Supervisors and topics
On this page, you will find an overview of postdoctoral fellowship offers from the research groups at the University of Tartu. For more detailed information, click on the topic.
Faculty of Science and Technology
Environmental microbiology and biotechnology research group
Our research is focused on the response of microbial communities to anthropogenic and natural stressors in different environments. One of the main goals of our research is to determine the key microbial species and metabolic pathways responsible for the degradation of various hydrocarbon compounds of oil in different marine compartments (aerobic and anaerobic water, sediments and shoreline) of the Baltic Sea and Arctic marine environments.
We also conduct studies in the field of structural and functional adaptation of soil and plant microbiomes in response to climate and land-use change in subarctic and boreal ecosystems. We also study the structure and abundance of antibiotic resistome in different biotechnological applications. The phylogenetic diversity and functional potential of water, soil and plant-related microbial communities and the expression of the genes are assessed by amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
Profile of the supervisor Jaak Truu, Professor in Microbiology
Research group within the Department of Physics of Galaxies and Cosmology at Tartu Observatory
Our research efforts are devoted to studying the structural components (groups, clusters, filaments, superclusters) of the cosmic web and understanding the relationship between the formation and evolution of galaxies and their cosmic web environment. Our research programme is closely connected with ongoing and future extensive galaxy redshift surveys. We develop new algorithms and methods to extract and characterise the cosmic web group and filament environment. Objective cosmic web characterisation is a key to deepening our understanding of the assembly of galaxies in the universe.
Our research group welcomes postdoctoral researchers interested in conducting their research programme in close connection with the cosmic web and galaxies research group. Group lead Prof. Elmo Tempel is an active member in many extensive astronomical surveys (4MOST, WAVES, 4HS, J-PAS) and is leading the EU Horizon Europe project EXCOSM (Building excellence in the study of galaxies and cosmology at the University of Tartu). Interested postdoctoral researchers have the opportunity to participate actively in the activities of the research group.
Profile of the supervisor Elmo Tempel, Professor of Astronomy
In this topic, we generate novel approaches utilising DNA-based taxonomy, including typification, naming and diagnosis, which touch the boundaries of current nomenclatural rules. Using the DNA- and sequence-based approaches, the aim is to give names to hitherto unknown groups in fungi and protists, from species to class, phylum and kingdom levels.
The international research team (members from >10 nationalities) led by Prof. Leho Tedersoo is focused on studies addressing:
i) microbial biodiversity and function using cutting-edge molecular identification and profiling tools;
ii) solutions for DNA-based taxonomy of fungi and protists;
iii) constant updating of molecular and bioinformatics methods;
iv) maintaining critical reference databases for identification and functional annotation (FungalTraits, FungalRoot, EUKARYOME).
Profile of the supervisor Leho Tedersoo, Professor of Mycorrhizal Studies
This broad topic relies on samples of soil, water, sediments and leaves collected worldwide (>15,000 samples) and analysed for prokaryote and eukaryote biodiversity and metagenome, with possibilities of more specific data generation for metabolome, etc.
The international research team (members from >10 nationalities) led by Prof. Leho Tedersoo is focused on studies addressing:
i) microbial biodiversity and function using cutting-edge molecular identification and profiling tools;
ii) solutions for DNA-based taxonomy of fungi and protists;
iii) constant updating of molecular and bioinformatics methods;
iv) maintaining critical reference databases for identification and functional annotation (FungalTraits, FungalRoot, EUKARYOME).
Profile of the supervisor Leho Tedersoo, Professor of Mycorrhizal Studies
Our experimental research in the field of (bio)nanotechnology combines two complementary, self-assembly-driven techniques:
1) Programmable and dynamic DNA/RNA-based nanostructures
2) Biocompatible protein coatings and lipid formulations
The aim is to develop new hybrid nanostructures and smart functional nanodevices for drug/gene delivery and biosensing.
The research group is based at the Institute of Technology, utilizing the institute’s biochemistry laboratories as well as other facilities on campus. The group is also internationally connected, engaging in collaborative, high-impact research.
Individuals with experience and interest in experimental DNA/RNA nanotechnology, biochemistry, nanofabrication, materials science, and/or biomolecular self-assembly are encouraged to contact Associate Prof. Veikko Linko for further details
Profile of the supervisor Veikko Pentti Linko, Associate Professor of Biomedicine Technologies
The research group on topological algebras consists of Associate Professor in Topology Mart Abel, Lecturer Reyna Maria Perez Tiscareno (currently on maternity leave) and Professor emeritus Mati Abel.
The supervisor for this position would be Mart Abel. The specific research focus would involve determining existing and discovering new applications of Segal topological algebras.
