Open Research Positions 2026

Research scope

The doctoral project may address a broad range of topics within economics and policy studies, provided the proposed topic demonstrates clear academic relevance and practical significance for institutions, policy design, and economic development.

Illustrative research areas include

• Institutional economics and public policy
• Economic history and analytic narratives in social studies and policy research
• Institutional economics and microeconomics
• The use of games, strategic interaction, and analytical frameworks in social studies and economic analysis
• Economics of education, including school choice, educational inequality, and the education production function
• Institutional design, governance quality, and public sector performance
• Corruption, informal institutions, and institutional dysfunctions in post-Communist and transition economies
• The microeconomic and institutional foundations of economic development
• Policy issues affecting sustainable economic growth in emerging markets
• Institutional constraints, state capacity, and development trajectories in small and developing economies
• The interaction between formal rules, informal norms, and economic outcomes in transition and emerging contexts

Additional context

The research environment is particularly relevant for candidates interested in connecting economics with institutional and policy challenges in Estonia and beyond. The position is expected to align well with the expertise represented in the broader scholarly themes associated with researchers such as Prof. Kaire Põder, Associate Professor Gaygysyz Ashyrov, and Assistant Professor Niveditha Prabakaran Pankova, especially in the areas of school choice and education policy, institutional economics, corruption and institutional quality in post-Communist countries, and sustainable economic growth in emerging market settings.

• Institution: Estonian Business School (EBS)
• Position Type: Junior Research Fellow / Doctoral Research Position
• Research Area: Economics and Policy Studies
• Location: Tallinn, Estonia
• Start Date: From the 2026/2027 academic year or as agreed

Key responsibilities

• Conduct independent and supervised doctoral research in the area of economics and policy studies
• Develop and complete a doctoral dissertation within the nominal period of doctoral studies
• Produce academically rigorous, publication-oriented research of international quality
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral training, and the scholarly life of EBS
• Contribute to research projects, academic publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs
• Participate in project proposal and project work conducted by EBS as needed

We are looking for candidates with strong academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a clear motivation to pursue a research-intensive doctoral path.

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, public policy, political economy, social sciences, or a related field
• Strong academic performance and clear evidence of research potential
• A genuine interest in economics, institutional analysis, public policy, economic development, or education policy
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment

Additional qualifications considered an advantage

• Excellent written and spoken Estonian
• Prior research experience
• Experience with empirical research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods)
• Familiarity with microeconomics, institutional economics, policy evaluation, or political economy
• Interest in education policy, corruption studies, transition economies, or emerging market development
• Experience with econometric analysis, survey data, comparative institutional analysis, or historical/policy research
• Knowledge of the Estonian, post-Communist, or broader emerging market policy context

• A tuition-free doctoral study position within the framework of EBS doctoral education
• The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in a dynamic and internationally oriented academic environment
• Academic supervision and integration into the EBS research and doctoral community
• The possibility to conduct research with both international academic relevance and practical value for Estonia
• A supportive environment for participation in conferences, doctoral seminars, and international academic exchange

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (both bachelor’s and master’s level)
• A writing sample (e.g. an article or research paper), and/or the Master’s thesis (to be submitted separately via a dedicated Drive link invitation)
• A preliminary research idea or doctoral topic proposal
• Contact details of academic or professional referees

Research scope

The doctoral project may address a broad range of topics within Data & Digitalisation, provided the proposed topic demonstrates clear academic relevance and practical significance for organisations, institutions, culture, knowledge production, or societal development.

Illustrative research areas include

• The design, implementation, and implications of agentic AI solutions on organisations
• Data-driven digital transformation in organisations and society
• Language and cultural dynamics using large-scale corpora and computational methods
• AI and machine learning in digital humanities and computational social science
• Cognitive experiments and computational approaches to meaning, communication, and culture
• Digitalisation and AI applications in education, creative industries, and cross-sector innovation
• Mixed methods research and methodological innovation in the digital age
• Meta-analysis, evidence synthesis, and research design in interdisciplinary contexts
• Sociology of knowledge and science
• Bibliometric and scientometric analysis of research, innovation, and knowledge systems
• The use of AI and data-driven methods to study institutions, organisations, discourse, and societal change

Additional context

The research environment is particularly relevant for candidates interested in connecting advanced computational methods with broader questions in business, society, culture, and knowledge production.

