PhD Position in Interactive And Immersive Simulation Of Animal Navigation, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Summary

The Quantum Biology and Computational Physics Group at the University of Oldenburg is offering a three-year doctoral position focusing on interactive and immersive simulations of animal navigation. The role sits at the intersection of computer science, physics, and biology. The appointed researcher will develop visualization and interaction frameworks, implement methods for hypothesis testing, integrate navigation models into immersive software environments (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), and conduct user evaluations with scientists. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, demonstrate strong programming skills, and have fluency in English. Benefits include standard German collective agreement terms (TV-L E13), 30 days of leave, and access to advanced research facilities.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Oldenburg
Department	Institute of Physics (School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
Position Type	Doctoral Researcher
Discipline	Computer Science, Physics, Computational Biology, Engineering, Human–Computer Interaction
Research Area	Interactive and Immersive Simulation of Animal Navigation
Degree Required	Master's degree (or equivalent)
Salary	Paygrade E13 TV-L
Funding	Paygrade E13 TV-L
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-30
Required Documents	cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, statement of research interests, list of publications or software projects (if applicable), contact details of at least two referees
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Ilia Solov’yov
Employer Address	Ammerländer Heerstraße 114–118, 26129, Lower Saxony

About the Project

This doctoral project investigates how interactive and immersive simulations, including virtual and mixed reality, can enhance researchers' ability to explore, manipulate, and evaluate computational models of animal navigation. The research focuses on parameter variation, manipulation of sensory cues, comparing competing navigation hypotheses, and linking individual agent decisions to population-level movement patterns through empirical evaluations with scientists.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a research framework for visualizing and interacting with computational models of animal navigation.
• Design and implement methods to explore parameters, manipulate assumptions, compare hypotheses, and inspect simulated outcomes.
• Integrate existing or newly developed navigation models and simulation data into interactive environments using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Design and conduct evaluations with researchers to assess how different interfaces support scientific exploration, interpretation, and reasoning.
• Collaborate closely with scientists in physics, biology, and computer science, and disseminate results through publications and presentations.
• Pursue an independent doctoral research project leading to a PhD.

Required Skills

• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, or C#.
• Experience in interactive software development, simulation, scientific computing, or visualization.
• Advanced experience with machine learning methods.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Who Should Apply

Applicants holding a Master's degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computational Biology, Engineering, Human–Computer Interaction, or a related field with strong programming capabilities and experience in interactive software, scientific computing, or visualization should apply. Candidates must possess excellent English skills and advanced experience with machine learning methods.

Benefits

• 30 days vacation
• Secure remuneration according to TV-L E13 collective agreement
• Company pension scheme
• Further education opportunities
• Flexible working hours and remote working options
• Health management, university health and sports programmes
• Childcare support and work-family compatibility measures
• Access to modern computational and immersive-visualization infrastructure

About the Employer

The University of Oldenburg features the Quantum Biology and Computational Physics Group within the Institute of Physics (School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences), providing an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required for this PhD position?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Physics, Computational Biology, Engineering, Human–Computer Interaction, or a closely related discipline.

What is the deadline for applications?

The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

How long is the contract duration?

The position is limited for a duration of 3 years.

Who should applications be addressed to?

Applications should be sent to Prof. Dr. Ilia Solov’yov.