The Straw Lab, Faculty of Biology is looking for a scientist (PhD student or postdoctoral researcher, m/f/d). PhD or Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) in Honey Bee Visual Navigation (Straw Lab)
The Straw Lab, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany, investigates visual navigation in insects. Our primary scientific interest is computational neuroethology, and we also develop technical tools such as virtual reality and insect tracking systems. The research group is a multidisciplinary and multicultural working environment with a wide range of research activities including experimental neurophysiology, laboratory and outdoor behavioral experiments, computational modeling, environmental reconstruction, and design of computerized systems.
We are seeking a scientist to investigate the neural and computational mechanisms underlying visual navigation in honey bees. One position is available and will be filled either as a PhD position with a focus on computational modeling and reinforcement learning or as a postdoctoral position with a focus on experimental neurobiology, depending on the qualifications and research profile of the successful candidate. Both profiles are genuinely open: applicants should apply under a single profile, and we will select the strongest candidate across both.
Profile 1 (PhD student): Reinforcement Learning and Computational Modeling of Honey Bee Visual Navigation
The PhD project will focus on computational approaches to understanding bee visual navigation. The project builds on our theoretical framework "Reinforcement learning as a robotics-inspired framework for insect navigation: from spatial representations to neural implementation" (Lochner et al., 2024). Responsibilities will include:
- Environmental reconstruction of bee habitat
- Computational modeling of visual navigation in honey bees
- Evaluation of the robustness and generality of honey bee visual processing for spatial navigation
- Use of an insect-inspired reinforcement learning architecture based on the mushroom bodies
- Collaboration with experimental researchers and other scientists
Requirements:
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Physics, Computational Neuroscience, or a related field
- Experience in machine learning, including reinforcement learning, and in modeling
- Experience in at least one of the following fields: computer vision, 3D reconstruction, neuroscience, or animal navigation
Profile 2 (Postdoctoral): Neurophysiology of Honey Bee Visual Navigation
The postdoctoral project will focus on the neural mechanisms underlying visual navigation in the honey bee brain. Responsibilities will include:
- In vivo two-photon imaging of visual-navigation circuits in bees behaving in visual virtual reality
- Collaboration with computational researchers and other scientists
Additional responsibilities include animal preparation, behavioral experiments, image and data analysis, and development of experimental methods.
Requirements:
- A doctoral degree in Neuroscience or a related field
- Experience in computational data analysis of neural imaging or electrophysiological data
- Experience in at least one of the following fields: in vivo imaging, two-photon microscopy, calcium imaging, neurobiology, electrophysiology, or insect neuroscience
For both profiles
Responsibilities for both profiles include preparing results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Both profiles require strong analytical skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, strong scientific communication skills, and proficiency in English.
What we offer
- A three-year full-time position in a multidisciplinary and multicultural research group at the University of Freiburg
- Access to well-equipped facilities, including two-photon microscopy, insect virtual reality systems, and dedicated computing resources
- Close supervision and mentoring, combined with the freedom to develop your own scientific ideas
- Opportunities to publish in leading peer-reviewed journals and to present at international conferences
- Access to the University's structured training and career-development programs
- The standard benefits of the German public service, including paid annual leave and an occupational pension
- Support with relocation and administrative formalities, with German language skills not required for the position
- A high quality of life in Freiburg, a university city on the edge of the Black Forest with excellent connections to France and Switzerland
How to apply
Applications should include the following:
- A brief cover letter outlining your reasons for wanting to join the lab, summarizing your educational background and relevant skills, indicating to which profile you are applying, and describing the topics you would most like to work on
- A CV including a list of publications (max. 2 pages)
- Transcripts and copies of your degree certificates
- Contact details for two or three referees (it is not necessary to send reference letters)
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or family status.
Please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Andrew Straw (
[email protected]) if you have questions about the position or the application process. The actual application must proceed through the online application portal.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The position is limited to 31. Dezember 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.
We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.
Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005148, by 30. September 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:
Prof. Dr. Andrew Straw
Faculty of Biology
Hauptstraße 1
79104 Freiburg
For further information, please contact Prof.Dr. Andrew Straw on the phone number +49 761 203-67685 or E-Mail [email protected].