The position is expected to align well with the expertise represented in the broader scholarly themes associated with Gholamreza Anbarjafari, especially in the areas of machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, NLP, and AI systems development; Andres Karjus, especially in the areas of language and culture dynamics, large corpora, machine learning, AI, cognitive experiments, and digital humanities; and Karmo Kroos, especially in the areas of mixed methods, meta-analysis, interdisciplinarity, sociology of knowledge, and scientometric analysis.

The position is therefore especially attractive for applicants interested in interdisciplinary doctoral research at the intersection of AI, data, digitalisation, social inquiry, and real-world transformation.

• Institution: Estonian Business School (EBS)
• Position Type: Junior Research Fellow / Doctoral Research Position
• Research Area: Data & Digitalisation
• Location: Tallinn, Estonia
• Start Date: From the 2026/2027 academic year or as agreed

Key responsibilities

• Conduct independent and supervised doctoral research in the area of Data & Digitalisation
• Develop and complete a doctoral dissertation within the nominal period of doctoral studies
• Produce academically rigorous, publication-oriented research of international quality
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral training, and the scholarly life of EBS
• Contribute to research projects, academic publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs
• Participate in project proposal and project work conducted by EBS as needed

We are looking for candidates with either

• A strong academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a clear motivation to pursue a research-intensive academic career path.
• A strong entrepreneurial background with a clear motivation to continue the path of life-long learning by extending their knowledge through a doctoral degree.

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Strong academic performance and clear evidence of research potential
• A genuine interest in data-driven research, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, computational methods, or interdisciplinary digital research
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment

Additional qualifications are considered an advantage

• Prior research experience
• Experience with empirical research methods (quantitative, qualitative, computational, or mixed methods)
• Familiarity with machine learning, AI, NLP, computer vision, digital humanities, computational social science, or scientometric methods
• Experience with programming, statistical analysis, corpus analysis, experimental research, or bibliometric tools
• Interest in the societal, cultural, educational, or organisational implications of data and digitalisation
• Experience from research, consulting, innovation projects, digital transformation, public administration, education, or cross-sector collaboration
• Knowledge of the Estonian digital, educational, business, or research environment

• A doctoral study position within the framework of EBS doctoral education
• The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in a dynamic and internationally oriented academic environment
• Academic supervision and integration into the EBS research and doctoral community
• The possibility to conduct research with both international academic relevance and practical value for Estonia
• A supportive environment for participation in conferences, doctoral seminars, and international academic exchange
• Engagement with startups and venture ecosystems within the network of EBS

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (both bachelor’s and master’s level)
• A writing sample (e.g. an article or research paper), and/or the Master’s thesis (to be submitted separately via a dedicated Drive link invitation)
• A preliminary research idea or doctoral topic proposal
• Contact details of academic or professional referees

Research scope

The doctoral project may address a broad range of topics within business ethics and business in society, provided the proposed topic demonstrates clear academic relevance and practical significance for organisations, institutions, and societal development.

Illustrative research areas include

• business ethics, corporate responsibility, and responsible leadership
• ethical cultures, values, and decision-making in organisations
• inclusion, diversity, and inequality in organisational life
• digitalisation and its implications for work, organisations, and society
• the societal and political implications of AI and emerging digital technologies
• algorithmic governance, accountability, fairness, and transparency
• human–technology relations, trust, autonomy, and participation
• ethics and digital responsibility in shaping the future of organisations and society

Additional context

The research environment is particularly relevant for candidates interested in connecting business ethics with contemporary organisational challenges, including the ethical and societal implications of digital transformation and AI in workplaces. The position is expected to align well with the expertise represented in the broader scholarly networks and themes associated with researchers such as Prof. Jukka Mäkinen, Associate Professor Mari Kooskora, and Dr. Annika Kaabel, especially in the areas of business ethics, organisational responsibility, workplace inclusion, and responsible digital transformation.

