University of Cologne
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12 Fully Funded PhD Positions at the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research University of Cologne in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 3, 2026
Country
Germany
University
University of Cologne
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About this position
The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany is offering up to 12 fully funded PhD positions for highly motivated and talented researchers interested in ageing biology and related biomedical sciences.
This structured PhD training programme is based in Cologne and is run in a cutting-edge international research environment jointly connected to 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. The programme brings together 49 interdisciplinary research groups, offering a strong basis for collaborative and cross-disciplinary doctoral research.
Successful applicants will start their PhD between July 1 and October 1, 2027, on an individual basis. The positions include initial work contracts of at least three years, with salary/payment based on the German TV-L E13 scale at 65% or on an equivalently remunerated PhD support contract from the Max Planck Society. In addition, students receive dedicated supervision through thesis advisory committees, annual conference travel grants, and access to a comprehensive PhD programme with career mentoring, coaching, methodology training, and soft skills courses.
The programme is conducted in English and provides intensive support for international students with administrative matters, making it particularly attractive for applicants from outside Germany. The school especially welcomes applications from people with disabilities and strongly encourages women to apply where they are underrepresented.
Eligible applicants should have an MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or a related field. The selection criteria emphasize excellent academic performance in both BSc and MSc studies, a clear interest in the listed research areas, strong motivation for ageing research, and very good English skills at C1 level (written and spoken).
The application window runs from August 11 to November 3, 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the official portal, and enquiries can be directed to the listed contact email.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold an MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or a related field. The post seeks candidates with excellent academic performance in both BSc and MSc studies, a clear interest in the listed research areas, strong motivation for ageing research, and very good English skills at C1 level (written and spoken).
How to apply
Apply online via the application portal at https://application.ageing-grad-school.de. Submit your application during the stated application period of August 11 to November 3, 2026. For questions, contact [email protected].
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