Doctoral researcher in the ERC project LIGHTSTAR (celestial orientation)

About us

The Entomology Research Group at the University of Oldenburg investigates fundamental mechanisms of insect orientation and navigation, with a particular focus on nocturnal insects and the effects of artificial light at night. Our research combines behavioural experiments in the laboratory and the field with innovative tracking technologies to understand how insects use environmental cues for orientation and how anthropogenic changes affect their behaviour.

The advertised PhD position is one of two PhD positions within the ERC Starting Grant project LIGHTSTAR, which investigates how light pollution disrupts the orientation of moths and alters habitat connectivity. The PhD project will focus on how moths use celestial cues, particularly moonlight and skylight polarisation, for orientation and how artificial light at night interferes with these mechanisms. Behavioural experiments using outdoor flight simulators will be conducted along a light pollution gradient and combined with measurements of the nocturnal light environment to investigate the relative importance of different celestial cues. The project will also contribute to modelling the effects of light pollution on habitat connectivity. The two PhD researchers will collaborate closely in planning and conducting their field experiments.

Your tasks

• Design, plan and conduct behavioural experiments with tethered moths under field conditions
• Analyse behavioural and environmental data and contribute to habitat connectivity modelling
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Contribute to teaching in the Bachelor's programmes in Environmental Sciences and Biology and the Master's programme in Landscape Ecology

Your profile

Essential qualifications

• Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent) in biology or a related discipline
• Experience in conducting behavioural experiments
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Very good written and spoken English skills

Ideally you have

• Background in behavioural biology, sensory ecology or animal orientation and navigation
• Experience with field experiments, ideally at night
• Experience in analysing behavioural data, particularly animal movement and orientation data
• Experience in measuring the nocturnal light environment
• Knowledge of R for analysing behavioural data
• Interest in building, adapting and troubleshooting experimental setups (e.g. electronics, 3D printing, or CAD/prototyping tools such as OpenSCAD)
• Interest in or experience with AI-based tracking tools (e.g. SLEAP or comparable software)
• Valid driving licence

We offer

• A research position in a dynamic and interdisciplinary field
• A friendly, supportive and productive research group within an international and collaborative research environment at the University of Oldenburg
• Access to specialised experimental infrastructure for laboratory and field research
• A certified family-friendly university with a vibrant and sustainable campus and excellent infrastructure

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. Jacqueline Degen ()

Please send your application via e-mail by 02.12.2026 to

Please send your application, including the usual documents (cover letter, CV, certificates), in a single PDF file.

Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse any travel expenses incurred in connection with the interview process.