ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SAFE AND INTELLIGENT MARITIME SYSTEMS

JOB DESCRIPTION

The aim of the position is to advance research and development activities in system-based decision support methods to improve maritime traffic safety in Estonia and internationally, and to implement science-based solutions in the management of waterway safety.

Main responsibilities of the position:

• Participation in the development of the research group and ensuring its sustainability.

• Ensuring the continuity and development of professional competence at the Estonian Maritime Academy.

• Laying the foundation for science-based teaching, research and development activities at the international level, and developing innovative solutions in the fields of fairway design, intelligent waterway engineering and autonomous shipping, handling of new fuels on ships and in ports, and AI-based predictive analytics for ensuring maritime safety.

• Enhancing the quality and interdisciplinarity of research and development activities both within the field and in cooperation with other scientific fields and institutions, thereby contributing to the growth of technology and knowledge intensity related to maritime affairs in Estonian society, economy, and industry.

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

• Maintaining existing partnerships, expanding the scientific network, and ensuring international cooperation.

• Science-based teaching in applied higher education curricula in waterway management and safety, in the master's programme in maritime studies, and in the doctoral programme in maritime studies (specialization studies).         

• Supervision of students in applied higher education, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies according to the field.

Possible research directions include:

• Development and implementation of digital twins, real-time sensor systems, and AI-based models to improve the safety of future autonomous shipping.

• Intelligent fairway design and sensor development, collision avoidance simulation tools, and AI-based solutions.

• Risk identification, safety analysis, and operational concepts for the use of new fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia on ships, and risk analysis during bunkering (refueling). Similar analyses for battery-powered vessels.

Possible courses for the position:

• In various Maritime Academy curricula in applied higher education: VMV0590 Navigation Equipment for Waterways, VMS0770 Spatial Planning of Marine Areas and Environmental Impact Assessment, VLL1590 Use of Future Fuels in Transport and Shipping;

• In master's programmes in maritime and maritime digitalization: VME0410 Safety and Risk Management of Waterways and Shipping;

• In the doctoral programme in maritime studies: VLD9010 Advanced Marine Hydrodynamics.

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 field related to the area 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 field of the area of activity;

• 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 are 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 in total);

• Other important 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 TalTech Sports Hall, and staff events.