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HeLSci trains job seekers

April 12th 2018

ULB’s ‘Health & Life Sciences’ (HeLSci) continuing education centre offers three programmes that will help job seekers find work in the biotechnology and biomedical industry.

The HeLSci centre’s four training programmes are:

  • BIOPOLY, which trains versatile biotechnologists;
  • 4CELLS (formerly BIOCEL), which trains technicians specialised in cell culture and therapy, with a focus on research and development;
  • CliniX, which provides a path towards jobs in clinical research, e.g. clinical research associate or manager, data manager, etc.
  • Health care administrative assistant

For whom?

These programmes are intended for job seekers who already have a scientific background or at least 2 years of experience in the industry. ‘Most of our students are looking to update their knowledge or reorient their career,’ says Erika Baus, scientific managerat HeLSci. ‘We want to offer training programmes that are relevant to the industry's current needs, which is why we work in close contact with the private sector.’

Venue, duration, content

Classes for BIOPOLY and 4CELLS are given at the Biopark, in Gosselies, while classes for CliniX are given on the Erasme campus in Brussels. Each programme lasts 5 to 6 months and consists in lectures, lab sessions, and a placement period. In order to maximise their chances of finding a job, students are also offered professional coaching services: how to create a resume, write a cover letter, prepare for an interview, etc.

Job prospects

The programmes yield excellent results, with 85% of students finding a job (1). In addition to the companies and spin-offs present on the Biopark, other pharmaceutical firms are also eager to hire HeLSci students. Erika Baus comments: ‘Some employers are even contacting us before the programme is over! This goes to show we are an attractive recruitment pool for the industry.’

2018 application and classes

Applicants must attend an information day, and pass a selection test and an interview.
• For BIOPOLY, the selection test has already taken place. Classes begin on May 4, 2018.
• For 4CELLS, the selection test will take place on June 11, 2018. Classes begin on August 31, 2018.
• For CliniX, the selection test will take place in October, 2018.

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Notes:
(1) Since 2009, over 200 people have attended one of the training programmes for job seekers offered by HeLSci.