Our internship program offers outstanding students (m/f/d) in their last two years of undergraduate studies and recent graduates, an opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious ageing research institutes in the world. It is designed to encourage talented students to pursue a career in biological research with focus on ageing or age-related diseases.

Through the program, students receive hands-on training in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology. Interns participate in basic laboratory research (bench work) and its applications. In addition, the students have an opportunity to attend seminars, lectures and workshops at our institute and our partners.

General information & application process

Timeframe and length of the programme

The duration of the program is about 12 weeks starting mid to end of May. The exact start and end date will be arranged with the individual PI’s.

Salary, health insurance and pension

The participant will receive a monthly salary of 1000 €. Our Human Recources department will check whether you will need to contribute into the German social security system and will provide all necessary information on that. Health insurance is required when living and working in Germany. You have a few options:

• take out a travel insurance from Germany
• take out a travel insurance from your home country
• continue with your current insurance if it is covered overseas

You can check your status with our HR department in case you have additional questions.

Housing and travel costs

The internship covers travel expenses to and from Cologne, Germany.

Each student is responsible for his/her accommodation. There are a limited number of institute apartments which can be reserved ahead of time based on availability. In addition, students have an option to rent a single or shared apartment through the student housing portals.

Who can apply

Our undergraduate program is highly competitive and selective. Students applying to the program must demonstrate academic rigor and experience working in the lab as well as stellar recommendations.

How to apply

You can apply via our application portal. Here you can upload the required documents.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement, 200-350 words
• Copy of official transcript from current school
• Recommendation letter*

*The recommendation letter can be sent directly to the program head, Helen Antebi: helen.antebi@age.mpg.de