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 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, 2025. The initial contract is limited to three years. Payment is based on the German TV-L E13 scale, 65% if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled or on an equivalently remunerated PhD support contract of the Max Planck Society.

We offer

• An outstanding international research environment at one of the most prestigious ageing research clusters in Europe
• Excellent infrastructure for training and research by internationally recognized scientists in facilities with state-of-the-art technologies
• PhD projects that can be carried out in up to 47 participating interdisciplinary research groups at the above institutes
• Excellent supervision with academic guidance from thesis advisory committees
• A comprehensive and structured PhD programme in the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, conducted entirely in English
• An individual career mentoring programme & coaching, a wide range of methodology courses & soft skills workshops, and conference travel grants
• Intensive support and guidance for international students in all administrative matters

 We are looking for

• Highly qualified and motivated students holding an MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine or a related field
• Students who have already demonstrated their motivation, interest and qualification for the above research areas by achieving very good grades in their BSc and MSc studies
• Candidates with very good English skills (C1 level, written and spoken)

Further information

• Application period: August 12 - November 4, 2024
• Online application portal: https://application.ageing-grad-school.de
• Contact: cga-coordination@uni-koeln.de
• Internet: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de

• EEO/AA Policy

  The associated institutes are committed to diversity, diversity of perspectives and equal opportunities. Applications from people with disabilities and their peers are especially welcome, and preference will be given to people with disabilities if they are equally qualified. We are also committed to increasing the number of women in areas where they are under-represented and therefore strongly encourage women to apply.