About us

The newly funded Cluster of Excellence NaviSense - working on the Sensory Basis, Mechanisms, and Impacts of Animal Navigation - is a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research consortium 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. 

At NaviSense, we believe diversity drives innovation. We are a dynamic research team exploring (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/. 

We are looking for curious, motivated individuals from resource constrained countries to join us as Doctoral Researcher. If you are passionate about animal navigation research and eager to grow in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting, we want to hear from you. 

You are eligible if your nationality and highest university’s degree is from a resource constrained country (see table). You should also not have resided or conducted your main activities in a high-income country for more than approximately a year at the time of application.

Please get in touch if you are unsure about your eligibility, we are very happy to help clarifying this upfront.

Your tasks

• Drive your own research: Conduct an independent project (with the support of your supervisor and peers) within NaviSense’s innovative framework, shaping the future of animal navigation research. 
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work alongside a diverse team of researchers, contributing to interdisciplinary projects and co-authoring impactful publications.
• Share your insights: Present your findings at (inter)national conferences and help spread knowledge within the scientific community.
• Engage in our community: Join NaviSense events, like retreats and seminars, to share your work, exchange ideas, and build connections (we’ll work with you to make participation possible).
• Develop your professional and personal skills with the NavNextGen Academy: Take part in our tailored qualification program.

Your profile

Essential Qualifications

• A university degree (MSc, diploma, or equivalent) at the time of hiring in a field relevant to NaviSense‘s research foci.
• Nationality and country of your university, where highest degree was achieved, has to be a resource constrained country (every country listed in any column of this table).
• Residence or conduction of main activity should not have been in a high-income country for more than approximately a year.
• A strong interest in at least one of NaviSense’s research areas.
• Motivation to dive into independent scientific work and learn new techniques.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn methods, tools, or technologies relevant to your research interest.

We offer

• A vibrant research community: Join a unique, interdisciplinary, and diverse team in a stimulating scientific environment.
• Cutting-edge resources: Access a wide range of expertise, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art techniques to fuel your research.
• Personal and professional growth: As part of the NavNextGen Academy, you’ll have opportunities to attend conferences, excursions, courses, and workshops, expanding your network, skills, and career prospects through mentoring and training.
• Smooth start and ongoing support: Benefit from guidance during onboarding and continuous support throughout your doctorate.
• International assistance: Receive help from the university’s international office to make your transition and stay as seamless as possible.
• Flexibility and work-life balance: Work in a family-friendly environment with flexible hours and the option for remote work.
• Well-being and community: Take advantage of the university’s health promotion and sports programs to stay active and connected.

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.

Further information

There are up to three positions available.

The workplace is in Oldenburg (Lower Saxony) and/or at a cooperation institute. 

Contact

For further information, please contact Dr. Tabea Hildebrand, email:  , phone: +49 (0)441 798 3586.

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 30.09.2026 to

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. If you’re excited about this opportunity but unsure if you meet every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value potential as much as experience.

Please send your application, including a letter of motivation (specify a research direction and name up to three project leaders you would be interested working and developing your project with (see https://navisense.org/)), your CV, references (either contact details or letters of recommendation) and copies of your university certificates (e.g. Master’s certificate or statement of anticipated degree, Transcript of Records or equivalent) in a joint pdf document to the above email address. 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. Interviews will be held online.