Complex Systems in Natural Sciences, PhD
The study programme is aimed at those who are interested in various problems in the field of natural and exact sciences, life sciences and environmental sciences.
The Complex Systems in Natural Sciences doctoral programme in natural sciences are based on the international practices and goals of doctoral studies in natural sciences and have been created by combining doctoral study programme's in analytical biochemistry, physics and ecology in an attempt to increase the points of contact.
In 2025, there will be admitted students for the following positions:
Junior researcher (will be employed by the university)
- 1 PhD junior researcher position (open topic)
- 1 PhD junior researcher position to join the ERA Chair project in Sustainable Futures
- 2 junior researcher positions will be distributed by the admission board during the admission period (open topic)
PhD student (not employed by the university)
- 1 PhD student position (open topic)
Learning Outcomes
The graduate:
- has broad-based and systematic knowledge of complex systems in natural sciences (e.g. environmental ecology, analytical biochemistry, mathematical modelling of complex natural systems) and profound knowledge in the specific research field;
- is able of independent and critical analysis of specialty-specific problems, as well as of stating research questions with scientific precision and planning the research independently or as team-member;
- is able to evaluate his/her as well as other people鈥檚 actions in the light of science ethics as an expert in his/her field;
- understands the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in community as well as the responsibility of scientists in application of research results;
- is able to supervise and teach students in a university and to impart results of his/her own research by teaching and supervising.
- Conferred degree: PhD (Complex Systems in Natural Sciences).
What Do We Expect from an Applicant?
The study programme is aimed at students who are interested in various problems in the field of natural and exact sciences, life sciences and environmental sciences.
It is a partially open study programme, which is suitable for graduates of natural sciences and exact sciences (for example, molecular biochemistry and ecology, environmental management, ecology, etc.).
Why Study Complex Systems in Natural Sciences at Tallinn University?
The study is mainly aimed at preparation of the doctoral thesis; participation in international research discussion is the criterion for assessment of doctoral thesis.
The study programme relies mainly on the academic staff of the Tallinn University's School of Natural Sciences and Health, but external supervisors have been involved from other universities as well. Cooperation with other research groups enables to involve researchers with very different backgrounds and high qualification in the field of natural and exact sciences as supervisors and consultants. There are 4 internationally evaluated research fields in the study field, the doctoral students are involved in the implementation of several research grants and international projects. The researchers of the field have extensive international connections; in order to acquire research experience participation in conferences, seminars, summer schools is enabled and students can study at foreign universities within doctoral study mobility programmes. Based on the doctoral study programme, an individual study plan is compiled for each doctoral student, which takes into account the subject of the doctoral thesis.
- Read Invest in Estonia story about Senior Research Fellow in Chemistry Rando Tuvikene and his work:
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Objectives of the Programme
- to provide doctoral students with conditions that enable acquisition of broad-based, systematic and profound education in analytical chemistry and biochemistry;
- to carry out independent research pursuing internationally recognized standards;
- to promote development of doctoral students into highly-qualified lecturers, researchers and specialists who provide for sustainable development in the field.
Admission Requirements
Programme specific requirements:
- Admission exam. Discussion about the doctoral project; estimation of candidate's CV, publications and motivation letter (up to 3000 characters) is based on the plan for the doctoral thesis that is agreed with the prospective supervisor (signed). The plan of doctoral thesis must be presented with the admission documents ( or ).
- At the admission exam the candidate has 15 min to present the doctoral thesis project (PowerPoint presentation).
- Required English level is B2.
- For the purposes of identity verification at the admission procedure the Admission Committee has the right to take a screenshot during the oral part of the admission exam carried out via video bridge.
In the admission exam, the university applies the grading system currently in use, according to which the minimum passing score is 75 points and the maximum score is 100 points.
ERA Chair Sustainable Futures Junior Researcher
Running from 2025 to 2029, will combine high-level research with the development of innovative solutions to promote a sustainable mindset and practices. By integrating expertise from multiple disciplines and fostering international collaboration, the project also aims to enhance Tallinn University鈥檚 research excellence and capacity. Four PhD students and four postdoctoral research fellows will be recruited through an international competition to complement the existing research team.
Four PhD Positions
Successful candidates will be hired as Junior Research Fellows for a four-year study period, commencing 1st September 2025. In addition to their PhD research, they will be expected to contribute to various teaching, administrative, and capacity-building activities within the SustainERA project, accounting for 20% of their workload. Candidates will be expected to reside and work in Tallinn.
The PhD positions are specifically allocated to four of the University鈥檚 schools.
The School of Natural Sciences and Health invites applicants to do research on the following topic: 鈥淥rganisational Transitions to Sustainability in Estonia: An ESG-Based Analysis鈥.
Supervisors: Prof Jaanus Terasmaa (main supervisor) and Dr Grete Arro (second supervisor)
This PhD project examines how organisations transition toward sustainability through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, focusing on individuals鈥攕uch as mid-level managers and marketing specialists鈥攚ithin companies relevant to the project鈥檚
objectives and Estonia鈥檚 smart specialisation goals. The project will identify key drivers and barriers to sustainability-oriented change using surveys, case studies, and semi-structured interviews. It will also explore how organisational environments in companies and universities facilitate or hinder sustainability transitions and the competency gaps and strategies (including lifelong learning) needed to strengthen these transitions. Drawing on the European sustainability competence framework (GreenComp) and Estonia鈥檚 Horizontal Green Skills Framework (HARNO), the project will develop flexible lifelong learning models tailored to different types of companies.
Candidates should hold an MA degree in Sustainability Science, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, or a related discipline, with strong expertise in sustainability research.
If you are interested in applying for this PhD position, please contact Prof Jaanus Terasmaa (jaanus.terasmaa@tlu.ee) for potential supervision.
The application deadline is Midnight (EEST) 16 April 2025.
More information .
What are the Career Options After the Studies?
- An internationally accredited doctoral diploma allows you to work as a researcher, member of teaching staff and top expert in Estonian, EU and international institutions at positions that require a doctoral level degree.
Contact us!
Head of Study Programme: Professor T玫nu Laas
study counsellor and specialist: Greete Horn
E-mailgreete.horn@tlu.ee
- For additional guidelines regarding admission procedure please contact the international admission specialist
E-mailadmissions@tlu.ee
- Skype: tu.degree (Thursdays 10:00-12:00 GMT+2) NB! Please schedule for a Skype session via e-mail.
addressNarva mnt 25, 10120 Tallinn
Skypetu.degree