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.

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 https://navisense.org/ .

Your tasks

In the framework of NaviSense, we will develop novel ultrafast spectroscopy techniques to explore spin coherences during radical-pair formation in cryptochromes and related solid-state and chemical model systems. The experiments shall provide new insight into the question whether light-induced spin coherences are of relevance for magnetic field sensing of birds. More generally they are aimed at shedding new light on the coherent spin transport in model systems for magnetically sensitive radical pairs.

You will be responsible for setting up, performing and analyzing the planned experiments in close collaboration with various partners from NaviSense. Specifically, we are planning to combine advanced ultrafast multidimensional and cavity-enhanced spectroscopies to sense coherent spin-dynamics in cryptochrome proteins and related solid-state and chemical model system. We are offering a scientific environment and infrastructure to perform cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research. You will be encouraged to make use of this infrastructure to establish an independent research profile.

We expect that you will intensely collaborate with other researchers within NaviSense and beyond.

Your profile

We are seeking candidates with a qualifying university degree (diploma, master or similar) and a Ph.D. in physics or related areas. We expect competence in at least two areas comprising ultrafast optics, spectroscopy, molecular physics, nano science, and solid-state physics. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. We expect high motivation, good communication skills and the ability to work in a team.

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
• 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.

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 06.01.2026 to

christoph.lienau@uni-oldenburg.de

Applications with the usual documents (motivation letter, CV, copies of the certificates for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Dissertation degrees, list of publications) with the following reference number UNO26 to Prof. Dr. Christoph Lienau (University of Oldenburg, Faculty V, Institute of Physics, 26129 Oldenburg, phone 0441-798 3485, Email: christoph.lienau@uni-oldenburg.de ).

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about the position. You are welcome to let us know which pronouns you use and how we may address you.