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Development of machine learning methods to identify patterns and forecast ocean dynamics using a synergy of remote sensing, in-situ and marine model data

The PhD candidate is expected to develop a machine learning method that combines in-situ, hydrodynamic models and remote sensing data to identify and forecast from coast to offshore patterns of the ocean dynamics (sea level, currents, waves etc.). That is essential for engineering and navigation purposes. This research is motivated by the Baltic Sea countries having access to an accurate high-resolution marine geoid model that synergizes different data sources to a common vertical reference datum, thus allowing continuous and accurate marine data from coast to offshore. Also, with the increased proficiency in computing technology and artificial intelligence (machine and deep learning methods) allows the exploration of various methods that synergizes different data sources, identification of patterns and forecasting of marine dynamics

Research field: Building and civil engineering and architecture
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Artu Ellmann
Dr. Nicole Delpeche-Ellmann
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Modelling of signal propagation in nerve axons

The aim of this project is to understand the role that mechanical and thermal effects play in signal propagation in nerve axons. The proposed study is mostly related to mathematical modelling and numerical experiments.

Research field: Applied physics and mathematics
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Andrus Salupere
Dr. Tanel Peets
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Science
Department of Cybernetics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Ceramic-metal composites as tool materials for friction stir welding of high melting metals

The Doctoral thesis topic focuses on the study and development of potential ceramic-metal composites as tool materials for friction stir welding of high melting point metals, like steel, stainless steel etc. The work assumes both theoretical (modulation of processes, simulation etc.), as well as practical (materials characterisation, wear testing, welding tests etc.) tasks. The project addresses the following research topics: (1) to define the most promising ceramicmetal composites as tool materials for friction stir welding of high melting point metals and (2) to improve the understanding of the FSW welding processes and FSW tool wear mechanisms. The project results will be validated by the industrial partner.

Research field: Production and materials engineering, robotics, transport and logistics
Supervisors: Fjodor Sergejev
Mart Kolnes
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Design and assessment of active stabilizing systems for floating structures

In this position you develop and assess the active stabilizing systems for floating structures such as floating production units, floating wind turbines or assemblies containing measuring equipment. The floating structures are either stationary or moving with relatively slow speed. Work includes experimental testing and numerical assessment of various active stabilizing systems such as mooring lines, gyroscopes, active fin stabilizers, gimbal, active ballast tanks, thrusters etc.

Research field: Environmental, marine and coastal technology
Supervisors: Kristjan Tabri
Dr. Dhanushka Chamara Liyanage
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Kuressaare College
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Preparation of microporous adsorbents from biomass and waste streams for effective H2 storage

This topic aims to contribute to the development of innovative hydrogen storage materials to contribute to the development of CO2 utilization and to help achieve climate neutrality in both the energy and transport sectors. The project studies the applicability of renewable natural resources (biomass) and waste streams (plastics) as raw materials for preparation of sorbent materials for hydrogen storage.

Research field: Chemical, materials and energy technology
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Alar Konist
Dmitri Nešumajev
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Energy Technology
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Power Electronic Converters for Particle Accelerator Applications

Ph.D. student will work on innovative solutions for particle accelerator applications, including but not limited to power supply balancing for high-power klystrons, energy storage integration in power supply system of accelerator magnets, feasibility studies of muon collider, etc.

Research field: Electrical power engineering and mechatronics
Supervisors: Dr. Andrii Chub
Dr. Dmitri Vinnikov
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Real-Time Condition Monitoring of Instrument Transformers using Modern Power System Monitoring Data

The main objective of this research project is to develop methods to assess the actual condition of substation instrument transformers using modern power system monitoring data, e.g., PMUs, PQ meters, TFR, etc. It is of interest to determine which of the available measurement data and how can be used considering the data availability and cost limitations. Within the research it is possible to participate in activities performed in high-voltage laboratory and using RTDS. The research is financed by Estonian TSO. This research project is part of the wider project which objective is to develop methods to assess the condition of Transmission Network substations and determine the optimal approach for equipment maintenance principles.

Research field: Electrical power engineering and mechatronics
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Jako Kilter
Henri Manninen
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Biomimetic design of implants for for bone tissue engineering

The PhD position is opened for an Early State Researcher to be involved into the development of bio-mimetic substrates of TPMS architecture composites. Ambitions and expectations of the PhD project are extremely high as the synthetic materials necessitates a precise modulation of composition and structure. Design and simulation of biomimetic load-bearing structures and selection of optimal architectures for the bone-mimicking implant, with cortical and trabecular bone components, to repair bone critical-sized defects is extremely important topic as over the past decades, the use of implants and scaffolds has rapidly grown, driven by an aging population. To meet the demands, new adopted materials should be developed with the shape and size tolerances and compositions modified to fit the nowadays demands. Implants and scaffolds are being developed to support osteogenesis and vascularization and replace damaged tissues in critical- sized bone defects. The triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) architectures, which can be described as periodic infinite frameworks with a zero mean-curvature at any point along three independent axes, can adequately mimic the interconnected trabecular bone architecture. Tailoring the parameters of the TPMS structures, unit cell shape, and porosity distribution can be controlled to match the mechanical properties of the natural human bone.

