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 PhD 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 the Cologne/Bonn area.
Eligibility :
- Our international and interdisciplinary faculty offers PhD positions in the areas of cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, pharmacology, neuroscience medical biology, translated medicine or related fields.
- 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).
- Your application will also be accepted if the Master's degree has not yet been awarded by the time of application. However, it must be awarded before your individual start of your PhD projects between July and October 2019.
- Students holding a 4-year Bachelor's degree with outstanding grades and exceptional scientific qualification are also eligible to apply for Doctoral degree.
- If you should receive the degree after having submitted the application form, please send it to colognegradschoolage@unjkoeln.de
FINANCIAL SUPPORT DURING THE PHD?
- All PhD students receive a work contract including social benefits for a period of 3 years.
- Payment is based on the German TVL-13 scale, 65% (monthly gross salary approx. €2,330 in the first year) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled or on the equivalently remunerated PhD support contract of the Max Planck Society (Promotionsfördervertrag, sui generis).
- If the PhD project should not be finished within 3 years, the respective PI will finance the student for at least one additional year under the same conditions.
- Depending on the affiliation of the research group, the work contract will either be with the University of Cologne, the University Hospital Cologne or the Max Planck Society. Certain aspects of the contracts such as vacation days therefore differ.
APPLICATION PERIOD
Our next application call for classes starting between July and October 2019 is available between November 1, 2018 and January 7, 2019. The online application platform for PhD positions is now opened.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Candidates are selected based on their academic qualifications and research accomplishments. 25 candidates will be invited to an on-site selection week. Selected candidates can start their PhD position between July and October 2019. All accepted students will be enrolled through the University of Cologne
HOW TO APPLY?
next application call: The next call for applications will be open between November 1, 2018 and January 7, 2019 with a programme start between July and October 2019.
online submission: Only complete applications submitted via our online application portal will be accepted and further processed. Please note that it is not possible to change your data after submission. The completed form will not be sent back to you, therefore please take screenshots for your own records before submitting it. Make sure your email address and the contact details of your referees are correct. If you should not receive a confirmation email with your registration code within an hour after submitting the application, please check your spam filter.
host laboratories: Carefully check the available host laboratories. In the application form, tick 3 laboratories, which you consider for 3-hour rotations in case you should be invited to the on-site selection in Cologne, Germany. Please note that these laboratories cannot be changed once submitted. During the selection process, it will be possible to choose up to 2 further laboratories for rotations.
documents: Start compiling your documents (CV, transcripts, certificates etc.) and approach possible referees early. Allow your 2 referees sufficient time to compose their letters of recommendations. Enable Java and JavaScript for submitting your data.
referees: After submitting the application form, the referees will automatically receive an email linking them to the letter of recommendation form. It is your responsibility to contact your referees and make sure that they submit the form until January 15, 2019 at the latest. Reference letters received after this date will not be taken into consideration. It is not possible that applicants submit the letters of recommendation on behalf of the referees.
WHEN DOES THE PROGRAMME START?
PhD projects will start between July and October 2019 on an individual basis. The structured CGA programme will start in October 2019 with the CGA orientation days.