Doctoral researcher in cell physiology of avian magnetoreception

About us

The SFB 1372 “Magnetoreception and Navigation in Vertebrates” (www.sfb1372.de) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research centre with the goal of gaining a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of magnetoreception and navigation in vertebrates, from the biophysical mechanisms to the natural behaviour of navigating animals, e.g. migratory birds. One of the leading theories for magnetoreception in birds suggests that the ability to perceive magnetic fields is mediated by specialized retinal photoreceptors, which express light-sensitive cryptochrome proteins. Cryptochromes are a class of flavoproteins that can be activated by short wavelength light and undergo photochemical reactions, which result in the formation of radical pairs and offer a potential mechanism for magnetoreception. However, the cellular pathways converting these inputs into a biochemical signal that can be detected, transmitted and interpreted within the avian nervous system, remain unclear.

Our newly established group, led by Dr. Alina Sigaeva, aims to understand the molecular interactions and underlying subcellular organisation of the bird retinal photoreceptors that allow them to detect magnetic cues. We will use stem cells to create retinal organoids and investigate in situ interactions and local subcellular environments of the putative magnetosensitive proteins to test the hypotheses based on the previously generated computational and in vitro biochemical data.

Your tasks

• Establishing and maintaining retinal organoid and tissue cultures.
• Characterizing the avian retinal organoids in terms of morphology, cellular composition, pro­tein expression and distribution, using molecular biology and microscopy-based methods.
• Collaborating with other researchers on interdisciplinary research projects and publications   

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• University degree (Master’s degree, university diploma) or equivalent in cell biology, molec­ular biology, neuroscience or a related MINT (STEM) discipline
• Prior experience in organoid culture, especially neural organoids
• Strong fundamental understanding of and well-developed skills in basic molecular biology techniques (Western blot, PCR, sequencing, transfection)
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Preferable:

• Experience with methods such as flow cytometry, cryosectioning, (immuno-) histochemistry, microfluidics, confocal microscopy
• Experience with primary cell/tissue culture
• General interest and/or experience in working with non-mammalian models
• Prior experience with programming, statistics and data analysis (preferably in Python)

We offer

• Being part of a unique interdisciplinary, collaborative, international and diverse research team and scientific environment
• Access to a wide range of expertise, modern equipment and state-of-the-art techniques
• You will be part of our qualification program hosted in the integrated Research training  Group (iRTG) of the SFB 1372. which will allow you to participate in conferences, excur­sions, courses and workshops with great networking opportunities, research training and career and mentoring programmes, 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

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].