A PhD position in orientation behaviour and magneto-sensory biology of bats is available at the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg and affiliated with the DFG collaborative research centre SFB 1372 “Magnetoreception and Navigation in Vertebrates: From Biophysics to Brain and Behaviour” hosted by the University of Oldenburg. Running for 4 years, the PhD position will be embedded within a larger collaborative group comprising 22 principle investigators, 5 postdocs and 18 PhD students mainly based at University of Oldenburg but with partners at Institute of Avian Research Wilhelmshaven, Freie Universität Berlin, Ruhr University Bochum, University of Oxford, England, and Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel. You will become an integral part of the bat navigation research team supervised by Dr. Oliver Lindecke, working closely together in the field with collaborators from Bangor University, Wales, the Ornithological Laboratory of the University of Latvia, and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin on related questions. You will have access to a very wide range of superb modern equipment, techniques and expertise. You will be further provided with exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and academic networking, together with structured training, scientific exchange and early career support programs. More details about the SFB can be found at www.sfb1372.de.

The aim of the PhD project is to conduct extensive field and laboratory experimentation with European migratory bats and to investigate the mostly discussed hypotheses of magnetoreception and vision by testing predictions related to the magnetic-particle-based and/or radical-pair mechanism in bats.

The overall goal of this research project is to advance the field of mammal navigation and vertebrate sensory behaviour with bats as a model organism. Behavioural and physiological principles and elements that are central to the many sensory processes (including magnetoreception and vision) enabling mammalian long-range movement and orientation are in focus.

• setting up and conducting field experiments abroad (Baltic Sea region, and potentially in Germany) during four years in migration seasons of bat species
  
• analysing tracking data acquired with various modern techniques and on different spatial scales (lab and open field)
  
• statistical analyses of complex and large data sets (including circular data),
  
• tight collaboration with other scientists of the collaborative research centre and team work with other group members in the field
  
• writing scientific publications and communicating results to an international audience
  

The doctoral candidate will study bat navigation in an ecological context with a focus on long-range spatial orientation and the physiological underpinnings. Possible research foci include the behavioural, sensory, ecological, molecular and/or genetic mechanisms that enable bats to navigate over long geographical distances. The candidate must contribute to the institute’s key research area “Orientation and Navigation in Vertebrates”. Candidates with a proven track record in working with key aspects of navigation in vertebrates will therefore be preferred.

We seek a highly motivated student with a completed scientific university degree (Diploma (Uni) or Master in the life or environmental sciences, ideally with specialization in migration ecology, mammalogy (preferentially bats) and orientation/navigation mechanisms. Interest in orientation/navigation, sensory and movement ecology questions are essential. Experience with fieldwork, preferably including marking and/or tracking of individuals, especially bats, is a must but candidates with experience in other taxa are very welcome to apply. A high motivation for intensive field work during migration seasons and at night are essential. Previous experience of working with magnetic coil systems is preferred. Working both independently and creatively and as part of a team is necessary, as are good oral and written communication skills in English. A drivers license is beneficial. Experience with statistical software, e.g. R, (preferentially including modelling and programming) is advantageous, as is previous handling of circular data.

A deep and broad interest in biology, openness to multi-disciplinary and advanced technologies, self-driven working attitude and good team working skills will be relevant, as will be a strength in improvisation capacity during field research if this becomes necessary.

The open-minded candidate we are looking for should be open to expand from initial research into laboratory studies (e.g. histology, genetics) if findings strongly suggest that a more detailed insight can be gathered only by a multi-disciplinary approach.

The position is paid according to TVL E13 (http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/west/) with 65% of the regular work hours. The place of work will be at the Campus Wechloy of the University of Oldenburg. The candidate will deeply integrate into a joint curriculum within the host institute and participate in seminars and infrastructure-related tasks. Collaborations exist with the Animal Navigation Group at Bangor University (UK), the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Berlin) and the Laboratory of Ornithology (Univ. Latvia) that will lead to co-working of the applicant with their members during field research in the Baltics.

We offer:

• Opportunity to do cutting edge science in a supportive and collaborative team with international members
  
• State-of-the-art tools and facilities, and access to wild bats in numbers that enable unrestricted addressing of research questions
  
• Participation in the Collaborative Research Centre SFB1372
  
• Participation and exchange on research projects in a weekly seminar of doctoral students in the Integrated Research Training Group Magnetoreception and Navigation in Vertebrates.
  
• Enrolment in the local graduate school at UOL with a large offer of soft and scientific skills courses, mentoring programs etc.

Applicants must send a single pdf file via e-mail containing a cover letter with statements of motivation about the position and for the field of research, CV, a publication list, the names and contact deteailsat least two personal references, and copies of academic transcripts of BSc and MSc certificates by 21 Dec 2022 to oliver.lindecke[at]uni-oldenburg.de. We will start looking at the applications as soon as they are submitted and will consider further applications until the position is filled.

Interviews will be held after the closing date, at the earliest in Jan 2022 and may include a video interview.

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increasing the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance with Lower Saxony regulations (§ 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 contact Dr. Oliver Lindecke per e-mail or phone (+49 4417 9838 06).