Research Assistant in Biochemistry in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense

Overview of vacancies

The University of Oldenburg is seeking to fill the following position:

Paygrade	E13 TV-L
Working Hours	100% (suitable for part-time)
Institution	Cluster of Excellence „NaviSense“ (Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU), School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
Location	Oldenburg (Oldb)
Application Deadline	25.08.2026
First day of work	01.01.2027
Limited	Until 31.12.2032

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/.

The research group Neurosensorics/Animal Navigation is dedicated to understand the intricate mechanisms underlying animal navigation. A specific emphasis is on the role of Cryptochrome 4 in avian magnetoreception. By employing cutting-edge techniques and an interdisciplinary approach, we aim to understand magnetoreception from the biophysics of electron spins via biochemistry, molecular biology and neuroscience to the behaviour of the animal.

Your tasks

This position aims to elucidate the specific mechanism by which cryptochromes contribute to avian magnetoreception at the protein level, employing state-of-the-art biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

The tasks include in particular:

• Pursuing your own research project related to cryptochromes

• Performing and guiding protein expression, purification and crystallization

• Leading the biochemistry team within the research group Neurosensorics/Animal Navigation

• 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)

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• University degree (master’s degree, diploma (university)) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or similar with a very good academic record, a PhD in Natural Sciences is desirable

• Broad knowledge of biochemistry

• Expertise in structural biology

• Expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques

• Proficiency in expressing, purifying and crystallization of cryptochrome proteins

• Experience in supervising students

• Fluency in spoken and written English

Preferable/Desirable:

• Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across many different fields of expertise

• a PhD in Natural Sciences is desirable

• Ability to work independently and in an international team

• Excellent communication skills

• Organisational skills and a solution-oriented approach to work

• A high degree of reliability, commitment and motivation

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

• You and your peers will be part of our training program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy which will allow you to participate in conferences, excursions, courses, and workshops with great networking opportunities, research training, and career and mentoring programs, to further promote your personal and professional development

• Guidance during your onboarding phase and support during your postdoctorate

• 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 and the option of partial remote work

• 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

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Henrik Mouritsen, email: , phone: +49 (0)441 798 3081.

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 25.08.2026 to

Please send your application, including a letter of motivation, your CV and a list of your publications (if applicable), along with the names and addresses of at least two references who are familiar with your work, and copies of your university certificates in a joint pdf document. 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.

Benefits at University of Oldenburg

30 days vacation

Secure remuneration according to collective agreement

Company pension scheme

Further education opportunities

Flexible working hours

Health management

Remote working

Compatibility of career and family

Support with childcare

University Sports Centre

Certificate Bicycle-friendly employer

Corporate Benefits

How to apply

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Start your application now

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