The "PeP@H-BRS" project

The H-BRS postdoc tandems

The Postdoc Tandem Programme is part of the PeP@H-BRS funding programme (Forward-looking recruitment and development of academic staff at the H-BRS). The tandem positions enable participants to engage in both research and teaching at the university and to gain practical experience at partner institutions during the funding period. The combination of university-based and practical components is designed to optimally prepare participants for the demands of a professorship at a university of applied sciences and to enable them to meet the formal requirements for such a position.

The five postdoc tandems

Dr Rebecca Lück, Dr Markus Witzler, Dr Jessica Rumpf, Dr Paul Bossauer and Dr Johanna Mack are the five current postdocs in the H-BRS tandem programme. Their practice partners are the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Julius Kühn Institute, Spectral Service AG, Reboot Mobility GmbH and DW Akademie.

A professorship at a university of applied sciences combines academic expertise with substantial professional experience outside academia. This is precisely where the tandem model comes in: the postdocs explore research questions in different professional contexts, bring practical experience into research and teaching, and, in turn, transfer academic knowledge and approaches into concrete fields of application.

The participating institutions benefit as well. H-BRS and its practice partners identify shared research questions, develop projects, strengthen knowledge transfer and build long-term networks. The tandems therefore not only support the individual qualification of postdocs on their path towards a professorship at a university of applied sciences, but also foster sustained collaboration between academia and professional practice.

The tandem with Reboot Mobility GmbH

As part of the PeP@H-BRS project, the tandem combines Dr Paul Bossauer’s academic work at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) with his work at Reboot Mobility GmbH. His focus is on digital solutions for sustainable and shared mobility, particularly in rural areas.

Learn more about the Reboot Mobility–H-BRS tandem

The tandem with the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

As part of the PeP@H-BRS project, the tandem combines Dr Rebecca Lück’s research and teaching at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) with her work at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Her focus is on microbiology, particularly the development of technologies and methods for detecting biological hazards.

Learn more about the DLR–H-BRS tandem

The tandem with DW Akademie

As part of the PeP@H-BRS project, the tandem combines Dr Johanna Mack’s academic work at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) with her work at DW Akademie. Her research focuses on diversity in journalism, particularly social background and classism.

Learn more about the DW Akademie–H-BRS tandem

The tandem with Spectral Service AG

As part of the PeP@H-BRS project, the tandem combines Dr Jessica Rumpf’s research and teaching at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) with her work at Spectral Service AG in Cologne. Her focus is on analysing plant-based raw materials and their constituents, as well as developing and applying modern analytical methods.

Learn more about the Spectral Service–H-BRS tandem

The tandem with the Julius Kühn Institute

As part of the PeP@H-BRS project, the tandem combines Markus Witzler’s research at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) with his work at the Julius Kühn Institute. His research focuses on analysing volatile organic compounds to develop new methods for detecting plant pests and pathogens.

Learn more about the Julius Kühn Institute–H-BRS tandem

„Through this dual role, I combine research, practice and teaching with topics that are a personal passion of mine: promoting sustainability in mobility practices through digitisation in rural areas. It is precisely this combination that makes me a suitable candidate for a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences. ”

Paul Bossauer - Postdoc Tandem, Managing Director at the Institute for Consumer Informatics

„I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to combine research with practice-oriented teaching, to share my own experiences and to support students on their journey. For me, the greatest benefit of the Tandem programme lies in the strong networking and exchange between different academic disciplines and institutions. ”

Dr Rebecca Lück - Postdoc Tandem, Research Associate at the Institute for Safety and Security Research

„For me, the greatest added value of the Tandem programme lies in its unique combination of academic research and practical experience. I am able to gain further experience in teaching and research, particularly in working with students – whilst at the same time playing a direct role in shaping practical work on the industry’s most pressing future issues within Germany’s largest international media development organisation. ”

Dr Johanna Mack - Postdoc Tandem, Research Associate in the Department of Engineering and Communication

„I am particularly excited by the opportunity to work in two different professional environments. The experiences and challenges I encounter in industry inspire my research and teaching at the H-BRS, and, conversely, academic findings can be directly applied in practice.”

Dr Jessica Rumpf - Postdoc Tandem, Research Associate in the Department of Applied Natural Sciences

„The tandem programme offers me practical experience, plenty of new contacts and an exciting research topic all at once, and is therefore a great opportunity to enhance my academic profile.”

Dr Markus Witzler - Postdoc Tandem, Research Associate at the Institute for Safety and Security Research