The University of Oldenburg is seeking to fill the following position:
Doctoral researcher in Robot Navigation in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense
Paygrade
E13 TV-L
Working Hours
65%
Institution
School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cluster of Excellence „NaviSense“, Assistance Systems and Medical Device Technology
Location
Oldenburg (Oldb)
Application Deadline
17.02.2026
First day of work
01.04.2026
Limited
to three years
About us
The newly funded Cluster of Excellence NaviSense 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 Assistance Systems and Medical Technology (AMT) division is involved in research area 4. The aim is to transfer mechanisms of sensor fusion, navigation and mapping from insects to mobile robot platforms and thus verify how the mechanisms work. The focus is on mechanisms and algorithms similar to simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) from robotics.
Your tasks
- Understanding of insect sensors and actuators, their sensor fusion mechanisms and their living environment
- Implementing and testing control concepts and algorithms for autonomous navigation in similar environments
- 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
Required qualifications:
- University degree (master’s degree, diploma (university)) or equivalent in Computer Science (or similar related programme)
- Fluency in spoken and written German and English
- Expertise in robot navigation, documented by prior scientific publications in robot navigation or SLAM
Preferable/Desirable:
- Dedication for the research field
- Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across many different fields of expertise
- Ability to work independently
- Showing team spirit
- Good communication skills
- Working experience with ROS2
- Knowledge of the programming languages Python and C++
- Familiarity with machine learning and/or deep learning methods
- Experience with multi-agent systems
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 Andreas Hein, .
Apply now
Please send your application via e-mail by 17.02.2026 to
Application naming the ID "NaviSense AMT", including a letter of motivation, your CV and publication(s) (if applicable) and copies of your university certificates in a joint pdf document (1 document of max. 20 MB).
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.
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
Certificate Bicycle-friendly employer
