Gain Professional Experience
Tandem models at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Have you ever thought about becoming a professor at a University of Applied Sciences (UAS), but you lack the necessary professional experience?
Our Career Lab (CarLa for short) is developing and testing various options to make the career path to a professorship at a UAS more accessible and to break down barriers. Our tandem models, a key element in this context, are designed for the career phase after completing a doctoral degree.
To be formally eligible for a UAS professorship, applicants must have both a doctorate and professional experience (see the formal recruitment requirements for a UAS professorship in accordance with the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act – website only available in German). These requirements ensure that our professors are fully equipped to train the next generation of the workforce. However, researchers tend to lack the necessary professional experience outside academia. Our tandem model is an attractive and flexible alternative to changing jobs completely. It allows you to maintain your links with the university sector and continue to be involved in research and teaching. The program further opens a pathway for individuals from underrepresented groups. We recognize that systemic barriers may make these formal requirements more challenging for those people, and we are committed to providing additional support and resources to mitigate these challenges.
Tandem models at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences open up new pathways towards a UAS professorship through a three-year period of dual employment. The two parttime appointments offers you the opportunity of gaining necessary professional experience at an external cooperating partner company/institution while maintain working in academia. To become formally eligible for a UAS professorship, at least 50% of the time must be spent working for the cooperation partner.
Our tandem models are aimed at people with a doctorate degree who lack the necessary professional experience, but are interested in the career path to a UAS professorship.
Tandem professorships make it easier for underrepresented groups to gain access to the qualifications required to become a UAS professor. Thereby, we work towards a more inclusive academic community. We value diverse research and teaching expertise, and see the inclusion of intercultural perspectives and methods as an asset to our UAS. We strongly encourage applicants of all cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, faiths, and ages, and those with disabilities to explore our tandem programs and the opportunities they offer. We offer a range of support and consultation opportunities.
At the external cooperating partner company/institution, the duties must include the opportunity to demonstrate exceptional achievements in the application and/or development of scientific findings and methods. This is a further formal appointment criterion for a UAS professorship. What this means in practice depends on the specialization and the cooperation partner involved.
The concurrent appointment at Osnabrück UAS allows for an immediate translation of applied experience into teaching and research activities. In addition, our skills monitoring and professional development options, such as didactic programs, allow you to sharpen your profile in preparation for a professorship.
Our tandem models are a win-win for all parties: recent doctorate-holders gain the professional experience to be formally eligible for a UAS professorship. Our partners in industry establish, consolidate and intensify their contacts with our university, facilitating the efficient implementation of joint projects. Our students also benefit from the tandem model, thanks to the direct transfer from practice to teaching and vice versa as well as networking opportunities for internships.
The diversity-centered design of our programs aims to develop an academic community that reflects the diversity multitude of knowledge, of experience and perspectives that are essential to an innovative und inclusive university.
Routes to a tandem program
The tandem professorship and Entwicklungsprofessur are two possible ways for academics to gain the necessary professional experience in tandem with Osnabrück UAS. We would be happy to offer you a free, informal consultation regarding additional opportunities, such as in combination with a project position, as a lecturer, in an administrative professorship, or as a postdoctoral researcher at a university. Tandem models are an attractive alternative to multiple short-term appointments, especially for postdoctoral researchers on part-time contracts. Simply contact us – no strings attached – by registering on the prospective applicant database (form in German). You can also contact us by emailing haw-professur@hs-osnabrueck.de. For international researchers and concerning questions regarding international qualifications, our Welcome Center offers broad experience and expertise: welcome-center@hs-osnabrueck.de.
Information for cooperating partner companies/institutions
Our tandem models are just one of the many ways in which Osnabrück UAS and industry are closely linked. Companies and institution can also join the F?rdergesellschaft (promotional organization) to provide scholarships, and offer practical projects. The Office of University Advancement advises companies, foundations, institutions, and private individuals who would like to know more.
Osnabrück UAS is an excellent cooperation partner, as evidenced by the large number of existing connections, such as those associated with the F?rdergesellschaft (promotional organization). Partner companies/institutions from the private sector benefits from cooperating with us in general and the tandem models in particular in a number of ways:
- Highly qualified specialists work on the current issues and topics your company/institution face, supported by the resources and expertise of Osnabrück UAS
- The latest scientific findings and methods are directly translated into practice in your company/institution
- Solid foundation for further collaborative projects and possible proposals for external funding
- Close contact with our students – the professionals of tomorrow – through internships, thesis projects, and the transfer of research and teaching results
Would you like to know more? The Office of University Advancement advises companies, foundations, institutions, and private individuals who would like to get involved at Osnabrück UAS.