Research field: Production and materials engineering, robotics, transport and logistics
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Irina Hussainova
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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THz Kerr spectroscopy of chiral superconductors

Unconventional superconductivity is an active field of condensed matter research, where the theoretical models can be experimentally differentiated by the predictions they make for the symmetries of the superconducting order parameter. Interesting to us chiral superconductors possess non-trivial topological properties resulting in superconducting order parameters that may break time-reversal symmetry, and that we will experimentally detect by measuring the polar Kerr angle.

Research field: Applied physics and mathematics
Supervisors: Urmas Nagel
Toomas Rõõm
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: National Institute Of Chemical Physics And Biophysics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Maximizing Renewable Heat Contribution: Integration of Distributed Clean Energy Technologies into District Heating

We are looking for a highly motivated and self-driven PhD student/Early stage researcher to study the innovative aspects of solar energy utilisation in district heating (DH) systems. The main objective of research work involves the design & development of a solar energy laboratory and conducting simulation/experimental studies related to innovative concepts of solar DH systems. During the study period, the PhD candidate will have a chance to enhance not only his/her research and teaching ability but also leadership and project management skills. The prospective candidate will be part of TalTech's research group of Smart District Heating Systems with a motivated team led by Prof. Anna Volkova, which is focused on conducting industry-relevant research, writing top-tier scientific publications, and participating in popular scholarly conferences.

Research field: Chemical, materials and energy technology
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Anna Volkova
Sreenath Sukumaran
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Energy Technology
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Strategic design and synthesis of metal-phenolic networks for environmentally safe metal recycling

The project focuses on the design and synthesis of novel adsorbent materials – metal phenolic networks (MPNs) – with the main goal of developing safe and effective materials for metal recycling from wastewater. Following the principles of safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD), a battery of MPNs on the nano-sized core will be synthesized, varying the nanoparticle core and the metal and phenolic components of the MPN coating. The design of the MPNs will be guided by toxicity data to improve the environmental safety of the novel materials. The project will contribute to a modern and environmentally responsible circular economy.

Research field: Chemistry and biotechnology
Supervisor: Monika Mortimer
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: National Institute Of Chemical Physics And Biophysics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Task-specific ionic liquids suitable for thermal energy storage and their thermal properties

Thermal energy storage (TES) materials are expected to play a vital role in future energy systems. The aim of the Ph.D. project is to study task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) applicable as latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) materials. Specifically, TSILs will be synthesized and the properties relevant to TES will be measured. The obtained data will be used to evaluate the effect of the structure of TSIL on its properties to find the most promising TSILs for TES.

Research field: Chemical, materials and energy technology
Supervisors: Dr. Oliver Järvik
Mihkel Koel
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Energy Technology
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Disturbance observer based control of nonlinear systems

The aim of the PhD project is to study possibilities to estimate disturbances affecting the dynamics of nonlinear control systems and methods to design control techniques that use these estimations. For disturbance estimation, the goal is to transform the dynamics of a nonlinear control system to special forms for which the disturbance estimation problem becomes easier to solve using known results. There are different theoretical and practical aspects that the PhD candidate can study within the project.

Research field: Information and communication technology
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Juri Belikov
Dr. Arvo Kaldmäe
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Information Technologies
Department of Software Science
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Digital Twins and Maritime Safety

The plan is to establish a very active research group on the topics such as Hydrography, Aids to Navigation, Waterway design, and Nautical Cartography in Estonia. Internationally, the aim is to apply science-based solutions on managing the safety of waterways and ensuring maritime safety (including hydrography, navigational risk assessment, waterway design, etc.) On all these topics, the new digital solutions, increased automation, and application of AI and machine learning will be the dominating and important research areas. The future in this area will be on the digital twins of the ship, ship operations, and the environment i.e. the sea surface and the sea bottom. The advanced ship simulator center of TalTech can be important to conduct various types of studies needed in the future to understand the very complex phenomena and especially the interactions between various digital twin parameters.

Research field: Maritime studies
Supervisors: Inga Zaitseva-Pärnaste
Pentti Kujala
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: Tallinn University of Technology
Estonian Maritime Academy
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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The parameters estimation-based condition monitoring of electrical machines

Electrical machines are the workhorses of modern industry. Yet, they are prone to different faults, meaning the condition monitoring and diagnostics of the electrical machines is a highly important task in order to ensure prolonged lifetime of the systems, continuous undisturbed work and minimizing economical losses. The electrical systems are becoming ever more complex, leading to the necessity of novel and more advanced approaches of diagnostics and condition monitoring. The overall goal of the project is to examine the opportunities and pitfalls involved predicting the faults in machines, leading to dealing with the roots of faults at early stages rather than eliminating the results of failures. The project focuses on selection of suitable diagnostic methods, modelling and simulation of faults, diagnostic and prognostic algorithms, extensive laboratory testing of fault case scenarios and validating the methodology through analysis of all the mentioned steps.

