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MentLife - a mentorship programme with focus on life science industry

In order to support young researchers in their career planning and stimulate awareness of available options on the labour market, the Careers Centre at the Faculty of Medicine runs a mentorship programme called MentLife. By getting assigned an experienced mentor from the life science industry you will get an opportunity to get valuable individual support in your career planning.

Aim of programme

The programme aims to provide an increased insight into the various opportunities available in the life science sector.  It also aims at making you more aware of the job searching process, including your competences and personal preferences regarding your future career. MentLife is also an opportunity to broaden your network, through meeting other young researchers from the faculty, as well as meeting other participants´ mentors.

Content

If accepted to the programme, you will get matched with a mentor with at least five years experience from life science industry. The programme starts with a kickoff in September, where all participants get an introduction to mentoring. During the course of the programme you are expected to meet with your mentor approximately once a month for 1-2 hours. Except for the kickoff, MentLife organises three 3-hour long networking meetings in Lund for all participants. Seminars and study visits to companies are also organised within the programme.

Time line

1 April: Application closes.

May: Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted to the programme. 

September 2024: The programme starts with a kickoff meeting in Lund. 

Autumn 2024: Network meeting in Lund + Visit to a life science company in the Öresund region. 

Spring 2025: Network meeting in Lund  + Visit to a life science company in the Öresund region. 

June 2025: The programme ends with a final meeting in Lund. 

Eligibility

Eligible for applying to MentLife are PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at the Faculty of Medicine. If positions are available, candidates from other parts of Lund University may also be considered. 

Participants are expected to be active at Lund University throughout the programme. 

Doctoral students in the latter part of their doctoral education will be given priority over those whose planned defense date is further in the future. 

How to apply

NB! The application will take some time to complete so please start well in time! 

  1. Fill out the registration form (web form, opens in new window)
  2. Complete a self assessment, for example My individual development plan at Science Careers website and/or PhD Career choices indicator at Bioscience careers website. Other tests are also valid, the important thing is that you reflect upon your skills, interests, work values and how these impact your future plans. 
  3. Write a personal letter describing why you wish to participate in the programme. Clearly state your expectations of the programme and what you wish to gain from it. The letter should also include a short summary and reflection of your self-assessment results. 
  4. Attach your CV to the application. 

NB! The registration form should be filled out, and the personal letter and CV should be sent to Pernilla [dot] Carlsson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se (Pernilla[dot]Carlsson[at]med[dot]lu[dot]se) no later than 1 April! For an application to be considered it must be complete, both regarding the registration form and supplementary documents as described above. 

Applications will be assessed regarding three criteria: Commitment (expected participation/engagement in the programme), Motivation (purpose for participating in the programme) and Reflection on self-assessment results.

Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted to the programme during the month of May.

Pernilla Carlsson
pernilla [dot] carlsson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se (pernilla[dot]carlsson[at]med[dot]lu[dot]se)
+46 46 222 08 28

For any questions about MentLife, please contact Pernilla Carlsson.