There has been an FÖJ position at the Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences since 2005. Until 2024, this was mainly supervised by Prof Ellen Kiel (aquatic ecology working group) (see also here). After her retirement, responsibility switched to Prof Heiko Schmaljohann and the Migration Ecology working group.

The Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU) at the University of Oldenburg specialises in the subjects of biology and landscape ecology. The individual working groups carry out numerous, mostly interdisciplinary projects, the contents of which are important for basic research and for applied nature and environmental protection.
The Migration Ecology working group is primarily concerned with ornithology (bird science), in particular bird migration, mostly of songbirds. The research spectrum ranges from the basics of birds' sense of magnetism to migration patterns of birds across the globe. Data is primarily collected out in the field, where birds are observed, sometimes caught and ringed, and fitted with transmitters. The data collected is then statistically analysed and published in scientific papers. The working group's research is intended to contribute to a better understanding of bird migration and thus to the protection of migratory birds.
The research centre is located on the Haarentor campus. Work rooms, offices and laboratories are available there. The FÖJ employee is integrated into a motivated and friendly team of scientists, employees, doctoral candidates, interns and students with a professor as working group leader. There are also assignments at other locations, where you can spend anywhere from one day to several weeks travelling. 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. A good command of English is desirable. A driving licence is desirable but not essential.

The activities of the FÖJ volunteer focus on working on various scientific projects. This is done in co-operation with scientists, technicians and students. The FÖJ employee may be involved in the following fields of work:

• Assisting scientists and students with data collection in the field (setting up equipment and materials, bird watching, bird trapping, bird ringing) at various locations in different weather conditions, e.g. Heligoland, Norderney, northern Schleswig-Holstein, possibly also abroad
• Preparation and follow-up of field work
• Maintenance and repair of receiving stations for bird transmitters along the German North Sea coast with our technician
• Sorting out and identifying insects using binoculars
• Looking after the nesting boxes at the various university sites
• Participation in seminars and lectures for students
• Preparation of excursions and other events (incl. conferences)
• Help with the evaluation, validation and maintenance of data sets; also with statistical methods including simple programming and graphical representation
• If necessary, help with writing and proofreading texts from simple proposals to scientific publications
• Supervision of literature databases and literature research (especially in English)

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