Doctoral researcher in retinal electrophysiology in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense

The University of Oldenburg is seeking to fill the following position:

Paygrade

E13 TV-L

Working Hours

65%

Institution

Department of Neuroscience (School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences)

Location

Oldenburg (Oldb)

Application Deadline

09.10.2026

First day of work

• as soon as possible
• Limited
• Fixed-term contract for three years

About us

The School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neurosciences, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals, School VI forms the University Medicine Oldenburg. Furthermore, the university cooperates closely with the University Medicine of the University of Groningen.

The 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/ .

Your project will help to understand the navigationally relevant information encoding in the retina of migratory birds. Migratory birds rely on a wide range of sensory information for navigation, much of which is thought to originate in the retina, including compass information based on celestial cues, such as the sun and stars, as well as the Earths magnetic field. Around dusk and dawn, night-migratory birds calibrate these compass systems, potentially using visual information such as the spectral composition, gradients, and polarization patterns of the sky. During flight, optic flow provides additional information about movement over the ground, flight speed, duration, and drift. How the retina processes and integrates these different sources of information, particularly under low-light conditions, is largely unknown. You will investigate how low-light, polarization, optic flow, and potentially magnetic information are encoded and transmitted to the brain. By combining multi-electrode recordings from large populations of retinal ganglion cells with controlled visual and magnetic stimulation, we aim to identify retina-based signals and pathways that contribute to navigation in migratory birds.

Your tasks

Design, conduct, and analyse multielectrode recordings of the avian retina in collaboration

Data analysis using Matlab or similar

• 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

A completed university degree (Diploma (Uni) / Masters) in a relevant subject

Relevant research experience

• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Preferable/Desirable:
• Background in visual neuroscience or computational neuroscience

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

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 universitys 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 Prof. Dr. Martin Greschner,

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 09.10.2026 to

Your 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 to University of Oldenburg, Department of Neuroscience, Prof. Dr. Greschner with reference to „NaviSense PhD position” in a joint PDF document.

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
• Corporate Benefits