• Institution: Estonian Business School (EBS)
• Position Type: Junior Research Fellow / Doctoral Research Position
• Research Area: Business in Society
• Location: Tallinn, Estonia
• Start Date: From the 2026/2027 academic year or as agreed

Key responsibilities

• Conduct independent and supervised doctoral research in the area of business in society
• Develop and complete a doctoral dissertation within the nominal period of doctoral studies
• Produce academically rigorous, publication-oriented research of international quality
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral training, and the scholarly life of EBS
• Contribute to research projects, academic publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs
• Participate in project proposal and project work conducted by EBS as needed

We are looking for candidates with strong academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a clear motivation to pursue a research-intensive doctoral path.

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Strong academic performance and clear evidence of research potential
• A genuine interest in business ethics, responsible leadership, ethical and inclusive organisational practices, and the wider societal, political, and organisational implications of digitalisation and AI
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment

Additional qualifications are considered an advantage

• Prior research experience
• Experience with empirical research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)
• Familiarity with organisational research, HRM, ethics, sustainability, DEI, or responsible digitalisation
• Interest in workplace technologies, algorithmic decision-making, or AI in organisational settings
• Experience from business, consulting, HR, public administration, civil society, or policy-related work
• Knowledge of the Estonian organisational, institutional, or societal context
• Excellent written and spoken Estonian

• A doctoral study position within the framework of EBS doctoral education
• The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in a dynamic and internationally oriented academic environment
• Academic supervision and integration into the EBS research and doctoral community
• The possibility to conduct research with both international academic relevance and practical value for Estonia
• A supportive environment for participation in conferences, doctoral seminars, and international academic exchange

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (both bachelor’s and master’s level)
• A writing sample (e.g. an article or research paper), and/or the Master’s thesis (to be submitted separately via a dedicated Drive link invitation)
• A preliminary research idea or doctoral topic proposal
• Contact details of academic or professional referees

Research scope

The doctoral project may address a broad range of topics within business ethics and business in society, provided the proposed topic demonstrates clear academic relevance and practical significance for organisations, institutions, and societal development.

Illustrative research areas include

• business ethics, corporate responsibility, and responsible leadership
• ethical cultures, values, and decision-making in organisations
• inclusion, diversity, and inequality in organisational life
• digitalisation and its implications for work, organisations, and society
• the societal and political implications of AI and emerging digital technologies
• algorithmic governance, accountability, fairness, and transparency
• human–technology relations, trust, autonomy, and participation
• ethics and digital responsibility in shaping the future of organisations and society

Additional context

The research environment is particularly relevant for candidates interested in connecting business ethics with contemporary organisational challenges, including the ethical and societal implications of digital transformation and AI in workplaces. The position is expected to align well with the expertise represented in the broader scholarly networks and themes associated with researchers such as Prof. Jukka Mäkinen, Associate Professor Mari Kooskora, and Dr. Annika Kaabel, especially in the areas of business ethics, organisational responsibility, workplace inclusion, and responsible digital transformation.

• Institution: Estonian Business School (EBS)
• Position Type: Junior Research Fellow / Doctoral Research Position
• Research Area: Artificial Intelligence and Business / Organizational / Societal Transformation
• Location: Tallinn, Estonia
• Start Date: From the 2026/2027 academic year or as agreed

Key responsibilities

• Conduct independent and supervised doctoral research in the area of business in society
• Develop and complete a doctoral dissertation within the nominal period of doctoral studies
• Produce academically rigorous, publication-oriented research of international quality
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral training, and the scholarly life of EBS
• Contribute to research projects, academic publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs
• Participate in project proposal and project work conducted by EBS as needed

We are looking for candidates with strong academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a clear motivation to pursue a research-intensive doctoral path.

