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, the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research and the Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar). The Cologne/Bonn area has emerged as a leading global research cluster with a stellar constellation of institutes and scientists dedicated to ageing research in Life Sciences. We offer up to

12 fully funded Ph.D. positions

to highly motivated and talented students. The structured Ph.D. training programme within a cutting-edge research environment will start on an individual basis between July 1 and October 1, 2018. The initial contract is limited to three years. Payment is based on the German TV-L E13 scale, 65% if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled or on an equivalently remunerated Ph.D. support contract of the Max Planck Society. We offer

• An outstanding international research environment at the most prestigious ageing research cluster in Europe
• Excellent infrastructure for training and research by internationally recognized scientists in facilities with state-of-the-art technologies
• Ph.D. projects that can be carried out in up to 55 participating research groups of the above mentioned institutes
• An interdisciplinary and structured Ph.D. programme in the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, completely conducted in English
• An individual 3-year career mentoring programme, extensive methods courses and soft skill workshops
• Intensive support and guidance for international students in all administrative matters

We are looking for

• Highly qualified and motivated students holding a M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Translational Medicine or a related field
• A new generation of biomedical scientists who are eager to make fundamental scientific discoveries in the basic biology of ageing and may translate them into improvements in health and life for people as they grow older

Further information

• Application deadline: January 15, 2018
• Online application portal: http://www.ageing-grad-school.de
• Contact: cologne-grad-school-age@uni-koeln.de

The associated institutes are committed to diversity, diversity of perspectives and equal opportunity. Applications from people with a disability and their peers are especially welcome. People with a disability are preferred if equally qualified. Applications from women are encouraged. Women will be given preference if equally qualified in terms of competence and professional performance, unless located in an individual male candidate predominate reasons.