Tallinn University (TLU) School of Digital Technologies (together with School of Education) is searching for promising early-career researchers to join a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF)! This fellowship offers 12-24 months of research funding, including a competitive salary, allowances, and research expenses.

The application period is open from 4 February until 14 March 12:00 CET 2025. The camp will be organised at Tallinn University from 12 to 16 May 2025. 

We will select 6 candidates under the School of Digital Technologies' supervision to attend the MSCA PF writing camp. 

Please note that your post-doctoral project proposal should align with the research fields of one of the supervisors.

Meet the supervisors

Danial Hooshyar (technology enhanced learning)

Dr. Danial Hooshyar is an associate professor of educational data mining in the School of Digital Technologies at Tallinn University and a visiting professor at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. His research focuses on technology-enhanced Learning, particularly adaptive educational systems. He has extensive experience supervising students on projects related to Artificial Intelligence for Education. Danial Hooshyar leads projects such as "Hybrid Regulation of Learning using Open Learner Models" working with an interdisciplinary team comprising psychologists, educational and computer scientists, and software developers. Recent publications include studies on deep neural networks, dynamic Bayesian networks, and neural-symbolic AI for learner modeling and early prediction of performance.

Full CV
 

Nuno N. Correia (digital transformation and lifelong learning)

Dr. Nuno N. Correia is an Associate Professor in Digital Transformation at Tallinn University, specializing in interaction design and media art. Since 2000, he has been teaching and conducting research in media art and interaction design, at several universities internationally (such as Aalto U., Goldsmiths U. London, U. Greenwich, U. Madeira). His research covers innovative user interfaces, multimodal interaction, and creative digital tools. Dr. Nuno N. Correia has guided graduate students and researchers in exploring creative technologies and digital media design. He has led several research projects combining sound, image, embodiment and interaction design, including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellowship and two Creative Europe projects. Recent works include studies on interactive systems for creative expression and examining the role of audiovisual media in user experiences.​

Full CV
 

David Lamas (digital transformation and lifelong learning)

Professor David Lamas is the Head of the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Group at Tallinn University's School of Digital Technologies. His research interests include design theory, methodologies, and the development of transformative processes in organizations and communities. David Lamas also has a solid project participation record, taking part, leading and supporting his team in various research, development, educational and training projects. He has supervised over 50 master's students, seven doctoral candidates, and two postdoctoral researchers, with a current cohort of 12 doctoral students. David Lamas has vast international and multicultural experience. He worked in the USA, the UK, Portugal, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and recently, Afghanistan and Estonia. Recent publications address experimental interaction design and methodologies for user experience innovation.​

Full CV
 

Merja Bauters (digital transformation and lifelong learning)

Dr. Merja Bauters is a Research Professor in Digital Transformation at Tallinn University School of Digital Technologies. Her work centers on learning and technology-enhanced learning at workplaces, particularly in co-design, participatory design, and design thinking. Merja Bauters has been involved in, and executed research, planned and guided co-design, participatory, and design thinking processes in multiple EU- and national projects on learning and technology-enhanced learning. She has contributed to several European and national projects like Learning Layers and Erasmus+ initiatives. Merja Bauters has supervised PhDs, over 100 bachelor’s theses, and acted as an opponent in PhD defence on teachers' learning in Socio-Technical Systems. Merja Bauters has been executing research in various universities, including the University of Helsinki, AALTO University, Finland, Hamban Bin Mohammed E-University (HBMeU), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Her current research interests include exploring experience, context, and pragmatism in learning to drive collaborative and creative practices. Recent publications discuss design methods in education and the role of context in collaborative learning processes.​

Full CV
 

Martin Sillaots (technology enhanced learning)

Dr. Martin Sillaots is an Associate Professor of Serious Games and the Head of the Digital Learning Games Master’s Programme at Tallinn University. His research focuses on designing and using games to promote democracy, teach research methods, and support project management. He is experienced in supervising research and development projects related to game design and learning technologies. He is currently supervising several PhD students on the topic of serious games. Recent publications are related to serious games used by European national parliaments and the European Parliament. He has contributed to various international and national projects promoting project- and game-based learning​.

Full CV

Sirje Virkus (digital transformation and lifelong learning)

Dr Sirje Virkus is a Professor of Information Science and Head of the Study Area of Information Sciences at the School of Digital Technologies, Tallinn University. Holding a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), her research spans data science, digital literacy, ICT innovation in education, data-driven decision-making, and organizational knowledge management. She has supervised over 62 master’s and four doctoral candidates, currently mentoring four Ph.D. students, and has acted as an opponent in defenses across Finland, Sweden, the UK, Australia, and South Africa. Dr Virkus has conducted research at international universities, including Manchester Metropolitan University, Åbo Akademi University, the University of Graz, and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has led and collaborated on numerous international projects in technology-enhanced learning, AI in education, and big data analytics. Her recent publications explore applications of chatbots and telepresence robots in educational and cultural settings, AI-driven knowledge management, the role of data analytics in decision-making, and emerging technologies in elderly care and wel-being. 

Full CV

How to apply?

Candidates are invited to register by using the link to the registration form below.

Applications will include:

  • A two-page motivation letter outlining their research interests, their project idea, and how they align with Tallinn University and the supervisor they would like to work with.
  • A CV (maximum 4 pages). The CV should include information on:
  • Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and/or monographs, and other outputs such as data, software, and algorithms significant for their research path;
  • Invited presentations to internationally established conferences and/or international advanced schools;
  • Organisation of international conferences, including membership in the steering and/or programme committee;
  • Research expeditions led by the researcher;
  • Granted patent(s);
  • Examples of participation in industrial innovation;
  • Prizes and Awards;
  • Funding received so far;
  • Supervising and mentoring activities;
  • Other items of interest.

Apply now! 

Selection criteria

The selection process will be based on:

Research Excellence:

  • Track record.
  • Quality of the research idea (originality, feasibility, etc.).
  • Complementarity with supervisor and TLU.

Motivation and Commitment:

  • Candidates will explain why they are interested in MSCA PF.

Applications will be selected by a panel including the supervisor.

Practical modalities

Selected candidates will be notified by email by 31 March at the latest, and will have to confirm they will attend the writing camp within 3 working days. Candidates who are not selected will receive a notification by email.

After their confirmation, selected candidates will receive links to online content to get used to the MSCA PF programme and basic knowledge about proposal writing.

The writing camp will be held at Tallinn University from 12 to 16 May 2025. Candidates must attend physically. Accommodations and meals will be organised and paid by TLU. Support for travel will also be provided  (250 € for candidates living within the EU, and 500 € for candidates living outside the EU).

Selected candidates will provide TLU with bank details at the latest on 30 April to receive travel support. TLU will make a transfer on the basis of the proof of purchase of the flight tickets to Tallinn.

Before the writing camp, candidates will have opportunities to meet and start working with the supervisors they have chosen. 

After the writing camp, candidates will benefit from the TLU project support office for application reviews and support. 7 work days will be afforded to the candidate on the basis of an agreed proposal writing schedule.