Life Sciences PhD & Postdoc Career Week 2026
From 18–21 May 2026, the Life Sciences PhD & Postdoc Career Week brought four days of workshops, alumni talks, networking and career inspiration.
A total of 187 PhD candidates and 13 Postdocs participated in the workshops and alumni talks at the fourth Life Sciences PhD & Postdoc Career Week. The week started at Utrecht Science Park and concluded at the BCF Career Event, Jaarbeurs Utrecht, giving participants a full tour of the career landscape through a hands-on programme that included workshops and inspiring alumni stories.
Workshops on 18, 19 and 20 May
The programme featured hands‑on workshops by Utrecht University Career Services trainers:
- Exploring the job market and networking - Rutger-Jan Scholtens/Boy Hennevelt
- Preparing a job interview - Rutger-Jan Scholtens
- Self-analysis for career orientation - Jacky Limvers/Ellen Ruifrok
- Transferable skills - Rutger-Jan Scholtens
- LinkedIn advanced - Tirsa de Vries
- Writing a CV and cover letter - Thérèse Albers
- Salary negotiation - Tirsa de Vries
Alumni Talks: Careers Outside Academia on 19 May
At lunchtime, former PhD candidates shared honest insights into their careers beyond academia. They spoke about how their PhD shaped their professional paths and encouraged current researchers to explore opportunities boldly, use their networks, and confidently showcase every skill gained during their doctoral journey.
Rianne Bouwmeester, policy advisor, research project coordinator and coordinator Life Sciences Academy, acted as moderator. The panel featured:
- Maaike Allers (NWO) – now coordinating major funding programmes and applying her PhD‑honed planning, writing and teamwork skills.
- Leiah Brigitha (UMC Utrecht) – managing national collaboration on early‑phase oncology trials, building on her strengths in stakeholder management and translating complex science into action.
- Stephanie van der Voorn (Dutch Cardiovascular Alliance) – coordinating the Check@Home initiative, drawing on her experience in project ownership, communication and decision‑making.
Career Fair at the BCF Event on 21 May
The final day took participants to the BCF Career Event, the Netherlands’ largest life sciences career fair, an ideal place to meet employers, attend pitches, and explore future roles in industry, government, and research.
Participants left the week with fresh insights, practical tools, and renewed confidence to take their next career step, wherever it may lead.
See you in 2027!
Stay tuned on the Graduate School of Life Sciences PhD website and PhD Update for the next edition in 2027.