ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MARITIME TRANSPORT

JOB DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the position is to lead research and development activities related to maritime transport at both the national and international level, and to implement science-based solutions in the field of maritime transport.

Main responsibilities of the position:

• Strengthening the maritime transport research group and ensuring its sustainability.

• Teaching, research, and development activities in the field of maritime transport, including evolving business models of shipping companies and ports, new activities of ports as digital and energy hubs, changing competition in shipping markets, geopolitics and supply security, opportunities for decarbonisation of maritime transport, public-private partnerships in ports and shipping, performance measurement of port operations (KPI Ports), risk management and resilience improvement in maritime transport and port operations, development of digitalisation and AI-based solutions for maritime transport (Smart Shipping), Smart Ports, and supply chains.

• Publishing in leading journals in the field.

• Initiating and implementing international and national research and development projects and contractual cooperation projects, and applying for competitive research funding in the fields of maritime transport, port operations, and maritime affairs.

• Involving students (bachelor, master, and doctoral levels) in research and development projects, and supervising theses, master's, and doctoral dissertations.

• Promoting the field of expertise and research area.

• Participating in the work of international scientific organizations, journals, and scientific councils.

• Organizational and administrative activities related to research, development, and teaching.

Possible courses for the position:

• Maritime Transport and Port Operations curriculum in applied higher education: VMS0700 Port Management and Operations, VMS0550 Maritime and Transport Law;

• Maritime and Maritime Digitalization curricula at master's level: VME0400 Sustainable Shipping;

• Doctoral studies in the main field of maritime affairs: VMD9040 Smart Maritime Economy.

The position of Assistant Professor is fixed-term, up to eight years from the start date. The workload is 1.0 and the position is to be filled as soon as possible, but preferably no later than 01.01.2027. The position offers a flexible work schedule and access to relevant and modern research infrastructure.

Additional information: Loreida Timberg, email loreida.timberg@taltech.ee

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

The qualification for Assistant Professor must comply with the requirements for the position of Assistant Professor at TalTech, based on the Academic Career Management Regulation, the threshold requirements for the position, and the relevant levels, including the following requirements:

• Doctoral degree in a research area related to the field of activity, with no more than 10 years since the defense of the doctoral degree* from the expected start date of the position;

• Previous international work experience in the research area of the field;

• Experience in research and development as an applicant and executor of research topics, with preference given to experience as a PI and responsible executor;

• Pedagogical experience, including supervision, is desirable;

• The level and citation of scientific publications should be comparable to professors in the same field at the university's reference universities.

* If the candidate has been on parental leave, maternity or paternity leave, or in military or alternative service after obtaining the doctoral degree, the time limit for becoming an Assistant Professor is extended by the corresponding period.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Advanced level of English is required; basic knowledge of Estonian is useful for teaching and necessary in the long term.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

To apply, please submit the following documents (in English) via the application link by 31.05.2026 (application deadline):

• Motivation letter;

• Copies of documents certifying education relevant to the position;

• CV with a list of publications;

• Academic portfolio, including a motivated self-assessment of compliance with the requirements for the position of Assistant Professor as set out in Annex 3 "Academic Evaluation Matrix" of the Academic Career Management Regulation (to be submitted only by university employees) or a free-form assessment of previous academic activities and competencies required for the position (to be submitted only by external candidates);

• Vision and action plan for the future position (up to 1500 words);

• Other relevant documents at the candidate's discretion.

For more information about the required documents and the recruitment process, please contact konkurss@taltech.ee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Estonian Maritime Academy is the only competence center in Estonia providing unique higher and master's level education in maritime affairs, as well as conducting specialized research, development, and continuing education. As a structural unit of Tallinn University of Technology, we have created opportunities and value the creation of synergies with other scientific fields and cooperation with companies in the maritime sector.

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is the flagship of engineering and IT science and education in Estonia, offering higher education at all levels in engineering and technical sciences, information technology, economics, natural sciences, and maritime affairs. TalTech's mission is to be a promoter of science, technology, and innovation, and the leading provider of engineering and economic education in Estonia.

WHY PREFER WORKING AT TALTECH

TalTech's green campus in Mustamäe is compact and includes the Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol. We value a flat hierarchy, academic freedom, and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. The university offers personalized training and development opportunities, employee recognition, sports facilities at the TalTech Sports Center, and staff events.