Upcoming PhD positions at the CGA

2026-06-22 (Europe/Berlin)

Thanks to all the academics who submitted their applications!

The application deadline for positions starting in 2026 has passed. More information about the next call for positions starting in 2027 will be published in summer 2026. Stay tuned!

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 Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research. Cologne has emerged as a leading global research cluster with a stellar constellation of institutes and scientists dedicated to ageing research in Life Sciences.

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)
A new generation of biomedical scientists who are eager to make fundamental scientific discoveries in the basic biology of ageing and may translate them into improvements in health and life for people as they grow older