Up to 4 Postdoctoral Positions (f/m/x) CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research (CECAD)

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The CECAD Postdoc Academy for Aging Trajectories invites applications from outstanding early-career researchers with a strong interest in aging research. The Academy is hosted by the CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research at the University of Cologne, Germany (https://www.cecad.uni-koeln.de). It is designed to attract talented postdoctoral researchers from around the world and to foster scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development within CECAD’s internationally recognized research environment.

WE OFFER

• A 3-year contract at CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research, University of Cologne (Germany)
• Coverage of bench fees up to 20.000€/year
• Mentorship by two CECAD Principal Investigators
• Hosting by a CECAD Principal Investigator who will provide laboratory and workplace access
• Access to CECAD’s scientific infrastructure, collaborative network, core facilities and workshops

The positions are explicitly designed to be compatible with complementary external funding schemes and may serve as a platform for the development of future independent funding applications.

YOUR PROFILE

• PhD in a relevant field of the life sciences (e.g. biology, biomedicine, genetics, molecular biology, or related disciplines)
• PhD awarded no more than four years before the start of the position
• Strong scientific track record and motivation for interdisciplinary aging research

RESEARCH SCOPE

Applicants shall submit a research proposal that addresses key questions related to aging trajectories and demonstrates scientific excellence, innovation, and relevance to CECAD’s research profile.

The proposed project should align with at least one of CECAD’s research areas. Interdisciplinary proposals that integrate expertise across multiple research areas and foster collaboration are particularly encouraged.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Your application should include:

• Research project proposal (max. 4 pages)
• Description of previous research activities and achievements (max. 1 page)
• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
• List of three preferred CECAD Principal Investigators serving as potential mentors (https://uni.koeln/L3JZX)

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 January 2027 on a fulltime basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 December 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo) under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.

The reference number is Wiss2608-10. The application deadline is October 24, 2026. Selection interviews will be held between November 16 and 20, 2026.

For futher inquires, please contact Fabian Krohm (fabian.krohm@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.