Research Fellow in Individual Characteristics and Behaviours in Sustainability Transitions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• Work in an interdisciplinary team of highly qualified researchers who are passionate about their work and value an open, collaborative environment.
• Freedom and support to pursue your intellectual interests and work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally impactful research.
• Opportunities to present the outcomes of your research to both national and international audiences, with funding to support participation in international conferences and expert meetings.
• Strong support for your professional and personal development.
• A variety of benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, paid sick leave, 56 days of paid annual leave plus national public holidays (provided they do not fall on a weekend or overlap with annual leave), discounts at internal and external sports clubs, and more.