Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Tallinn University
- Department: School of Educational Sciences
- Research Field: Psychological sciences; Sociology; Environmental science; Political sciences
Offer Description
The School of Educational Sciences at Tallinn University is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The successful candidate will contribute to the ERA Chair in Sustainable Futures (SustainERA) project (2025-2029), led by Prof Anu Realo and Prof Kai Pata and funded through a grant from the European Union's Horizon Europe ERA Chair initiative (Grant Agreement No 101186958).
The position is available from 4 January 2027 on a 16-month fixed-term contract. The position will involve primarily collaborating with Prof Anu Realo and Dr Grete Arro, as well as with other members of the SustainERA research team.
About the Project
SustainERA combines high-level research with the development of innovative solutions to promote sustainable mindsets and practices. By integrating expertise from multiple disciplines and fostering international collaboration, the project also aims to enhance Tallinn University's research excellence and capacity.
Work assignments
The focus of the project is to investigate and understand individual-level characteristics (e.g., attitudes, values, knowledge, competencies, and behaviours) related to the environment, sustainability, and post-growth in Estonia, within the broader context of the Nordic-Baltic region. The successful candidate will conduct a scoping review of existing datasets and develop reliable indicators and metrics to measure changes in these characteristics over the past decades, subject to data availability.
In addition to their postdoctoral research, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to various teaching, administrative, and capacity-building activities within the SustainERA project, including participating in the preparation of grant proposals on related topics. These responsibilities will account for 20% of the workload.
For more information about the job posting and the application requirements, click here.
Tallinn University is a modern and dynamic research university in Estonia, with more than 1,000 employees and around 7,000 students. Our mission is to support Estonia's sustainable development by contributing to it through high-quality research, creative and educational activities, encouraging societal debate and collaborating with businesses, the public and the third sector. Wishing to achieve better alignment with the needs of society, we have set a goal to become the leading promoter of an intelligent lifestyle in Estonia. We view an intelligent lifestyle as making research-based decisions in order to improve society in general and the well-being of its citizens.
The University has a modern campus located in the heart of Tallinn, close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with excellent access to both the seaports and the airport.
The School of Educational Sciences, together with its Centre of Excellence in Educational Innovation, leads teaching, research, and development in education in Estonia. It promotes evidence-based educational innovation across schools, universities, and workplaces, fostering the development of new approaches to enhance learning and teaching practices.
Where to apply
Website: https://candidate.recrur.com/public/jobad/EN/c13cb387-3
Requirements
- Research Field: Psychological sciences — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Research Field: Environmental science — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Research Field: Sociology — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Research Field: Political sciences — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Education
Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in a social science field, including but not limited to Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Science, and Political Science. Candidates who are nearing completion of their PhD are also encouraged to apply, provided that they have been awarded their degree by the time of appointment.
Work experience
The candidate must meet the requirements for the research fellow position, listed in the Annex 5 of the Employment Relations Rules of Tallinn University.
- Candidates must possess strong research skills, including expertise in advanced quantitative statistical methods, to contribute effectively to the research programme and fulfil the tasks outlined above.
- Candidates should be able to work independently and as part of a team, while efficiently managing competing research and administrative demands and deadlines.
- Candidates should have no more than five years of full-time-equivalent research experience since completing their PhD. Periods of parental leave, long-term sick leave, and military service are not included in this limit.
Language skills
Excellent written and oral English skills are required.
- Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Selection process
The documents required for applying
The application deadline is midnight (EEST) on 11th October 2026. Please submit your application online using the "Apply Now" link.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Prof Anu Realo (anu.realo@tlu.ee) to discuss your interest before submitting your application.
Interviews with shortlisted candidates are expected to take place between late October and early November 2026.
The application must include the following documents:
- An up-to-date academic CV detailing your education and qualifications, employment history, publications, and other relevant information.
- Copies of your Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degree certificates and academic transcripts. If your PhD degree is pending, please provide an interim certificate. Please note that the PhD degree must be awarded by the time of appointment.
- A supporting statement (maximum 500 words) explaining why you are interested in the position and how your background, experience, and skills align with the research described above.
- An example of your academic writing, such as a published manuscript or a manuscript under review. If submitting a chapter from your PhD thesis, please include an abstract or introduction outlining the context, aims, and research questions of the study.
- Three academic references from individuals who can assess your suitability for the position, with specific reference to your previous academic work and the advertised project.
- Proof of English language proficiency. Please refer to https://www.tlu.ee/en/proof-english-proficiency for the University's language requirements.
Additional comments
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Tallinn University and our external partners are fully committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. While all applicants will be assessed based on merit alone, we actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse career paths and backgrounds, and from all segments of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, and gender identity.
Further Information:
Please refer your administrative or technical queries to konkurss@tlu.ee and for topical questions Prof Anu Realo anu.realo@tlu.ee
Website for additional job details: https://candidate.recrur.com/public/jobad/EN/c13cb387-3
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Tallinn University
- Country: Estonia
- State/Province: Harjumaa
- City: Tallinn
- Postal Code: 10120
- Street: Narva mnt 25
Contact
- City: 10120 Tallinn
- Website: http://www.tlu.ee/en
- Street: Narva mnt 25
- E-Mail: anu.realo@tlu.ee