Professor of Space Power and Sensors (tenure track)

The goal of this position is to conduct research, development, and teaching in the field of space-related energy and sensor systems at TalTech, strengthening the university's position in the international defense and space industry sector.

R&D activities aim at breakthrough innovations in semiconductor materials technology for space power and sensors system applications. We are looking for a candidate with experience in international collaboration in the field of solar cells for space applications with focus on emerging semiconductor materials.

MAIN TASKS:

• Organizing and conducting professional research and development, and successful applying and leading of R&D projects.
• Development of infrastructure necessary for R&D activities.
• Full-time balanced teaching, research and development activities.
• Supervising of post-doctoral, PhD, MSc and BSc students.
• Publishing the research results in high-level international peer-reviewed journals.
• Teaching at bachelor, master and doctoral level.
• Promoting collaborative research and generate funding.
• Presentation of the results of research studies at national and international scientific conferences and seminars.

ADDITIONAL TASKS:

• Continuous improvement of educational and research knowledge and skills.
• Organising cooperation with academic, public and private sector in the related fields.
• Serve as an expert and advisor to professionals and communicator to wide public in the related fields.

Additional information: Prof. Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk, Director of Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, email: maarja.grossberg@taltech.ee.

• PhD or an equivalent degree in materials science, at least 10 years’ research work experience in field of materials science after receiving PhD degree.
• Strong scientific background and international working experience in semiconductor technology and physics, preferred in the field of emerging semiconductor materials for photovoltaic devices.
• Good publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching at university
• Bachelor, Master and PhD students supervised to the degree.
• Demonstrated effective experience in research funding and leading R&D projects within the last 5 years, including projects with European Space Agency.
• Oral presentations at international conferences.
• Language skills required for the position: advanced Estonian* and English.

*In case the candidate does not speak Estonian, then by the end of the first attestation period, during 5 years from taking up the position we expect Estonian language skills to be acquired at the level of B1.

To apply for the position, please send the following documents in English by 15.03.2026 at the latest by clicking “Apply Now”:

• a motivation letter;
• documents proving that the candidate holds the required academic degree and has acquired the required education;
• a curriculum vitae and a list of publications;
• an academic portfolio, which includes a motivated self-evaluation regarding compliance with the requirements for the tenured professor position set out in the Academic Career Management Regulation, Annex 3 “Academic Evaluation Matrix” (shall be submitted by a university staff member only), or a free format evaluation of the academic activity undertaken so far (including a description of teaching, supervising and research project experiences) and the competencies required for work detailing how the candidate meets the qualifications of the position (shall be submitted by an external candidate only);
• a vision or an action plan for the following period of employment (the maximum total length: 1,500 words).
• any other documents deemed important by the applicant.

Contact for additional information on the documents required for applying and the recruitment process: TalTech Human Resources Office, email konkurss@taltech.ee.

Department of Materials and Environmental Technology is leading the high-level, internationally recognized teaching, research, and development in Estonia in the field of materials and environmental technology. The department teaches courses of different material science, technology and characterization methods. The research activities in the department are in the field of inorganic materials, biofunctional materials, thin film energy materials, photovoltaic materials, environmental technology, biopolymer technology, textile technology and wood technology. 

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

TalTech has a green and one of the most compact university campuses in Europe that includes the Tehnopol Tallinn Science Park. Low hierarchy, academic freedom and a balanced work and family life are valued at TalTech. The university provides individual development and training opportunities, material and non-material tokens of acknowledgement, sporting opportunities at TalTech Sports Club and all-staff activities.