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Strong academic performance and clear evidence of research potential
• A genuine interest in business ethics, responsible leadership, ethical and inclusive organisational practices, and the wider societal, political, and organisational implications of digitalisation and AI
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment

Additional qualifications are considered an advantage

• Prior research experience
• Experience with empirical research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)
• Familiarity with organisational research, HRM, ethics, sustainability, DEI, or responsible digitalisation
• Interest in workplace technologies, algorithmic decision-making, or AI in organisational settings
• Experience from business, consulting, HR, public administration, civil society, or policy-related work
• Knowledge of the Estonian organisational, institutional, or societal context
• Excellent written and spoken Estonian

• A doctoral study position within the framework of EBS doctoral education
• The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in a dynamic and internationally oriented academic environment
• Academic supervision and integration into the EBS research and doctoral community
• The possibility to conduct research with both international academic relevance and practical value for Estonia
• A supportive environment for participation in conferences, doctoral seminars, and international academic exchange

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (both bachelor’s and master’s level)
• A writing sample (e.g. an article or research paper), and/or the Master’s thesis (to be submitted separately via a dedicated Drive link invitation)
• A preliminary research idea or doctoral topic proposal
• Contact details of academic or professional referees

Research scope

The doctoral project may address a broad range of topics within green transition, circular economy, and sustainable business development, provided the proposed topic demonstrates clear academic relevance and practical significance for organisations, industries, policymakers, and societal sustainability.

Illustrative research areas include

• circular economy and circular business model innovation
• bioeconomy and sustainable resource management
• sustainable entrepreneurship and green transition strategies
• sustainable food systems, forestry, and regional resilience
• business models for climate resilience and resource efficiency
• stakeholder collaboration and innovation ecosystems in sustainability transitions
• sustainable value chains, local production systems, and circular supply networks
• policy, governance, and implementation challenges related to green transition and circular economy

The research environment is particularly relevant for candidates interested in connecting circular economy, bioeconomy, and sustainable business transformation with contemporary organisational and societal challenges. The position aligns with EBS research activities related to green transition, circular economy, sustainability awareness, and innovation ecosystems, including ongoing international collaboration in sustainable food systems, forestry entrepreneurship, and circular bioeconomy initiatives. The position is expected to align especially well with the expertise represented by researchers such as Dr. Aleksandra Kekkonen and collaborators working on green economy, circular economy, sustainable development, and sustainability-oriented business transformation.

• Institution: Estonian Business School (EBS)
• Research Area: Green, Circular Economy and Resources
• Location: Tallinn, Estonia
• Start Date: From the 2026/2027 academic year or as agreed

Key responsibilities

• Conduct independent and supervised doctoral research in the area of business in society
• Develop and complete a doctoral dissertation within the nominal period of doctoral studies
• Produce academically rigorous, publication-oriented research of international quality
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral training, and the scholarly life of EBS
• Contribute to research projects, academic publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs
• Participate in project proposal and project work conducted by EBS as needed

We are looking for candidates with strong academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a clear motivation to pursue a research-intensive doctoral path.

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Strong academic performance and clear evidence of research potential
• A genuine interest in broad area of Green, Circular Economy and Resources
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment

Additional qualifications considered an advantage

• Prior research experience
• Experience with empirical research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)
• Familiarity with broad area of Green, Circular Economy and Resources
• Experience from business, consulting, HR, public administration, civil society, or policy-related work
• Knowledge of Estnian organizational, institutional, or societal context
• Excellent written and spoken Estonian

• A doctoral study position within the framework of EBS doctoral education
• The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in a dynamic and internationally oriented academic environment
• Academic supervision and integration into the EBS research and doctoral community
• The possibility to conduct research with both international academic relevance and practical value for Estonia
• A supportive environment for participation in conferences, doctoral seminars, and international academic exchange

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (both bachelor’s and master’s level)
• A writing sample (e.g. an article or research paper), and/or the Master’s thesis (to be submitted separately via a dedicated Drive link invitation)
• A preliminary research idea or doctoral topic proposal
• Contact details of academic or professional referees