Prior knowledge of methods for studying general topological algebras is a prerequisite. Additionally, knowledge of category theory and applications of mathematics would be beneficial.
Profile of the supervisor Mart Abel, Associate Professor in Topology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
The research group on narrative, culture and cognition, directed by Professor of Literary Theory Marina Grishakova, is looking for postdoctoral candidates working on narratives in various media (electronic and print literature, video games, film, storytelling on social media platforms).
“We are an interdisciplinary research group working on complex experimental narratives across different media. We explore cognitive and emotional aspects of storytelling and the role of narrative in the production of knowledge at the intersection of arts, public discourses, and sciences. We combine literary, digital and socionarratology in our research and promote critical story literacy in education, art, and public communication,” said Grishakova.
Profile of the supervisor Marina Grishakova, Professor of Literary Theory
Webpage of the research group on narrative, culture and cognition
The research project “Imagination in Cognition: Contemporary and Ancient Perspectives” aims to give a comparative analysis of the cognitive roles of imagination by bringing into dialogue contemporary empirically informed philosophy of mind and Ancient Greek views on imagination.
The four members of the research group (Associate Professor of Theoretical Philosophy Uku Tooming, Associate Professor of History of Philosophy Roomet Jakapi, Research Fellow in History of Philosophy Toomas Lott, Associate Professor of Ancient Philosophy Riin Sirkel) have characterised themselves as friendly and collegial with expertise in contemporary philosophy of mind and Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy:
“We are looking for postdoctoral candidates whose research concerns imagination in contemporary philosophy and/or Ancient Greek philosophy. An ideal candidate would be a philosopher who is interested in bringing contemporary and Ancient philosophy into mutually beneficial dialogue. In the context of our project, the candidate's research could focus on analysing the structure of imagination and its content (in contrast with the structure and content of perception and thought) or on analysing some specific cognitive role of imagination in contemporary and/or Ancient philosophy.”
The candidate is expected to:
- contribute to the research project in the form of high-level publications;
- regularly participate in the activities of the research group;
- demonstrate excellent English skills;
- exhibit openness to diverse intellectual traditions.
Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology Piret Paal is seeking a dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary research team at the University of Tartu. The position is part of the ARS MORIENDI ESTONIA 2030, which explores how individuals and society understand and navigate the complex, emotional, and existential dimensions of dying, death, and end-of-life care.
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to contribute to national and international collaborations, including the COST Action CODE-YAA@PC-EDU (2023–2027) or the International Collaboration for the Best Care of the Dying person. These projects aim to improve education, awareness, and policy around end-of-life issues and integrate interdisciplinary methods from anthropology, philosophy, and health sciences.
Core research themes may include:
- Meaning-making at the end of life: narratives, identity, and values
- The experience and cultural interpretation of suffering
- Ethical and spiritual aspects of dying, death, and palliative care
- Dignity, autonomy, and moral decision-making at the end of life
- Societal attitudes toward death and the cultural shaping of end-of-life experiences
- Integration of philosophical, anthropological, and medical perspectives on death
This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in research that is both academically rigorous and socially meaningful. The postdoctoral researcher will be supported in developing their own lines of inquiry while contributing to the broader goals of mapping the end-of-life thought and improving societal responses to death and dying.
Profile of the supervisor Piret Paal, Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology
Professor of Philosophy of Mind Bruno Mölder from the Chair of Theoretical Philosophy is seeking a postdoctoral researcher.
Topics of research and supervision:
Philosophy of mind in general and in particular:
- Interpretivism in philosophy of mind
- Mental fictionalism
- Folk psychology and scientific study of the mind
- Experience of time and the metaphysics of time
- Understanding other people
- Free will
Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Studies Urmas Nõmmik from the School of Theology and Religious Studies is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Hebrew Biblical / Old Testament studies. Any proposal dealing with the origins of literary forms in Ancient Hebrew literature or the change of form and function of Ancient Hebrew texts is welcome. The approach is distinctively diachronic and includes text-critical, literary-critical and redaction-critical perspectives. The discussion on formal interchange with other literary cultures in the area of the Ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean is welcome, as well.
Urmas Nõmmik specialises in the form and function of Ancient Hebrew literature in dialogue with the extra-biblical literature of that time, particularly regarding poetry (psalms, wisdom, prophets) and narrative texts (e.g. royal lore). The specific topic in recent years has been the emergence of the so-called Job literature in Ancient Israel including the Hebrew Job and the Old Greek Job. At the School of Theology and Religious Studies and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to discuss matters regarding poetics and literary history of the Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, Ugaritic, Accadian, Greek and Latin traditions.
