Postdoctoral Researcher in Explainable Artificial Intelligence

Context:

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are topics we frequently hear about, with a wide range of applications, including in the energy sector. However, a key challenge is the lack of interpretability in these models, making it difficult to understand how they arrive at certain decisions. As a result, users often distrust such models and prefer to rely on proven tools they can comprehend.

Explainable AI (XAI) aims to bridge this gap. Despite ongoing research, fundamental challenges and limitations in XAI methods persist.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to develop novel human-centric, data-driven methods and XAI-based techniques to enhance the energy performance of smart buildings.

Tasks:

• Publish and present scientific articles top-tier journals and international conferences.
• Assist in relevant teaching activities.
• Contribute to the goals of the Centre of Excellence in Energy Efficiency (ENER grant TK230) funded by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.

The position is fixed term, from 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2026 with an option to extend to another year, based on the progress.

For further details and information, please contact Prof. Juri Belikov, juri.belikov@taltech.ee.

PhD degree in mathematics, computer science, or related field.

• List of selected publications in Q1 journals (Scopus or WoS).
• Good programming skills in e.g. Python or MATLAB.
• Solid experience with explainable ML.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team.
• Clear interest in the research topic, demonstrated through a motivation letter, preferably supported by the research plan.

To apply for the position, please send the following documents in English by 20.04.2025 at the latest by clicking “Apply Now” on the right:

• 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, including a motivated self-evaluation regarding compliance with the requirements for the researcher 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 and the competencies required for work (shall be submitted by an external candidate only); 
• any other documents deemed important by the applicant.

Regarding further information on the application documents and recruitment process please contact TalTech HR konkurss@taltech.ee.

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. The university has over 2000 employees and over 10 000 students, and approximately 70 000 alumni.

The Department of Software Science was established on January 1, 2017 as part of the structural reform of Tallinn University of Technology. The purpose of the research groups at the Department of Software Science is to advance internationally and nationally relevant state of the art in research in the areas of computer science, information systems, data science, artificial intelligence and cyber defence.

The Nonlinear Control Systems Group of the Department of Software Science focuses on nonlinear control systems. While the group predominantly develops application-independent general methods, we are exploring the theoretical and practical challenges associated with the digital transformation of the energy domain. In this way, we aim to advance the field of Energy Informatics by developing innovative IT technologies with a primary focus on addressing energy utilization and management challenges.

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.