Life as a junior researcher
Junior Representation at the Department
The ‘Junioren Vertegenwoordigers Overleg’ (JVO, translated to Junior Representatives of the Department of Public Health) strives to represent the largest group of employees at our department; junior researchers and PhD candidates. It is crucial that junior researchers have a body that can advocate for their rights, and can communicate their needs and wishes to the rest of the department. Consequently, the JVO acts as a bridge between junior researchers and the other staff members, is the point of contact for any matters regarding junior researchers, actively improves working conditions, and organizes events focused on the PhD trajectory and career development.
Outcome PhD Survey, Nienke Broderie, Supervision 2021
Satisfaction about...
Events for junior researchers
Scientific Writing Course for Junior Researcher in 2021
The JVO organized the Scientific Writing Course for Junior Researchers at the beginning of 2021. The course was given by Hester Lingsma. We started this course because not everyone was able to get in the obligatory course “Biomedical English Writing and Presenting Course”. Because the Biomedical writing course increased their availability, the JVO scientific writing course has transformed into an annual lecture.
Career day
The annual career day was held online on the 9th of June. Lex Burdorf started off by explaining all the possibilities a researcher has after finishing their contract at MGZ. Lizzy Boonen, who works at HR, shared some insights on how to find out what type of career you want to pursue after MGZ. This was followed by short presentations from 5 MGZ alumni both inside and outside of the scientific field, sharing their experiences.
PhD requirements lecture
We had our annual PhD requirements lecture in a hybrid format on the 4th of November. Lex Burdorf started with explaining PhD requirements for a PhD at the MGZ department. Each year we give the word to a recently graduated PhD student. This year Famke Molenberg gave a presentation about her PhD trajectory. She talked about her experiences, trajectory, struggles and most importantly her happy moments.
Additional events
During the year, additional lectures were held on topics such as mental health, open research by RIOT, and we held chair yoga sessions.
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Starting life as a junior researcher at the Department
The JVO helps new juniors at the department to find their way during the first few months! We team them up with another junior from the department who acts as the “buddy” of the new junior. Due to the pandemic, many buddy meetings were online, but also some new colleagues got to meet their new colleagues at the office. The buddy evaluation survey showed that new employees and buddies are happy with the buddy system for social engagement and practical information.
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