Graduate School

The interface of pharmaceutical and bio-medical sciences represents one of the key research fields of Saarland University. Young scientists with a focused education in this field are interesting candidates both for pharmaceutical companies and for a variety of research institutions. By its nature, such research is highly interdisciplinary and requires close cooperation between different subjects, disciplines and faculties, to be ideally acquired during doctoral studies. Under- and postgraduate education and study, however, usually focuses on one specific subject. Interactions with neighboring disciplines are rather limited. But such interdisciplinary research experience and competence is increasingly required in such context! 

Within the framework of this interdisciplinary doctoral program, students of (typically, but not limited to) chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology as well as human and molecular biology will learn to work on joint projects at the interface of pharmaceutical and biomedical research. As the name “TANDEM” suggests, each doctoral student is co-supervised by at least 2 PI’s, affiliated to either the faculty of sciences or medical faculty of Saarland University.  Due to their different previous undergraduate education, the TANDEM fellows bring a very broad spectrum of modern, but also very different methods into the program. This lays the ground for innovative interdisciplinary research. 

One problem that needs to be solved, however, is to make the fellows acquainted with the specific way of thinking in the different disciplines. A biologist will certainly look at a scientific problem from a completely different angle than a chemist or a pharmacist. Therefore, the goal of this graduate school is to bring doctoral students with a different undergraduate study background together on a common scientific platform, where everyone understands and speaks "the language of the other". As the TANDEM projects address different aspects of pharmaceutical and bio-medical research, they are therefore typically be carried out jointly by two or more doctoral students from different disciplines. 

In order to bring all TANDEM fellows up to a common level during their PhD studies, a personalized training program will impart key competencies in neighbouring disciplines. Complementary to their research project, all TANDEM Fellows have to agree with their supervisors on an individual program of graduated courses, complementary to their previous education and in line with their project-specific needs. This should prepare them optimally for a future scientific career in this exciting area.  The teaching program extends over a period of 24 month, during which such activities of at least 12 SWH (=semester week hours) must be completed.

Besides, attending complementary graduated courses, the training program also includes attending scientific lectures, courses on relevant “soft” skills, as well as own teaching of undergraduate students. Results of the TANDEM research projects must be regularly presented and discussed with fellow students and PI’s at the regular TANDEM meetings (typically 2 per year). Moreover, active participation (i.e. poster or podium presentation) in some major international conference is encouraged (minimally once).

• Interdisciplinary range of complementary classes and seminars 

• Interdisciplinary exchange with other doctoral students 

• Presentation and discussion of own research results at regular TANDEM workshops and retreats (about 2x per year) 

• Participation in international scientific conferences and professional training events 

• Certificate after successful completion of the program  

Interested parties can apply to the campus coordinators of the graduate school at any time. In order to apply, please send an e-mail to tandem-sb(at)uni-saarland.de and tandem-hom(at)uni-saarland.de with the following information: 

• Name of the student  

• E-mail of the student 

• Principal investigator the student is assigned to 

• Starting date of the PhD project 

Please use the following form, to send us the necessary information. Download

For any courses that you visit during your time as graduate student, please use the following form to prove your attendance.

Please download the form here Download

The control of success for any course or lecture is up to the lecturer. You have to ask your lecturer in case he does not give any explicit instructions. When asking, please be keep in mind that you might not be a regular participant in his course or lecture and that you might have to explain your situation.

The graduate school does not have any explicit starting date. It starts with you applying to and attending the courses and lectures.

If you are financed by TANDEM funds it is indeed mandatory to join the graduate school. This does not apply to PhD students in one of the TANDEM projects that are funded otherwise. However, this will result in you not receiving a certificate. In case you wonder if it is reasonable to join it, you should be aware that the graduate school is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, establish connections, and prove your ability to organize your schedule. 

We are very glad that you consider joining the TANDEM project. The TANDEM project is about the connection of different faculties and institutes. Keeping this in mind, it is expected for you to have a co-supervisor from another faculty or institute.

An example role assignation for a PhD student from faculty NT might look like this:

• 1st Supervisor ( "Betreuer/in", acc. to §3 Abs 7 Z 3 PO): professor from faculty NT
• Co-Supervisor ( "Zweit- oder Mitbetreuer/in", acc. to §3 Abs 5 and Abs 7 Z 3 PO): professor from faculty M or from HIPS institute
• Potential academic mentor ("Wissensch. Begleiter/in", acc. to §3 Abs 7 Z 4 PO): any member or authorized associate member of the faculty NT entitled to supervise doctoral candidates