L’essentiel de l’offre
- Poste : Up to 12 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Ageing Research
- Employeur : Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, and Max Planck Institutes
- Lieu : Cologne, Germany
- Contrat : Employment contracts of at least three years, paid according to the German TV-L E13 scale at 65%, or an equivalently remunerated Max Planck Society PhD support contract
- Date limite : 3 November 2026
- Niveau requis : Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
Contexte
Researchers hoping to pursue a fully funded PhD in Germany have an opportunity to apply for up to 12 doctoral positions through the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) for the 2027 intake. The programme brings together leading research institutions in Cologne, including the University of Cologne’s Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University Hospital Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research.
The doctoral programme is designed for talented and highly motivated researchers interested in ageing research, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics and related scientific disciplines. Successful candidates will benefit from a structured doctoral training programme, interdisciplinary research opportunities, dedicated academic supervision and employment or support arrangements lasting at least three years.
About the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research: The graduate school provides an international and interdisciplinary environment for doctoral researchers investigating the biological mechanisms associated with ageing and age-related diseases. It connects researchers across several institutions, creating opportunities to work with scientists from different disciplines and access advanced research facilities. Its wider research environment comprises 49 interdisciplinary research groups, allowing doctoral candidates to explore scientific questions through collaborative approaches and specialised methodologies. The programme is conducted in English and is based in Cologne, a major German city with an international academic community.
Missions et responsabilités
The programme is suitable for applicants interested in the biological mechanisms of ageing, age-associated diseases and related biomedical research. Successful candidates are expected to begin the structured doctoral training programme individually between 1 July and 1 October 2027.
Profil recherché
- Academic qualifications: A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in biology, molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, biophysics, genetics, medical biology, translational medicine or a related discipline.
- Academic performance: Excellent academic results in both bachelor’s and master’s studies.
- Research motivation: A clear interest in the programme’s research areas and strong motivation to investigate ageing and age-associated diseases.
- English proficiency: Very good written and spoken English skills at C1 level.
The announcement does not restrict applications to German citizens. International applicants with the required qualifications should consult the official programme information for applicable conditions.
Conditions et avantages
- Fully Funded Doctoral Positions: Initial work contracts lasting at least three years, paid according to the German public-sector TV-L E13 salary scale at 65%, or an equivalently remunerated PhD support contract from the Max Planck Society.
- International Research Environment: Multidisciplinary research community involving established research institutions and experts in ageing biology and related scientific fields.
- Dedicated Academic Supervision: Academic guidance through dedicated supervision and thesis advisory committees.
- Professional Development and Career Mentoring: Individual career mentoring and coaching, methodology courses and soft-skills training.
- Conference Travel Grants: Annual conference travel grants to support eligible doctoral researchers in attending scientific conferences.
- Support for International Students: Intensive administrative support and guidance for international students navigating administrative requirements in Germany.
Dossier de candidature
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation statement
- Other documents requested by the application portal
Comment postuler
Interested candidates can apply online through the official application portal.
- Visit the application website at https://application.ageing-grad-school.de.
- Review the eligibility criteria and research opportunities available through the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research.
- Prepare the required academic information, transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation statement and other documents requested by the application portal.
- Ensure that the application demonstrates strong academic performance, relevant research interests and the required English-language proficiency.
- Complete and submit the online application before the deadline of 3 November 2026.
For additional information, visit https://www.ageing-grad-school.de or contact the graduate school by email. Programme start is between 1 July and 1 October 2027.
