12 Fully Funded PhD Positions at Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research

About the Position

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 Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research. Cologne has emerged as a leading global research cluster with a stellar constellation of institutes and scientists dedicated to ageing research in Life Sciences. Up to 12 fully funded PhD positions are available for the 2027 cohort.

Research Areas

Our international, interdisciplinary faculty offers positions in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, pharmacology, neuroscience, medical biology, translational medicine, or related fields.

What We Offer

• An outstanding international research environment at one of Europe's most 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 and coaching, wide range of methodology and soft skills courses.
• Annual conference travel grants.
• Intensive support and guidance for international students in all administrative matters.

Eligibility and Requirements

• 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).
• Applicants holding a medical degree are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate adequate relevant research experience.

Selection Procedure

• Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic qualifications, research accomplishments, and motivation.
• Up to 80 candidates will be selected to participate in online panel interviews scheduled for December 2026.
• From these, up to 25 candidates will be invited to attend the recruitment week in Cologne in February 2027.
• The PhD positions are anticipated to commence between July and October 2027.
• All successful applicants will be enrolled through the University of Cologne.

Application Requirements

• Statements regarding prior research experience and motivation for joining the programme.
• Detailed research proposal outlining scientific interests and ideas.
• Specification of three possible host laboratories.
• Contact details of two academic advisors as referees (one should be your most recent supervisor).
• CV, certificates, transcripts, and other supporting documents as separate PDF files.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English at a C1 level is essential. Submission of a formal language test certificate is not mandatory; alternatively, you may include a written statement outlining your reasons for considering yourself fluent in English.

About Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA)

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research provides structured doctoral training in Germany focused on the biology of ageing. It connects partner universities and research institutes in Cologne. Doctoral researchers investigate mechanisms related to ageing and health through supervised projects, scientific training and collaboration across an international biomedical research community.

Official website: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de

Application dates

Milestone	Date
Application Opens	11 August 2026
Application Deadline	3 November 2026
Online Panel Interviews	December 2026
Recruitment Week in Cologne	February 2027
PhD Positions Commence	July-October 2027

Official Link

• Webpage: http://www.ageing-grad-school.de
• Application: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de/phd/applications
• FAQs: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de/phd/faq

Contact

• Email: cga-coordination@uni-koeln.de

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.

Important Notes

• Up to 12 fully funded PhD positions.
• Three-year work contracts with payment based on German TV-L E13 scale (65%) or equivalent Max Planck Society contract.
• English is the working language.
• C1 English proficiency required.
• Projects for the CGA class of 2027 will be available from 11 August 2026.

2026 TV-L E13 scale (verified): €4,759.37–€6,764.69 gross per month full-time, effective 1 April 2026; part-time positions are pro-rated.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 3 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps
• Studying in Germany: Tuition Fees, Living Costs and Funding