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 devel-
opment 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 accor-
dance 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 full-
time 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 24 October 2026.
Selection interviews will be held between November 16 and
20, 2026
For futher inquires, please contact Fabian Krohm
([email protected]) and take a look at our FAQs.
Up to 4 Postdoctoral Positions (f/m/x)
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research (CECAD)
