The Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences has had an FÖJ position since 2005. Until 2024, this position was mainly supervised by Prof. Ellen Kiel (WG Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation) (see also here). After her retirement, responsibility was transferred to Prof. Heiko Schmaljohann and the Migration Ecology Working Group.

The Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU) at the University of Oldenburg offers courses in the subjects of biology and landscape ecology. The individual working groups carry out numerous, mostly interdisciplinary projects whose content is important for basic research and for applied nature conservation and environmental protection.
The Migration Ecology Working Group focuses primarily on ornithology (the study of birds), in particular bird migration, mostly of songbirds. The spectrum of research ranges from the basics of birds' magnetic sense to the migration patterns of birds across the globe. Data is primarily collected in the field, where birds are observed, sometimes caught and ringed, and equipped with transmitters. The collected data is then statistically evaluated and published in scientific publications. The research conducted by the working group aims to contribute to a better understanding of bird migration and thus to the protection of migratory birds.
The place of work is located on the Haarentor campus, where work rooms, offices and laboratories are available. The FÖJ employee will be integrated into a motivated and friendly team of scientists, employees, doctoral candidates, interns and students, with a professor as the working group leader. In addition, assignments take place at other locations, which can involve travelling for between one day and several weeks. In the vicinity of the workplace, there are numerous cultural and scientific activities on offer at the university and in the city of Oldenburg.
Applicants should not be afraid of birds but should have an inquisitive interest in research. They should not be afraid of field work and bad weather. Good German and English skills are desirable. A driving licence is desirable but not essential.

The focus of the FÖJ volunteer's activities is to collaborate on various scientific projects. This is done in cooperation with scientists, technicians and students. The FÖJ volunteer can participate in the following areas of work:

• Supporting scientists and students in data collection in the field (setting up equipment and materials, bird watching, bird catching, bird ringing) at various locations in various weather conditions, e.g. Heligoland, Norderney, northern Schleswig-Holstein, and possibly also abroad
• Preparation and follow-up of field work
• Maintaining and repairing receiving stations for bird transmitters along the German North Sea coast with our technician
• Sorting and identifying insects using binoculars
• Maintenance of nesting boxes at various locations at the university
• Participation in seminars and lectures for students
• Preparation of excursions and other events (including conferences)
• Assistance with the evaluation, validation and maintenance of data sets, including statistical methods such as simple programming and graphical representation
• Assistance with writing and proofreading texts, from simple proposals to scientific publications, as required
• Maintaining literature databases and conducting literature research (especially in English)

It would also be desirable to carry out your own small research project independently, possibly in co-operation with other Institutes.