Doctoral School

Job Shadowing for PhD candidates and postdocs

Target audience

Job Shadowing is open to mature PhD candidates ( ≥ 3rd year of PhD trajectory) and postdocs

UGent Coordinator

Dr. Katrien Daemen-de Gelder (Doctoral School Office, Ghent University)

Topic

PhD candidates and postdocs who engage in Job Shadowing gain insight into the work routine of a (PhD) professional, his/her role(s) and responsibilities. Job Shadowing provides a better (and nuanced) understanding of the skills and competences needed to succeed and thrive in a particular job. In short, it allows to ‘test-drive’ a career.

Job Shadowing gives PhD candidates and postdocs an opportunity to:

  • explore a career field and experience a typical day/couple of days on the job – no strings attached
  • assess their “fit” with a particular position or organization
  • broaden their professional network
  • add value to their CV

Programme

Job Shadowing will be organized between 19 and 30 October 2026. Selected participants will have to attend a 2 hours  preparatory training ( 1 October, 9 AM – 11 AM).

Registration and selection

Job Shadowing positions offered by different companies and organisations are advertised on the PhD Talent Pool Flanders. If you do not yet have an account on the Pool, please sign up, create a profile and upload your CV. Bear in mind that you need to sign out of any other JobTeaser platform you have registered on in order to be able to sign in to the Pool. In case you already have an account on the Pool, make sure your profile is brought up to date and your CV includes your most recent and relevant qualifications.

For some positions extra admissibility requirements such as bi-lingual skills, a working knowledge of quantitative data analysis, specific lab techniques, etc. may be stipulated. If you cannot meet the extra requirements, do not submit an application.

Before applying, PhD candidates and postdocs should make sure their schedule allows for the time commitment (1 or 2 days) required to take up Job Shadowing. They are moreover responsible for arranging their own transportation to the company or organization offering the Job Shadowing opportunity, and covering any expenses made. Job Shadowing is unpaid.

Moreover, taking up a Job Shadowing opportunity requires the approval of your supervisor.

Applications will be accepted over the summer – deadline 11 September (11 PM). Phd candidates and postdocs selected for Job Shadowing will be notified as of 28 September.

Although there is an extensive and varied offer of Job Shadowing positions, there is no guarantee of placement.

In case of further questions, do not hesitate to contact dr. Katrien Daemen-de Gelder.

Language

A firm knowledge of Dutch may be required for specific Job Shadowing positions. Carefully check the extra requirements – if any – per position.