The University of Oldenburg is seeking to fill the following position:
Doctoral researcher (f/m/d) in Neuroethology of insect navigation and magnetoreception in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense
Paygrade
E13 TV-L
Working Hours
65%
Institution
Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU) (School V of Mathematics and Science)
Location
Oldenburg (Oldb)
Application Deadline
15.10.2025
First day of work
01.03.2026
Limited
to three years
Benefits at University of Oldenburg
30 days vacation
Secure remuneration according to collective agreement
Company pension scheme
Further education opportunities
Flexible working hours
Health management
Remote working
Compatibility of career and family
Support with childcare
University Sports Centre
About us
NaviSense, the newly funded Cluster of Excellence for the Sensory Basis, Mechanisms, and Impacts of Animal Navigation is a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research project hosted at the University of Oldenburg and involving national and international partner institutions. As a diverse and international team of scientists from biology, physics, chemistry, computer sciences and social sciences we provide a thorough, interdisciplinary understanding of the senses and mechanisms used by animals to navigate, and how these mechanisms can inspire technology and impact society, ecology, and biodiversity.
NaviSense performs research in the areas of
(1) animal navigation mechanisms and their underlying senses,
(2) quantum effects at ambient temperature in model systems and biology,
(3) ecological and conservation related consequences of animal navigation,
and (4) links biological and technical systems through models, algorithms, and devices.
The acquired knowledge can help to solve major societal questions related e.g. to the biodiversity crisis, GPS independent navigation, and quantum sensing at ambient temperature. For more information see https://navisense.org/.
The advertised PhD project will be part of research area 1. We aim to understand how ants weigh compass information (especially magnetic and celestial cues) for navigation related to cue availability, their former experience and external conditions.
Your tasks
- Performing neuroethological experiments in Cataglyphis desert ants both in the field (Schinias National Park, Greece) and in the laboratory.
- Collaborating with other researchers on interdisciplinary research projects and publications.
- Participation in NaviSense events like retreats and seminars to present your research, strengthen scientific discussions and team building (considering individual possibilities)
- Mandatory participation in our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy (see below)
Your profile
We seek a highly motivated and reliable team member eager to develop methods further, to think analytically, and to work diligently and independently in order to advance our knowledge about navigation performance of Cataglyphis ants.
Required qualifications:
- University degree (master’s degree, university diploma) or equivalent in biology, neuroscience or a related discipline.
- Dedication for the research field of animal navigation
- Interest to perform neuroethological experiments is a must, former experience in field experiments (especially behavioral experiments) or neurobiological experiments is a plus.
- Willingness to perform field experiments abroad (Greece) in the summer (2-3 months, e.g. June-August), driver’s license (car) and heat-resistance are mandatory.
- Additionally, fluency in spoken and written English is a must, Greek is a plus.
- Enthusiasm to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations
We offer
- Being part of a unique interdisciplinary, collaborative, international and diverse research team and scientific environment
- Access to a very wide range of expertise, modern equipment and state-of-the-art techniques
- You and your peers will be part of our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy which will allow you to participate in conferences, excursions, courses, and workshops with great networking opportunities, research training, and career and mentoring programs, to further promote your personal and professional development
- Guidance during your onboarding phase and support during your doctorate
- Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
- A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours
- Benefits from the university's health promotion program and possibility to participate in the university sports program
Our standards
The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.
Contact
For further information, please contact Dr. Pauline Fleischmann, pauline.fleischmann@uni-oldenburg.de.
Apply now
Please send your application via e-mail by 15.10.2025 to
pauline.fleischmann@uni-oldenburg.de)
Application including
- a letter of motivation,
- your CV and publication(s) (if applicable),
- along with the names and addresses of at least two references who are familiar with your work,
- and copies of your university certificates
in a joint pdf document to Dr. Pauline Fleischmann.
You are welcome to let us know which pronouns you use and how we may address you.
Regulations prohibit reimbursement of application and interview expenses.
