Assistant Professor of Road Engineering

The purpose of the position is research and teaching in the field of road engineering. The main task is to intensify the research activities in the direction of road engineering, which requires the establishment and development of a team. Successful application of competitive funding is expected for research. In the field of research and development, more extensive contractual research is expected with enterprises and state government agencies. The post requires participation in international and national professional/interdisciplinary cooperation networks.

It is important to develop and improve the performance of teaching activities in the field of road engineering, including in doctoral studies, in cooperation with other fields. The assistant professor must conduct teaching and supervise undergraduate, master's, engineering and doctoral students. The teaching needs to be updated according to new research findings. The main objective is to give TalTech graduates sufficient preparation for modern professional challenges, increased competitiveness in entrepreneurship (Masters) and science (PhD students).

Tasks

• Carrying out and organisation of research and development in the field and leading of research topics.
• Development of cooperation with other research and development institutions and companies.
• Development of the material basis required for research and development in the field of road engineering.
• Teaching, research and development activities in the field of road engineering in a balanced volume in compliance with the Academic Career Management.
• Teaching (engineering studies, but focusing on master’s and doctoral level) and development of studies by using up-to-date methodologies and educational technology in the field of road engineering.
• Supervision of doctoral, master's and bachelor's students in conducting independent research.
• Publication of the results of research and development.
• Working as an expert in the field.
• Coordinating the activities of the Laboratory of Roads and Traffic.
• Participation in the work of national and international professional decision-making bodies and committees.
• Popularisation of one's speciality and area of research.
• Coordinating continuous education training in the field.

The position is fixed term, up to eight years from taking up the position.

Doctoral degree

Education: a doctoral degree in road engineering or an equivalent qualification, doctoral degree defended no later than 10 years ago from the expected time of taking up the position.

Previous professional experience:

• international research and development experience in the field of road engineering;
• the number of scientific publications in the amount of at least two doctoral theses, the level of citations is characterised by the h-index of engineering sciences ≥ 6;
• experience in applying for and receiving funding: has received at least 1 grant of competitive funding (e.g. postdoctoral grant) or has received contracts of ≥ EUR 10 000 with the participation of the candidate;
• has completed postdoctoral studies and/or has professional experience in another organisation outside Tallinn University of Technology, preferably in an international research environment;
• participation in the activities of networks of professional or scientific organisations;
• professional activity at events of scientific or other organisations;
• experience in teaching at different levels of higher education;
• previous experience in teaching at different levels of higher education supports taking up the position.

To apply for the position, please send the following documents in English by 30.05.2025 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: 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) or a motivated self-evaluation regarding compliance with the requirements for the assistant professor position set out in the Academic Career Management Regulation, Annex 3 “Academic Evaluation Matrix” (shall be submitted by a university staff member 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.

The Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture is a structural unit of the TalTech School of Engineering. The Department brings together seven research groups engaged in teaching and research in the fields of architecture, building structures, construction processes, near zero energy buildings, structural and fluid mechanics, road construction, geodesy and water and environmental engineering.

The Road Engineering and Geodesy research group covers the whole life cycle of infrastructure projects. Starting from the design phase to the construction, but also maintenance phase. Fields like site management, traffic management and safety and road network planning are also included. Among others the Laboratory of Roads and Traffic, which has been accredited since 2015, is included in the research group. The laboratory is focused on the testing of road engineering materials like asphalt mixtures, bituminous binders and aggregate. This testing is a strong input for the research conducted in the Road Engineering and Geodesy research group. Additionally, the lab provides quality control services for the road engineering sector.

The latest fields of research and development are:

• Sustainable road engineering - bio-based materials (biobitumen, biofules, etc); Life Cycle Assessment of infrastructure projects; development of solutions for longer lasting pavements; planning of construction and maintenance in respect to LCA.

• Circular economy - increase of recycled asphalt pavement in asphalt mixtures; usability of construction and demolition waste in road engineering; usability of oli shale or other industry by-products in road engineering. improvement of local soil to avoid replacement.

• Climate resilience - designing pavements with regard to the changing climate; development of road engineering materials reisistant to the changing climate.

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.