12 PhDs in biology of ageing (Germany)

The Cologne/Bonn area has emerged as a leading global research centre with a stellar constellation of institutes and scientists dedicated to ageing research. These include 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) in Bonn.
Together, we invite young scientists of exceptional talent to apply for 12 fully funded Ph.D. student positions in our structured Ph.D. training programme of the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) starting from October 1, 2016. The initial contract is limited until September 30, 2019. Payment is based on the German TVL-13 scale (65%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled or on the support contract of the Max Planck Society (Promotionsfördervertrag, sui generis).

Our goal is to train a new generation of biomedical scientists who will 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.

The programme includes an excellent infrastructure for training and research by internationally recognized scientists in new facilities with state-of-the-art technologies. The Ph.D. project can be carried out in one of the four partner institutes. The programme is complemented by seminars and courses in ageing research, hands-on method courses, writing and presentation training as well as practical career development opportunities.

We offer

• Outstanding interactive research environment for ageing research
• Interdisciplinary and structured Ph.D. programme in English
• Intensive support for international students
The University of Cologne is an equal opportunities employer.

Applications of women are thus especially encouraged; applications of disabled persons will be given preferential treatment to those of other candidates with equal qualifications.

We are seeking highly qualified students holding a M.Sc. or equivalent degree with a background in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Translational Medicine or a related field. Applicants should be fluent in written and spoken English and should have completed their degree by the start of the programme in October 2016.

The application deadline is February 12, 2016. To apply or to obtain further information about the programme and the partner institutes, please visit our website and apply online via the application platform at http://www.ageing-grad-school.de. For further questions, please contact our graduate school office (cologne-grad-school-age@uni-koeln.de).