ImAGEin Career Prospects

Employability &
PhD opportunities


Ageing biology research is experiencing an exponential growth as shown by the increase from 22 thousand original articles published in 2013 to more than 42 thousand in 2023. This led to the creation of dedicated ageing editions of the scientific journals with highest impact such as Nature Aging in 2021. Also funding to start-ups related to ageing therapies and wellness sees a huge jump from 2017 onwards. In addition, there is a growing interest in the use of genetic and cellular therapies to target the ageing process, as also the development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to enable the creation of personalized treatments for ageing-related conditions. Career opportunities for students interested in the aging field are therefore expanding. And yet, the offer for postgraduate studies is scarce.

The implementation of IMAgein is poised to yield several benefits for students employability and professional development:
  1. Advanced Knowledge and Skills: imAGEin students will gain advanced knowledge and skills in the biology of ageing, fostering a comprehensive understanding of related research methodologies. This positions them to emerge as experts in the field. Additionally, established professionals, through IMAgein networks and collaborative initiatives, will have the opportunity to expand their skill sets to meet their evolving professional objectives.
  2. Productivity and Career Opportunities: a significant portion of IMAgein's curricula is dedicated to internships in professional environments. This hands-on experience allows students to contribute substantially to real research or innovation projects, potentially resulting in scientific publications and opening doors to career opportunities.
  3. International Exposure and Personal Development: imAGEin will bring together students and professionals from diverse cultures, each contributing unique perspectives to ageing research, as well as professional and personal development. Combined with mobility experiences in different environments, this diversity will provide a rich foundation for building individual personalities and cultivating new mindsets to address challenges related to ageing.
  4. Professional Network: imAGEin's networking initiatives will assist participating students, alumni, and professionals in maintaining a robust professional network. This network, nurtured through the program, will continue to provide valuable career and collaboration opportunities throughout their professional journeys.
  5. Community Engagement: imAGEin participants will have opportunities for community engagement, outreach, and education on ageing-related issues as part of the program's activities. This involvement will further encourage contributions to societal well-being through the application of knowledge gained in ageing biology.

Professional profiles after imAGEin completion


The multiple possible tracks in imAGEin ensure that students will gather original skill sets and build professional profiles that belong to three main paths:

PATH 1

path 1 fundamental research
path 1 fundamental research
Path #1 – FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH (click to see complete tracks details)
Path Year 1 (60ECTS) Year 2 (60 ECTS) Professional Profile
Fondamental Research U Coimbra U Cologne Track#1.1 Versatile and research-oriented professional, ready to contribute to advancements in the dynamic field of life sciences, and in particular molecular and cellular mechanisms associated to cancer and aging. Whether pursuing a career in research, industry, or entrepreneurship, the student is well-prepared to excel in diverse and challenging environments.
Fondamental Research U Cologne U Coimbra Track#1.2 Skilled researcher and practitioner capable of making valuable contributions to the dynamic and evolving fields of molecular genetics and cell biology applied to aging.
Fondamental Research U Côte d'Azur U Cologne Track#1.3 Versatile, research-oriented professional, and well-prepared for diverse roles in tissue regeneration and integrated physiopathology. 
Fondamental Research U Cologne Sorbonne U Track#1.4 Versatile and well-rounded professional, ready to make meaningful contributions to the intersection of molecular genetics and organism models of ageing. Whether pursuing a career in research, health care, or therapeutic development, the student is well-prepared for leadership and impactful roles
Fondamental Research U Côte d'Azur U Coimbra Track#1.5 Versatile and well-rounded professional, with a strong experience in research laboratories. Ready to make meaningful contributions in integrated life sciences and to pursue studies towards a career as independent researcher.

PATH 2

path 2 applied biomedical research
path 2 applied biomedical research
Path #2 – BIOMEDICAL APPLIED RESEARCH (click to see complete tracks details)
Path Year 1 (60ECTS) Year 2 (60 ECTS) Professional Profile
Biomedical applied research U Coimbra U Côte d'Azur Track#2.1 Well-rounded, versatile, and equipped with a diverse set of skills, with transversal scientific knowledge from cellular mechanisms to integrated physiology and nutrition in Aging. Suitable for various roles within the biomedical and biotechnology sectors.
Biomedical applied research U Coimbra Sorbonne U Track#2.2 Well-suited for diverse roles within the biomedical, biotechnology, and health sciences sectors, with a strong scientific background in muscle and neuromuscular disorders.
Biomedical applied research U Côte d'Azur U Seville Track2.3 Comprehensive and well-prepared for advanced roles in the biomedical field. Interdisciplinary Profile at the cross of integrated physiology of ageing and computational sciences applied to biomedicine.
Biomedical applied research U Seville U Coimbra Track#2.4 Well-equipped for advanced roles in biomedical applied research, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach at the cross of cellular and molecular mechanisms and Omics analysis in the context of cell therapy applied to aging, neurodegenerative disorders and regenerative medicine. 
Biomedical applied research U Seville U Cologne Track#2.5 Well-suited for a career in advanced biomedical research with a focus on multidisciplinary approaches, advanced techniques, molecular genetics, and applications in aging, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.
Biomedical applied research U Seville Sorbonne U Track#2.6 Well-rounded, ready to foster innovative biomedical applications based the interdisciplinary profile at crossing aging physiology and

PATH 3

path 3 Innovation and biotechnology
path 3 Innovation and biotechnology
Path #3 – INNOVATION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (click to see complete tracks details)
Path Year 1 (60ECTS) Year 2 (60 ECTS) Professional Profile
Innovation and biotech U Coimbra U Seville Track#3.1 Leader and innovator, highly versatile, capable of contributing significantly to the interdisciplinary and dynamic field of molecular and cellular biology of biomedicine, from research and therapeutic development to computational analysis and entrepreneurial ventures.
Innovation and biotech U Cologne U Côte d'Azur Track#3.2 Well-rounded and innovative professional ready to contribute to the dynamic field of aging sciences. They are equipped to engage in interdisciplinary research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial ventures, with a strong focus on digital technologies and practical applications.
Innovation and biotech U Seville U Côte d'Azur Track#3.3 Versatile, forward-thinking professional ready to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in molecular genetics and senescence with a strong focus on omics technologies and its translation to entrepreneurial endeavors. 
Innovation and biotech U Cologne U Seville Track#3.4 Advanced researcher, ready to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in the dynamic and interdisciplinary field of biomedical research crossing cellular signaling and innovative therapies to counteract age-related diseases. Whether pursuing a career in research, therapeutic development, or computational analysis, the student is well-prepared for leadership roles and impactful contributions.
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Doctoral Schools

Considering applying to doctoral studies ? Get to know the five imAGEin Partner Doctoral Schools: