PhD-position “Investigating the role of avian photoreceptors in magnetoreception” in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense

About us

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. 

Our research group is dedicated to understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying animal navigation, with a specific emphasis on the role of Cryptochrome 4 in avian magnetoreception. This protein is expressed in the outer segments of photoreceptors and likely initiates the detection of magnetic signals which are then further processed in the avian retina. By employing cutting-edge techniques and a multidisciplinary approach, we aim to understand magnetoreception from the biophysics of electron spins via molecular biology and neuroscience to the behavior of the animal in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense (EXC-3051). This PhD position aims to elucidate the role of avian photoreceptors in magnetoreception, employing electrophysiological and imaging techniques.

Joining our team provides an ideal opportunity to work on an exciting question within an international and interdisciplinary group of researchers.

Your tasks

• Elucidate the role of avian photoreceptors in magnetoreception, employing electrophysiological and imaging techniques.
• 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:

• Master’s degree (master thesis should be at least submitted) and a very good academic record.
• Proficiency in patch-clamp recordings.
• Expertise in cell culture techniques, cell transfections, and bird tissue dissection.
• Expertise in the evaluation of electrophysiological data.
• Proficiency in programming with Matlab and Python.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Preferable/Desirable:

• Experience with ion imaging techniques.
• International experience, proven by a lab stay abroad or similar.
• Experience in tutoring students.
• Solid background in neuroscience.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and integrating different scientific disciplines to address complex biological questions.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

We offer

In our group at the University of Oldenburg (Germany), you can contribute to the framework of the EXC-3051 together with leading researchers in the field of animal navigation and magnetic sensing mechanisms. Our collaborations will give you access to a very wide range of superb modern equipment, techniques, and expertise. We offer a structured PhD program which allows you to participate in conferences, excursions, courses, and workshops with great networking opportunities, research training, and career programs, to further promote your professional development. 

For more information about our group, visit https://uole.de/karin-dedek and http://navisense.org/.

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. Karin Dedek, [email protected].