Open Positions

29.04.2025

The Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1372 “Magnetoreception and Navigation in Vertebrates” at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg invites applications for a

to conduct independent research in the field of magnetoreception and/or animal navigation. The position will be filled as soon as possible and is limited to 36 months.

The central goal of the SFB 1372 is to gain a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of magnetoreception and navigation in vertebrates, from the biophysical mechanisms to the natural behaviour of navigating animals and all steps in between. To achieve this, we aim to understand how magnetic cues are sensed, how magnetic information reaches and is processed in the brain, how multisensory navigation-relevant information is integrated in the brain, whether neural correlates of map and compass information exist beyond a laboratory environment of a few square metres, what the genetic basis of migration is, and how cue manipulations and different sensory strategies affect navigational behaviour and global migration patterns.

The SFB 1372 brings together more than 20 laboratories at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, the Ruhr-University Bochum, the Institute of Avian Research, the FRee University Berlin, the Weizmann Institute for Science, and the University of Oxford in a stimulating, highly interactive and collaborative research environment.

The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to the goals of the SFB 1372 during the three-year period. Within the first 12-18 months, the candidate should develop a highly competitive research programme and apply for an independent, externally funded junior research group with a duration of 5 years or more (e.g. DFG Emmy Noether, ERC Starting or Consolidator Grant). If (a) one of these grants is successfully acquired within the 3-year period, and (b) the work of the junior group is assessed as successful by the Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences in Oldenburg, a path to a professorship is generally possible under current Lower Saxony law.

To complement and further develop our research activities in SFB 1372, we are looking for highly motivated young scientists, typically with one to four years of postdoctoral experience, with outstanding scientific achievements and extensive international research experience in fields related to the objectives of SFB 1372. These may include but are not restricted to quantum chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, neuroanatomy, behavioural neuroscience, animal behavior, movement ecology, statistical modelling, migration genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, electrophysiology, viral techniques, and optogenetics (for further information, please visit: www.sfb1372.de).

• A university degree (Diplom (university) or Master’s degree) in a STEM (MINT) discipline
• a completed doctoral thesis in a field related to the SFB 1372
• high-quality, peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals,
• a visionary research programme that can be integrated into the SFB 1372, and
• initial experience in writing research proposals.

In particular, we are looking for a candidate with a high collaborative spirit. The motivation to develop academic teaching experience and qualifications is also expected.

The salary and social benefits are in accordance with the regulations of the German salary agreement for public service employees (TV-L). A basic set of consumables and a doctoral student are assigned to the position. As a member of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, institutional support with modern laboratory facilities and up-to-date equipment as well as career-enhancing training and supervision will be provided. The position will be based in Oldenburg.

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.

For further questions please contact Prof. Dr. Henrik Mouritsen (henrik.mouritsen@uni-oldenburg.de, +49 441 798 3081).

Please send your application via e-mail by 15 June 2025 to sfb1372@uni-oldenburg.de. Candidates should submit their application electronically as a single pdf file including

• a motivated letter of interest,
• a curriculum vitae,
• a description of research experience,
• a research concept for the next three years detailing how the candidate would integrate her/his work into SFB 1372 and why this concept could be developed into a successful Emmy Noether or ERC grant application within 18 months (max. 4-5 pages in total),
• a publication list,
• a third-party funding list,
• and the contact addresses of three academic referees.

See also here: https://uol.de/job516en