Fully funded PhD positions

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research offers up to twelve funded doctoral positions across its interdisciplinary ageing-research network. The programme joins the University of Cologne CECAD excellence cluster, University Hospital and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and Metabolism Research. Doctoral researchers receive initial contracts of at least three years, paid at 65% of German TV-L E13 or an equivalently remunerated Max Planck PhD support contract.

Training is in English and includes thesis advisory committees, methodology and transferable-skills courses, individual career mentoring and annual conference travel support. Start dates are between 1 July and 1 October 2027. Applications close on 3 November 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time through the graduate-school portal.

An MSc or equivalent in biology, cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, biophysics, genetics, medical biology, translational medicine or a related subject; excellent academic performance, motivation for ageing research, and C1 written and spoken English.