University of Cologne

“From embryo to old age: the cell biology and genetics of health and disease”

This prestigious Graduate School offers a high-level Ph.D. programme for students with excellent qualifications, both German and International, who show potential for research at the highest level.

Successful candidates are expected to have a broad interest in investigating cell biological and genetic mechanisms whose perturbation during the life cycle of an organism results in disease.

During the first months, each student spends 7 weeks in each of three chosen laboratories working under a different supervisor in order to gain a well-based technical and theoretical training prior to the selection of an individual topic for PhD research. At the end of the rotation period the student develops a 3-year research project with one particular supervisor, completing and submitting the PhD thesis within the 3.5-year time frame.

The programme language is English. Seminars and training courses both in research methods and in science related soft skills, like scientific writing and grand writing complement the research work. Comprehensive support is provided throughout the programme, including thesis committee guidance and office supervisory assistance before and after arrival in Cologne.

All students are registered with University of Cologne which conferres the degree of Dr. rer. nat. (Doktor rerum naturalium) corresponding to an Anglo-American Ph.D.

The participating research groups use microbial, plant and animal model systems and a wide research area of the programme includes:

•            Cell biology

•            Molecular medicine

•            Plant physiology

•            Cellular quality control

•            Immunology

•            Plant development

•            Cell homeostasis

•            Developmental biology

•            Neurogenetics

•            Development and aging

•            Membrane dynamics

•            Human genetics

•            Genetics of nervous system

Funding:

Tax-free fellowships of 1100€ initially and 1400€ after completion of the rotation period are available. Students receive a laptop computer and 500€ to get started in Cologne.

No tuition fees are charged.

How to apply:

Application round for September 2011 entry is now open for calls. The deadline for online application is Monday, the 28th of February 2011. Candidates from countries with no visa requirement can apply until Monday, the 14^th of March 2011. The interviews are expected to be held in early June 2010. For further information and application form, please visit the “"How to apply" page on our website:

http://www.igsdhd.uni-koeln.de/home.html

Filled out and saved application form, a CV and a transcript of records in English can be sent directly to:  bio-gradschool@uni-koeln.de

or posted to:

International Graduate School in Development Health and Disease

University of Cologne

Application

Zuelpicher Str. 47a

50674 Cologne

Germany

or faxed to: 0049 221 470 1632

Informal enquiries: Please contact Dr. Joanna Majczak, application-dhd@uni-koeln.de or 0049 221 470 7728