Postdoctoral researcher in Computational Neuroscience in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense

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 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

Your tasks

• Analyzing behavioral and physiological insect navigation data.
• Modeling navigation neural circuits.
• Close collaboration with robotics teams.
• 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:

• PhD or equivalent in neurobiology, engineering, computer science, physics, or applied mathematics.
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Strong programming skills
• Experience in computational modeling of neural circuits and in the mathematical analysis of neural computations, in particular sensory systems

Preferable:

• Dedication for the research field of navigation
• 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
• Experience programming in python
• Research experience in modeling the invertebrate nervous system
• Research experience in modeling the processing of directional cues

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

You can find comprehensive information and benefits about working at the University Medicine Oldenburg at the following link uol.de/benefits.

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.

Notes

The position is initially limited to three years with the possibility of an extension pending funding.

Further information

Research topic

How do small brains solve the complex problem of navigation? Insects display a stunning variety of strategies: butterflies and moths migrate across continents, desert ants rely on path integration and memory, dung beetles orient with celestial cues, and flies navigate local environments with impressive precision. Despite this diversity, these behaviors rely on a shared neural core circuit—the central complex.

This project will investigate the central complex as a unified navigation circuit, integrating data across species and behavioral contexts. You will:

• Develop computational models that link the connectivity of the circuit (from connectomics) to behavior.
• Work closely with experimental collaborators who provide behavioral, anatomical, and neurophysiological data from both field and laboratory studies.
• Explore how navigation strategies can emerge from a common circuit architecture.
• Contribute to a long-term goal of testing these models in robotic platforms, providing a powerful bridge between biology and engineering.

The position offers training in computational neuroscience, neural circuit modeling, and AI/robotics, as well as strong interdisciplinary exposure through collaborations with international groups studying insect and vertebrate navigation.