We offer an international research environment, characterized by outstanding ageing research, excellent supervision, early independence in research and state-of-the-art facilities. We are dedicated to providing first-class conditions for young scientists in a cutting edge and inspiring environment. Our competitive PhD programme provides a world-class starting platform for a successful career in science.

The programme is highly selective and invites outstanding university graduates wishing to work towards a PhD in the fields of ageing and age-related diseases to become part of the vibrant and international research scene in Cologne.

Our international and interdisciplinary faculty offers positions in the areas of cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, pharmacology, neuroscience medical biology, translated medicine or related fields. If you would like to get an idea of the projects currently on offer before actually applying, you can do so here. We invite applicants with a Master's or equivalent degree of the above mentioned or related fields. Applicants with a degree in medicine are equally welcome to apply provided they have sufficient relevant research experience. Furthermore, candidates require excellent written and spoken English skills (C1 level). If possible, please provide a language test on the application plattform to prove your English language skills. If applicable, please upload a relevant language test certificates in the documents section. However, it is not compulsory to provide a language test certificate and you may instead provide a written statement explaining why you believe you are fluent in English.

Candidates are selected based on their academic qualifications, research accomplishments and motivation. After the online application, up to 42 candidates will be invited to our online panel interviews taking place in December 2023 and up to 25 candidates will be invited to our recruitment week taking place from February 19 - 22, 2024 in Cologne. A PhD position can be started between July and October 2024. All accepted students will be enrolled through the University of Cologne.

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