Research field: Electrical power engineering and mechatronics
Supervisors: Dr. Toomas Vaimann
Dr. Bilal Asad
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Optimization of Additively Manufactured Soft Magnetic Cores

Additive manufacturing technologies support the sustainable manufacturing goals of EU by facilitating the production of next-generation electrical machines (EM) and simplifying the involved logistics. The main advantage of AM systems is the capacity to cost-effectively produce parts with topologies that have been previously out of economical feasibility or even completely unattainable through traditional methods. One of the main challenges yet to be solved in 3D-printing EMs is the suppression of the forming eddy currents when switching or rotating magnetic fields are involved. This is because of difficulties in the formation of electrical insulation layers within the printed parts which results in excessive iron losses. The overall goal of the project is to reduce these losses to a manageable level and includes both theoretical and practical work. The project focuses on the modelling of eddy currents, optimization of core topologies based on the capabilities of the laser powder bed fusion system, printing of samples, extensive laboratory testing of the developed material and the validation of the methodology through analysis of all the mentioned steps.

Research field: Applied physics and mathematics
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Jaan Kalda
Dr. Hans Tiismus
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Science
Department of Cybernetics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Analysis of underwater noise from operating offshore wind turbines

Offshore wind farms radiate underwater sound into the marine environment. Marine life can perceive and be disturbed by underwater anthropogenic noise and water particle vibration. To understand the impact of wind turbine noises on marine life the sound pressure as well as the particle motion field should be measured and analyzed. Establishing the relationship between these two fields is the key question to predict particle motion values of the various sources of anthropogenic noise. This study is carried out jointly with marine biologists from the University of Tartu.

Research field: Environmental, marine and coastal technology
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Aleksander Klauson
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Socio-technical cybersecurity educational development for waterway and maritime OT personnel

Tallinn University of Technology, Estonian Maritime Academy offers two (2) 4-year PhD position in information and communication technology. As a candidate with a combined background in IT and education, you will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment across several nations (Estonia, Norway, Netherlands).

Research field: Information and communication technology
Supervisors: Ricardo Lugo
Tiia Sõmer
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: Tallinn University of Technology
Estonian Maritime Academy
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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AI Based Analysis of the Information Environment for Cybersecurity Applications

This research develops an AI based digital twin mimicking societal responses to changes in the cybersecurity information environment. The student will enhance their knowledge of information environment analysis and opinion mining and construct a workflow for data gathering from social media and its processing using existing tools for opinion mining. This will result in a database to develop an AI-powered system to measure the influence of an information campaign. The second component is to prototype an AI-powered system to estimate the influence of a planned information campaign, which together would constitute an initial prototype of the proposed digital twin.

Research field: Information and communication technology
Supervisors: Dr. Sven Nõmm
Dr. Adrian Venables
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Information Technologies
Department of Software Science
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Characterization and modelling of the new structures of antimony chalcogenide solar cells

Lastly significant progress was achieved in the development of the Sb-chalcogenide based solar cells. Apart from the growing efficiency, new structure compositions and new manufacturing methods unique features were achieved. This includes semi-transparency and semiconductor junction engineering. Main goal of this project is to develop efficient methods for characterization of the new Sb2S3 based solar cells structures. Specific opto-electronic and material parameters shall be obtained for defined group of cell structures. Experimental and measurement work is aimed at the preparation of the adequate simulation models corresponding to the actual parameters and behavior of these devices. After the construction of fully functional model for SCAPS 1D program obtained results will be confronted with the parameters of cells obtained in Laboratory for Thin Film Energy Materials at TalTech and adjusted for precise illustration of the device behavior. After this final verification the numerical analysis will be conducted towards formulating of the future technology optimization steps.

Research field: Chemical, materials and energy technology
Supervisors: Dr. Atanas Katerski
Maciej Sibiński
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Materials and Environmental Technology
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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Advanced microcrystalline pyrite based solar cell for space applications

This PhD project is aiming at exploring the properties of novel PV absorbers that are suitable for space applications and can be used in microcrystalline solar cell. We are aiming the materials that can be harvest from the lunar regolith or mars regolith. Materials that will be selected have to fulfil the criteria set for the solar cell absorber material and according to the theoretical calculations should enable to achieve high solar energy conversion efficiencies and can be produce in situ from the source of planetary/moon regolith. In the frame of this PhD project, FeS2, Si single crystals and polycrystalline powders will be synthesized at high temperatures enabling detailed analysis of the properties of high quality material compared to thin films deposited at low temperatures. Also thin film NiO deposition will be studied with wet chemical methods. Detailed characterization of the structural, optical and electrical properties of these materials will be conducted.

Research field: Chemical, materials and energy technology
Supervisor: Taavi Raadik
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Materials and Environmental Technology
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between October 02, 2023 00:00 and October 23, 2023 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

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