Dynamic Vision: from Single Photons to Behaviour in Extreme Light Environments

Supervisor: Jun-Prof. Dr. Anna Stöckl (University of Konstanz)

Starting date: September 2025 (negotiable)

The Visual Neuroethology group (https://www.insect-vision.com) headed by Dr. Anna Stöckl is recruiting a PhD candidate to study the dynamic visual abilities of nocturnal moths. Our growing lab at the University of Konstanz focuses on how insects process information for flower selection and movement control in varying light environments. We approach these questions using a combination of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, quantitative behavioural methods and computational tools.

Project description:

Driving along a tree-lined avenue, we have all experienced how the rapid succession of light
and shade disrupts our vision. Such conditions push even synthetic sensors to their limits, but
many animals master these challenges on a daily—and nightly—basis. Indeed, a high dynamic
range is a hallmark of natural sensory environments. For nocturnal animals, artificial light at
night makes this range even more extreme, and poses a considerable challenge to their visual
system. How then is dynamic visual information processed with the limited bandwidth available
in neural circuits? And what role do an animal’s movements, which shape what it sees, play in
matching the acquired information to the limited processing capacity? The visually-guided flight
of nocturnal moths is uniquely suited for approaching these questions.

In this project, the PhD candidate will study the mechanisms underlying vision in dynamic light
environments. The elephant hawkmoth (Deilephila elpenor) currently serves as a focus
species. In this project, we plan to expand our investigations comparatively to other nocturnal
moths. To dissect the neural basis of natural behaviour in dynamic light, the project will have
a strong focus on quantitative behavioural measurements of the moths’ free flight in different
light intensities, using newly established motion-capture tracking in a large flight arena.
Depending on the candidate’s qualifications and interests, neurophysiological measurements
of motion processing neurons, or outdoor behavioural experiments in natural light conditions,
can complement this approach. Integrated into an expanding group in the international
environment at Konstanz University, this research project will pioneer our understanding of
how nocturnal insects cope with dynamic light environments, including artificial light pollution.

Your profile:
1. Master sc. or equivalent in Biology, Neuroscience, Engineering or related fields
2. a strong interest in insect vision and neuroethology
3. experience in in quantitative behaviour/ animal tracking
4. experience in programming (Python, Matlab or equivalent) is required

The position:
1. starting September 2025 (negotiable)
2. the position is initially available for three years, with possibility for extension
3. salary according to the pay-scale for University employees (TVL)
4. graduation via the IMPRS-QBEE graduate program

Main supervisor: Jun-Prof. Dr. Anna Stöckl anna.stoeckl@uni-konstanz.de

You will be part of an international research group, integrated into the vibrant research
environment of our neurobiology network (https://www.neurobiology-konstanz.com/) at Konstanz University, and benefit from our association with the Excellence Cluster for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/).

Application process:
Applicants should apply via the IMPRS’ application system (https://imprs-qbee.cloud.opencampus.net/).

In addition to the documents specified in the system, applicants are required to include a
research statement addressing the following prompts:
1. Describe your main scientific interests, how they developed, and how they relate to the proposed research project. Explain what types of scientific questions most motivate you and why. (1 page)
2. Describe 1-2 specific biological questions or hypotheses you would like to test within the described project. You should assume that you will have access to existing data (see here https://www.insect-vision.com/about-3 for a description of the available data) as well as the opportunity to collect new data. Explain what data you would collect (and/or use) and the analytical approach(es) you would employ to address your questions. (1 page, excluding any references)

For further information regarding the position, please contact Jun-Prof. Dr. Anna Stöckl.

The University of Konstanz is an equal opportunity employer committed to provide employment
opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. They seek to increase the number of women in
those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.