field of Parkinson’s disease. He leads several academic collaborations in search of new therapeutic targets and leads cross-functional teams that develop new drugs for Parkinson’s disease. His ambition is to call Parkinson’s disease a disease of the past.
Get to know these 3 enthusiastic scientists who will happily guide you through their working experiences in R&D, and will answer all your questions regarding their roles, backgrounds, our company culture, our employee programs, and many more. Don't miss the chance to take your first step towards an incredible journey and be part of our mission to foster health and well-being for all!
ONLINE Career Lunch Johnson & Johnson: Career opportunities within R&D at Johnson & Johnson
1h - Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine -Link for participation
04 Mar 2025
12:00
Come & discover how Q8 is evolving from a traditional petroleum player into an organization investing in diverse energy sources.
More info to be uploaded soon. Stay tuned!
ONLINE Career Lunch Q8: How Q8 is Shaping Its Strategic Transformation
1h -Link for participation
06 Mar 2025
12:00
Networking is more than exchanging business cards — it's about building meaningful connections that can shape your career. This interactive webinar is tailored for PhD students and postdocs seeking to enhance their professional networking skills. Discover how crafting your personal brand and leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn are a first step in the networking cycle, leading towards communicating effectively and, ultimately, navigating networking events with confidence. Gain practical strategies and actionable tips to build a strong network that supports your career development. Join us in taking the first step toward turning connections into opportunities!
ONLINE Career Lunch CTRL-F: From handshakes to headlines: mastering the game of professional networking
1h - CTRL-F NV -Link for participation
11 Mar 2025
12:00
This online Career Lunch offers a holistic view of the processes and procedures for international job seekers to continue to live in Belgium and start to work for a Belgian employer. It explores the intricacies of obtaining a single permit and delves into the orientation year procedures for researchers. It provides invaluable insights into job searching strategies within Belgium's dynamic labour market. By following an international job seeker's timeline, the presentation illuminates crucial changes accompanying the acquisition of a single permit. From tax obligations and social security registration to long-term residency rights and pension considerations, the discussion encompasses a wide spectrum of essential adjustments for ‘new workers’.
This comprehensive session aims to equip attendees with a basic understanding of the single permit procedure, the orientation year program, and the critical facets of job searching in Belgium. It sheds light on the transformative aspects that arise post-permit acquisition, offering information on various legal, financial, and social dimensions for a successful transition into Belgium's workforce.
ONLINE Career Lunch Work & Stay in Flanders Support Desk: Navigating Belgium’s rights to work & live in Belgium: A Comprehensive Overview for International Job Seekers
1h - Tineke De Bock -Link for participation
18 Mar 2025
12:00
Be inspired by PhDs sharing their personal journeys of developing an entrepreneurial- and intrapreneurial mindset. Discover how to innovate and create impact beyond academia.
Learn how to shape your career path, unlock your potential, and explore your own mindset.
This interactive session is your chance to get inspired and explore the exciting possibilities of entrepreneurship.
ONLINE Career Lunch Heirloom Labs: Intrapreneurship or Entrepreneurship? It all starts with the Mindset
1h - Heirloom Labs - Steve Stevens -Link for participation
21 Mar 2025
12:00
For 25 years, IDEA Consult has been a strong player in the field of policy support advice based on in-depth evidence-based insights touching on societal issues. Our complementary teams are committed every day to supporting the ongoing transition to a green, resilient, sustainable and inclusive society.
IDEA offers expertise in the following areas: regional and urban development, real estate and spatial development, the labor market, lifelong learning and education, innovation and competitiveness, culture and tourism, the circular economy and renewable energy. Our clients are mainly public authorities and intermediary organizations, both local and international.