PhD Position: Molecular Biology of Ageing PhD Programme

Edusail Abroad; Köln; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa support

Housing

Free German classes

Job summary

Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research invites applications for a doctoral studentship focused on ageing mechanisms across multiple host labs in Cologne. The program supports international students with visas, housing and German classes.

A multi-stage selection includes online interviews and a recruitment week in Cologne. Eligibility requires a Master’s degree in life or natural sciences by start date (July–October 2027); English at C1 level is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent such as MD) in a life or natural science. Degree must be in hand by start (July–October 2027). A Bachelor's alone does not qualify.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in ageing biology across host labs within a university cluster, university hospital, and Max Planck Institutes.
• Participate in online interviews and a recruitment week in Cologne to select a project.
• Engage in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, model organisms, neuroscience or bioinformatics related to ageing.

Skills

Fluent English

Strong lab skills

Education

Master's degree in life or natural science

Job description

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research recruits a yearly cohort of doctoral students to study why and how organisms age and what goes wrong in age-related diseases. Students join one of many host labs spread across a university excellence cluster, the university hospital and two Max Planck Institutes, and choose a project after a multi-stage selection that includes online interviews and a recruitment week in Cologne. Typical work covers cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, model organisms, neuroscience or bioinformatics applied to ageing. Strong lab skills, a clear interest in mechanisms of disease, and fluent English help most. The programme supports international students with visas, housing and free German classes.

Eligibility: Master's degree (or equivalent such as MD) in a life or natural science, e.g. M.Sc. Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or MBBS/MD with research experience; degree must be in hand by the PhD start (July-October 2027). A Bachelor's alone does not qualify.

Tests: English at C1 level; a formal test certificate is optional (other evidence or a written statement accepted)

Pay: TV-L E13 65% employment contract; approx. EUR 2,060/month net in year 1 (as stated by CGA)

Duration: At least 3 years (initial contract)