Summary
The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) is inviting applications for its 2027 PhD Programme in Germany. The programme offers up to 12 PhD positions for international graduates interested in research on ageing and age-related diseases. Successful candidates receive a paid employment contract with social benefits, with funding for up to four years.
Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) PhD Programme 2027 – Fully Funded PhD in Germany
Designation
PhD Researcher / PhD Candidate
Research Area
- Ageing and age-related diseases
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Bioinformatics
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Medical & Translational Research
- Computational Biology
Location
Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should generally have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant life science, natural science, or related field.
- Relevant research experience.
- Strong English proficiency, approximately C1 level.
- IELTS/TOEFL is not compulsory. Applicants without a formal English test certificate may provide an explanation demonstrating their English proficiency.
- International applicants are welcome, including Nigerian applicants.
Job Description
Selected PhD candidates will conduct advanced research into the biological mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases within CGA’s participating research laboratories.
The programme provides opportunities to work across interdisciplinary fields including molecular and cellular biology, genetics, neuroscience, computational biology, pharmacology, immunology, stem cell research, and translational medicine.
Candidates may select three potential host laboratories according to their research interests. The PhD programme can last for up to four years, with successful candidates expected to start between July and October 2027.
Funding & Benefits
- Paid employment contract, normally based on TV-L E13 at 65%.
- Social benefits included.
- CGA estimates first-year net income at approximately €2,060/month, depending on applicable conditions.
- Funding/employment support for up to 4 years.
- International research environment in Cologne, Germany.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare:
- CV
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Details of research experience
- Motivation statement
- Research proposal
- Names of two academic referees
- Selection of three potential host laboratories
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive:
- Up to 80 candidates may be invited for online interviews.
- Around 25 candidates may proceed to Recruitment Week in Cologne.
- Up to 12 candidates are expected to receive PhD offers.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online through the CGA PhD Application Portal.
Application Portal: https://application.ageing-grad-school.de/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Applicants should complete the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline.
Last Date for Apply
3 November 2026
📌 Programme Start: July–October 2027
📌 Degree Level: PhD
📌 Positions: Up to 12
📌 Funding: Paid employment + social benefits
📌 Duration: Up to 4 years
📌 Location: Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
Note: This opportunity is a paid PhD employment position, rather than simply a tuition waiver or traditional scholarship.
