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
The Biomimetic robotics research in your PhD project will be centred in research area 4 "links biological and technical systems through models, algorithms, and devices", and directly connects to area 1 "animal navigation mechanisms and their underlying senses" for biomimetic research inspiration. You will work together with engineers, computer scientists and biologists at Oldenburg and in Groningen to develop bird-inspired magnetic navigation in aerial robots inspired by deep knowledge about bird biology. At the University of Groningen, you will work in the Biomimetics Group lead by Professor Lentink, which includes makerspace and robotics lab facilities to develop and test flying robots. In addition, the group also studies birds in the lab, enabling you to learn about bird biology. At the University of Oldenburg you will sit and work with biologists studying the bird magnetic sense to translate their in-depth sensory biology knowledge to robotics. You will be formally hired at Oldenburg and become part of both the university of Oldenburg and Groningen as a PhD student.
Your tasks
* Develop a bird inspired algorithm and robot capable of magnetic navigation like a bird using the guidance, navigation and control framework as a robotics basis.
* Develop and flight test the algorithm and robot to test engineering and biological questions and hypotheses on magnetic sense-based navigation.
* Collaborate with other researchers on interdisciplinary research projects and publications.
* Participation in our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy (see below), 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 (MSc degree, diploma (university)) or equivalent in Aerospace engineering, Mechanical engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Applied Physics (or similar related programme in combination with relevant experience).
* Fluency in spoken and written English.
* Experience in one (or more) of the following areas: navigation, flight, control, robotics, drones, magnetic sensing, RC/ autonomous hobby flight.
Preferable/Desirable:
* Dedication for the research field
* Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across many different fields of expertise
* Ability to work independently
* Showing team spirit
* Good communication skills
* Experience with PixHawk Autopilot, Arduino boards, Raspberry Pi - or equivalent
* Experience with ROS/ROS2
* Experience with programming languages like Matlab, Python, C++
* Familiarity with machine learning and/or deep learning methods
We offer
* A dual PhD degree at the Universities of Oldenburg and Groningen (for four years)
* Well-structured, enthusiastic and supportive advising towards PhD completion
* 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 qualification 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 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
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
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.
Further information
We are looking for a great colleague who everyone enjoys collaborating with while making also important independent progress. The Biomimetics Group at Groningen is a very social group and we care about the quality of our joint work and interactions.
We care more about the quality of the person than the particular training, if in doubt but you know you would love to apply for this position, please apply. We look for the best candidate on a case by case basis. Uniquely qualified people cannot be captured in a list, please explain why your are a fit and want this position in your cover letter.
Contact
For further information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. David Lentink ( d.lentink@rug.nl ).
Apply now
Please send your application via e-mail by 15 May 2026 to navisense@uni-oldenburg.de.
Please send your application, including a letter of motivation, your CV and publication(s) (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 to Prof. dr. ir. David Lentink. 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.