PhD-Programme: Applications
We offer a globally recognised research environment distinguished by excellence in ageing research, exceptional supervision, early opportunities for independent research, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Our commitment is to provide top-tier conditions for young scientists within an innovative and motivating setting. Our competitive PhD programme offers a premier platform for a successful career in the natural or life sciences.
This programme is highly selective and welcomes outstanding university graduates interested in pursuing a PhD in ageing and age-related diseases to join the dynamic and international research community in Cologne.
Requirements
Our international, interdisciplinary faculty offers positions in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, pharmacology, neuroscience, medical biology, translational medicine or related fields.
If you would like to get an idea of last year's projects, you can do so here. Projects for the CGA class of 2027 will be available from August 11, 2026. We invite applicants with a Master's degree or equivalent in the above or related fields.
Applicants holding a medical degree are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate adequate relevant research experience.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English at a C1 level is essential. If available, please submit a language assessment result through the application platform to verify your English skills. 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.
Selection procedure
For the online application via our application portal you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Statements regarding your prior research experience and your motivation for joining our programme
- Detailed research proposal outlining your 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, e.g. your BSc or MSc thesis supervisor)
- CV, certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents as separate PDF files
Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic qualifications, research accomplishments, and motivation. Following the online application process, 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 our 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.
Please see our FAQ for more information:
Application period
Applications for PhD classes beginning in 2027 will open on August 11, 2026, and will be available through our online application portal. Information regarding the process is available in the download section above.
For more information about our programme, please see our FAQs.
Apply now!
The online application for our Ph.D. positions is now open! Deadline for application: November 03, 2026.
