Upcoming PhD Positions at the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany is a leading international research cluster dedicated to the study of ageing and age-associated diseases. As a joint venture between 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, the CGA offers a vibrant and interdisciplinary environment for PhD students. The school comprises 49 research groups working across diverse fields such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, cancer research, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, computational biology, and systems biology. PhD students benefit from initial work contracts of at least three years, with competitive remuneration based on the German TV-L E13 scale (65%) or equivalent Max Planck Society contracts.

The program is conducted entirely in English and provides comprehensive academic supervision through thesis advisory committees, as well as individual career mentoring, coaching, and a wide range of methodology and soft skills courses. Additional benefits include annual conference travel grants and intensive support for international students in administrative matters. Applicants should hold an MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field, demonstrate excellent academic performance, and possess strong motivation for ageing research.

Proficiency in English at the C1 level is required. The CGA seeks to train a new generation of biomedical scientists eager to make fundamental discoveries in the biology of ageing and translate them into health improvements. The next application call for positions starting in 2027 will be published in summer 2026.

For more information, visit the CGA website and application portal.