Ph.D admission at Cologne Cluster of Excellence Graduate School on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD Cologne)

University of Cologne:
Cologne Cluster of Excellence Graduate School on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD Cologne)

Degree: Dr rer nat or Dr nat med (both equivalent to PhD)

Course Language(s): All courses are held in English.

Admission Semester: winter semester only

Beginning of Programme: Beginning of October each year

Programme Duration: Six semesters (three years)

Application Deadline: Spring 2012, see CECAD webpage for further details

Contact:

Universität zu Köln
CECAD Platform for Education and Career Development
Dr Doris Birker
ZMMK, Robert-Koch-Straße 21
50931 Köln
Tel. +49 (0) 2 21-47 88 95 32
Fax. +49 (0) 2 21-4 70 16 32
dbirker@uni-koeln.de
www.cecad.uni-koeln.de/
or
Prof Dr Carien Niessen
carien.niessen@uni-koeln.de

Submit Application To

Please check webpage for further details

Description of Content

The mission of CECAD Cologne is to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying lifespan regulation and ageing-associated diseases (e.g. ageing-associated impairment of pathogen defence, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases). CECAD's long-term objective is to develop novel therapeutic interventions. Due to a general increase in life expectancy and an associated increase in the occurrence of ageing-associated diseases, this area is of great scientific and social relevance.

CECAD Cologne focuses on four core research areas:
- Cellular stress signalling and dysfunction during ageing
- Senescence of membranes and age-related impairment of pathogen defence
- Inflammation in ageing-associated diseases
- Metabolic pathways in ageing-associated diseases

The CECAD Graduate School offers a structured and comprehensive PhD training in these areas.
The three-year PhD training starts with an introductory phase on the university, its facilities and the CECAD research groups for a general orientation in the field of ageing. This is followed by short laboratory rotations in three CECAD groups after which the final laboratory is selected by the PhD candidate. The programme also encompasses retreats, lectures and courses in ageing-related subjects, accompanied by soft skills courses. All communication as well as all courses in the CECAD PhD Programme are conducted in English.

The CECAD Graduate School offers a maximum of ten tax-free fellowships each year and charges no tuition fees in an outstanding and highly interdisciplinary research environment with an international atmosphere.

Course Description:

Educational Organisation:

The CECAD PhD Programme starts with an introduction module to provide orientation about the university facilities and services. This includes intensive support in finding accommodation, enrolment at the university, visa processing and orientation in town. Furthermore, it introduces the students to the various CECAD laboratories, investigators and research topics and helps them make contact with fellow students and the research environment. For the entire duration of the PhD programme, the CECAD Graduate School office provides advice and help in all matters relating to the graduate programme and life in Germany. Lab rotations in three different CECAD laboratories offer students the opportunity to obtain detailed information on the science, methods and people in laboratories of interest to them. These rotations serve as a basis for students to select their favoured PhD project laboratory during the introduction module.

A continuous general lecture series will provide students with an overview of all topics covering CECAD research areas, the latest state-of-the-art techniques and novel research results. In addition, students will have the opportunity to attend various training modules varying from lab methodologies and techniques to soft skills. These courses, given by international lecturers, provide profound knowledge in presentation, scientific writing and time management skills required for a successful scientific career.

Every student will be supervised by a thesis committee consisting of experienced CECAD researchers. Annual reports guarantee an optimal supervision of the progress of the projects.

Retreats, international meetings, exchange programmes and journal clubs will complete the programme by giving students the opportunity to interact intensively with the various CECAD researchers and the international research community.

At the end of the three-year programme a written thesis must be submitted, followed by an oral examination, in order to attain the PhD degree.

Forms of Assessment:

Yearly reports and oral presentations. The PhD degree comprises a written thesis and an oral examination.

General promotion / funding of the programme: German Research Foundation

Diploma Supplement: No

Course-related German Language Courses: Yes

Course Objectives

The CECAD PhD Programme is designed to qualify students for leading positions in international research institutes and enterprises by teaching state-of-the-art technologies as well as the essential methodological, organisational and interpersonal skills required for a successful scientific career.

Costs, Fees and Funding:

Tuition Fees: No tuition fees to be paid by the PhD students

Enrolment Fees:

An enrolment fee of currently 214.11 EUR per semester entitles students to use public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia, and covers insurance for accidents on the campus, sports fees and social contributions. Students of the Graduate School must be enrolled for at least two semesters to be admitted to the PhD examination.

Costs of Living:

Approx. 900 EUR, mostly depending on the type of accommodation

Job Opportunities:

Due to the intense nature of the programme, students will not have time for part-time jobs.

Funding Opportunities within the University:

PhD students of the CECAD Graduate School obtain a tax-free fellowship for three years (1,365 EUR/month) to cover their living expenses.

Required Entry Qualification Profile:

Language Requirements:

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a good working knowledge of English and are required to provide appropriate evidence of their language skills.

Required DSH / TestDaF: No

Required English Language Test: Yes

Academic requirements:

Applicants must have completed an advanced academic degree (Diploma, MSc or a degree of equivalent value).

Where to Apply: Directly at the university

FOR DETAILS, PLEASE REFER www.cecad.uni-koeln.de/