For companies & organisations

>>> Connect with rising PhD talent

Looking to engage with sharp, motivated, research‑driven minds? Job shadowing lets companies and institutions of all sizes open their doors to PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers — and showcase what real‑life work looks like inside your organisation.

Submit your Job Shadowing positions for the 2026 edition before 3 July 2026 via this form.

 

What is job shadowing?

Job shadowing is an informal, hands‑on learning experience for mature PhD candidates (≥ 3rd year) and postdocs. Participants join your team for 1 or 2 days to observe, interact, and experience your work environment up close.

This can include:

• shadowing one role or multiple colleagues
• observing day‑to‑day work and interacting with experts
• conducting informal interviews for insights and career guidance
• joining meetings or internal trainings
• touring your facilities

The result? Researchers gain clarity about their career path — and you get early visibility on tomorrow’s talent.

 

Why participate as an employer?

Job shadowing helps you:

• meet high‑potential future hires
• strengthen your long‑term talent pipeline
• boost your employer brand
• explore candidates’ potential fit — without any commitment
• grow your professional network

 

Practical information

Submit job shadowing positions by 3 July 2026

• Job shadowing takes place 19–30 October 2026
• Maximum 5 positions per organisation
• Candidate applications run over the summer
• Applicants will be shared with you on 14 September 2026
• Your final selection is required latest by 28 September 2026

Questions? Reach us at phdtalent@vlir.be

 

For PhD candidates & postdocs

>>> Take the next step in your career exploration

Designed for PhD candidates (≥ 3rd year) and postdocs at the five Flemish universities.

Apply until 11 September 2026 (11 PM)
Applications open 6 July 2026 via the PhD Talent Pool:
https://phd-talents-be.jobteaser.com/en

 

Why join a job shadowing experience?

Job shadowing lets you step inside a professional environment and experience a role from the inside. It’s a low‑threshold, high‑impact way to explore what a future career could look like.

You will:

• experience a typical workday (or two) — no strings attached
• learn how to present your expertise to non‑academic professionals
• assess your fit with a job, team, or organisation
• expand your industry/ non-academic network
• refresh and enrich your business CV

It’s the closest thing to “test‑driving” your future career.

 

Eligibility

• PhD candidates (≥ 3rd year) and postdocs of the five Flemish universities
• Some positions may require specific skills (e.g., Dutch proficiency, lab techniques). Only apply if you meet all requirements.

 

Practical information

Job shadowing opportunities go live on 7 July 2026

• You may apply to max. 2 positions
• Applications accepted until 11 September 2026 (11 PM)
• You will be informed whether you are accepted for the position(s) as of 28 September 2026
• Job shadowing takes place 19–30 October 2026
• Mandatory online preparatory session: 1 October, 9–11 AM
• A written debrief is required afterwards
• Applying is comparable to a job application: be persuasive
• No guaranteed placement
• Participants arrange and cover their own transportation and expenses
• Job shadowing is unpaid
• Supervisor approval is required

 

 

NO‑SHOW policy

A no‑show creates problems for everyone involved. Universities, Doctoral Schools, companies, and VLIR invest significant time and resources to organise this programme.

Being present — and being on time — shows respect for everyone’s effort.

If you fail to attend without informing anyone:

• you take a valuable spot from another PhD
• you risk harming future collaborations
• your university may take appropriate action

 

Testimonial of Job Shadowing leading to successful employment: