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Germany · Education & research

12 FULLY FUNDED PHD POSITIONS

Universität zu Köln

Location
Köln · Germany
Application deadline
3 November 2026
Field of work
Education & research
Contract
TV-L E 13
Listing language
DE
Last checked
24 October 2026

Salary / pay scale

TV-L E 13

As published by the recruiting institution.

Education and experience

Passages from the published notice. Read the original vacancy for complete eligibility and application conditions.

Education

Required

  • • 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
  • • Applicants with an MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or related fields

Job description

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 and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and for Metabolism Research. 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, 2027.

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)

APPLICATION PERIOD: AUGUST 11 - NOVEMBER 3, 2026

Online application: https://application.ageing-grad-school.de

Contact: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Applications from people with disabilities are especially welcome and will be given preference if equally qualified. To increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented, we strongly encourage women to apply.

Original vacancy: Universität zu Köln · Description checked 18 October 2026

The original vacancy sets the qualifications, nationality rules, pay, required languages and exact closing time. Read the full notice before applying.