One of the leading theories for magnetoreception in birds suggests that the ability to perceive magnetic fields is mediated by specialized retinal photoreceptors, which express light-sensitive cryptochrome proteins. Cryptochromes are a class of flavoproteins that can be activated by short wavelength light and undergo photochemical reactions, which result in the formation of radical pairs and offer a potential mechanism for magnetoreception. However, the cellular pathways converting these inputs into a biochemical signal that can be detected, transmitted and interpreted within the avian nervous system, remain unclear.

Our newly established group, led by Dr. Alina Sigaeva, aims to understand the molecular interactions and underlying subcellular organisation of the bird retinal photoreceptors that allow them to detect magnetic cues. We will use stem cells to create retinal organoids and investigate in situ interactions and local subcellular environments of the putative magnetosensitive proteins to test the hypotheses based on the previously generated computational and in vitro biochemical data.

Please find more detaild information here.

Application deadline: 2 November, 2025.