Job Information
Organisation/Company: Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research
Department: University of Cologne Excellence Cluster CECAD, University Hospital Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, caesar
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 3 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)
Country: Germany
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2027
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany is a joint venture of the University of Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), the University Hospital and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and for Metabolism Research.
We offer up to
12 FULLY FUNDED PHD POSITIONS
to highly motivated and talented researchers. The structured PhD training programme within a cutting-edge research environment will start on an individual basis between July 1 and October 1, 2027.
WE OFFER
- An outstanding international research environment at one of Europe's most prestigious ageing research clusters, comprising 49 interdisciplinary research groups
- Initial work contracts of at least three years with payment based on the German TV-L E13 scale, 65% or on an equivalently remunerated PhD support contract of the Max Planck Society
- Dedicated supervision with academic guidance from thesis advisory committees
- Comprehensive PhD programme in the vibrant city of Cologne, conducted in English
- Individual career mentoring & coaching, wide range of methodology & soft skills courses
- Annual conference travel grants
- Intensive support and guidance for international students in all administrative matters
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Applicants with an MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or related fields
- Students with excellent academic performance in their BSc and MSc studies and a clear interest in the above-mentioned research areas, with strong motivation for ageing research
- Candidates with very good English skills (C1 level, written and spoken)
APPLICATION PERIOD: AUGUST 11 - NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Online application: https://application.ageing-grad-school.de
Contact: cga-coordination@uni-koeln.de
Website: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de
We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Applications from people with disabilities are especially welcome and will be given preference if equally qualified. To increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented, we strongly encourage women to apply.
Where to apply
Website: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de/phd/applications
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Specific Requirements
Our international, interdisciplinary faculty offers positions in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, pharmacology, neuroscience, medical biology, translational medicine or related fields.
If you would like to get an idea of last year's projects, you can do so here. Projects for the CGA class of 2027 will be available from August 11, 2026. We invite applicants with a Master's degree or equivalent in the above or related fields.
Applicants holding a medical degree are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate adequate relevant research experience.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English at a C1 level is essential. If available, please submit a language assessment result through the application platform to verify your English skills. Submission of a formal language test certificate is not mandatory; alternatively, you may include a written statement outlining your reasons for considering yourself fluent in English.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Additional Information
Benefits
We offer a globally recognised research environment distinguished by excellence in ageing research, exceptional supervision, early opportunities for independent research, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Our commitment is to provide top-tier conditions for young scientists within an innovative and motivating setting. Our competitive PhD programme offers a premier platform for a successful career in the natural or life sciences.
This programme is highly selective and welcomes outstanding university graduates interested in pursuing a PhD in ageing and age-related diseases to join the dynamic and international research community in Cologne.
Selection process
For the online application via our application portal you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Statements regarding your prior research experience and your motivation for joining our programme
- Detailed research proposal outlining your scientific interests and ideas
- Specification of three possible host laboratories
- Contact details of two academic advisors as referees (one should be your most recent supervisor, e.g. your BSc or MSc thesis supervisor)
- CV, certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents as separate PDF files
Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic qualifications, research accomplishments, and motivation. Following the online application process, up to 80 candidates will be selected to participate in online panel interviews scheduled for December 2026. From these, up to 25 candidates will be invited to attend our recruitment week in Cologne in February 2027. The PhD positions are anticipated to commence between July and October 2027. All successful applicants will be enrolled through the University of Cologne.
Website for additional job details: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research
Country: Germany
State/Province: North-Rhine-Westphalia
City: Cologne
Postal Code: 50931
Street: Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, D-50931 Cologne
Contact
City: Cologne
Website: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de
Street: Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b
Postal Code: 50931
E-Mail: daniela.morick@age.mpg.de