Doctoral researcher in Robot Navigation Cluster of Excellence NaviSense

Overview

The newly funded Cluster of Excellence Navi Sense 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.

Navi Sense 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.

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The Assistance Systems and Medical Technology (AMT) division is involved in research area 4. The aim is to transfer mechanisms of sensor fusion, navigation and mapping from insects to mobile robot platforms and thus verify how the mechanisms work. The focus is on mechanisms and algorithms similar to simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) from robotics.

• Understanding of insect sensors and actuators, their sensor fusion mechanisms and their living environment
• Implementing and testing control concepts and algorithms for autonomous navigation in similar environments
• Collaborating with other researchers on interdisciplinary research projects and publications
• Participation in Navi Sense events like retreats and seminars to present your research, strengthen scientific discussions and team building (considering individual possibilities)
• Mandatory participation in our qualification program hosted in the Nav Next Gen  Academy (see below)

Your profile

• University degree (master’s degree, diploma (university)) or equivalent in Computer Science (or similar related programme)
• Fluency in spoken and written German and English
• Expertise in robot navigation, documented by prior scientific publications in robot navigation or SLAM

• 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
• Working experience with ROS2
• Knowledge of the programming languages Python and C++
• Familiarity with machine learning and/or deep learning methods
• Experience with multi-agent systems

• 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 Nav Next Gen  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

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.