Tarmo Soomere

This PhD position at Tallinn University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance the understanding and prediction of sea ice changes in the Baltic and Barents Seas using state-of-the-art machine and deep learning methods. The research is situated within the Laboratory of Wave Engineering, part of the Department of Cybernetics, School of Science, and supervised by Assistant Professor Nicole Camille Delpeche-Ellmann and Tenured Full Professor Dr. Tarmo Soomere. The laboratory is renowned for its expertise in wave dynamics, coastal engineering, and the application of mathematical and computational methods to marine environments. Climate change is driving rapid alterations in sea-ice properties and dynamics, with significant implications for marine engineering, coastal management, and navigation. The project leverages long-term, high-resolution datasets from the Baltic Sea, including in-situ measurements, satellite products (ICESat-2, CryoSat-2), and hydrodynamic models. The successful candidate will develop an integrated framework combining remote sensing, in situ observations, and hydrodynamic model outputs to analyze and forecast sea ice changes. The methodology will be applied to both the Baltic and Barents Seas, focusing on the marginal ice zone (MIZ), a region undergoing rapid transformation due to complex interactions among sea ice, ocean, atmosphere, waves, and currents. The PhD candidate will harmonize multi-source datasets onto common spatial and temporal scales, apply statistical methods such as empirical orthogonal functions, wavelet transform, and extreme value analysis to identify patterns and trends in sea ice extent, thickness, and velocity. Machine and deep learning models, including convolutional neural networks, will be developed to reconstruct past, present, and future scenarios and quantify associated uncertainties. The research will also investigate links between large-scale climate variability and regional-to-local marine processes, examining how sea ice changes influence energy, momentum, and carbon exchanges using Earth system models (e.g., CMIP6). Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent in Earth sciences, computing, or related disciplines such as marine engineering, mathematics, geodesy, or physics. Advanced programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB), strong analytical and writing abilities, and a clear interest in the research topic are essential. Experience with scientific software, statistics, and machine learning methods is beneficial, and training will be provided as needed. Good command of English is required, and shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit a research plan. The position is fully funded for four years, offering tuition and stipend, and provides extensive opportunities for conference visits, research stays, and networking with leading universities and research centers in coastal and ocean engineering. The laboratory is highly internationalized and actively engaged in pan-European and national research projects. Hands-on training in science communication and diplomacy is also available. To apply, candidates should review the PhD admission information at TalTech’s web page and submit their application documents (CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, research plan, and passport copy) to [email protected] . For further information, visit the laboratory website . This position is ideal for candidates passionate about climate science, marine engineering, and computational methods, seeking to contribute to impactful research in a dynamic and supportive environment.

The Department of Cybernetics at the School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, invites applications for a 4-year fully funded PhD position in Environmental, Marine and Coastal Technology. The research will be conducted within the Laboratory of Wave Engineering, a leading group in the Baltic States focused on wave dynamics, coastal engineering, and the application of mathematical methods to marine environments. The successful candidate will join an international team working at the forefront of coastal research, with direct impact on sustainable coastal management and engineering design. The proposed PhD thesis, “Alongshore sediment transport patterns under different water levels on the eastern Baltic Sea coast,” addresses a critical gap in understanding how synchronisation between storm waves and elevated water levels affects beach stability. The project will systematically analyse the interplay of water levels and wave directions, quantifying sediment transport patterns and mapping areas of erosion and accumulation. This research is highly relevant to climate change impacts, as recent findings indicate shifts in wind and wave regimes that may alter coastal stability and increase flood risks. Responsibilities include collecting and processing wave, sea-level, and field data; developing and improving sediment transport models; conducting fieldwork and statistical analyses; interpreting results; and contributing to publications and research meetings. The position offers hands-on training in science communication and diplomacy, as well as opportunities for conference attendance and research stays at leading institutions. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in physical, mathematical, or Earth sciences (preferably physical oceanography, coastal engineering, or ocean engineering) and possess strong skills in mathematics, statistics, and scientific software (Matlab, Mathematica, Python, R). Excellent English proficiency, analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Experience with GIS software, statistics, and science popularisation is beneficial. The Wave Engineering Laboratory is renowned for its research on nonlinear wave phenomena, coastal hazards, and the application of advanced modeling techniques, including machine learning and AI. The team’s work supports science-based decision-making for coastal infrastructure and management, with a strong emphasis on translating fundamental research into practical solutions. Funding includes a stipend for the full duration of the PhD, with additional support for travel and networking. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. For application instructions, visit the TalTech PhD admission page and send required documents (CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, passport copy) to Prof Dr Tarmo Soomere. For further information, contact the supervisors or visit the Wave Engineering Laboratory website.

PhD Position: Directional Structure of the Baltic Sea Wave Climate Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), School of Science, Department of Cybernetics, invites applications for a 4-year fully funded PhD position focused on the directional structure of the Baltic Sea wave climate. The position is supervised by Full Professor Dr. Tarmo Soomere (Wave Engineering Laboratory) and Senior Lecturer Dr. Andrus Räämet (Mechanics of Fluids and Structures Research Group). Research Focus: The project aims to quantify and analyze the predominant wave directions, wave energy flux, and extreme wave conditions in the Baltic Sea, comparing two climatic periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020) using the SWAN wave model and ERA5 wind data. The research will address the anisotropic nature of the Baltic Sea wave climate, its impact on coastal engineering, sediment transport, and maritime safety, and will contribute to the design and management of coastal structures and navigation routes. Responsibilities: The successful candidate will perform wave simulations, collect and compare modelled and measured wave data, compile a comprehensive database of wave properties (1961–2025), map wave propagation and energy flux directions, and identify long-term and decadal trends. Additional tasks include supporting other research projects, organizing workshops, and presenting findings. Eligibility: Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in physical, mathematical, engineering, or Earth sciences (preferably physical oceanography, civil, coastal, or ocean engineering) with a strong background in mathematics and statistics. Excellent English skills, strong writing and analytical abilities, and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively are required. Experience with scientific software (Matlab, Mathematica, Python, R), statistics, student supervision, and science communication is beneficial. Funding & Benefits: The position offers a full stipend for four years, opportunities for conference travel, research stays, and networking with leading institutions in coastal and ocean engineering. The Wave Engineering Laboratory is internationally recognized for its research in wave dynamics, coastal engineering, and mathematical modelling, with a strong emphasis on translating fundamental research into practical solutions for coastal management and engineering. Application Process: Interested candidates should send their CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, and a copy of their passport to Prof Dr Tarmo Soomere ([email protected]). Detailed PhD admission information is available at TalTech PhD Admission . Applications may also be submitted via Academic Positions . For further information, contact the supervisors or visit the Wave Engineering Laboratory website. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026. About TalTech: Tallinn University of Technology is a leading institution in the Baltic States, offering advanced research opportunities in marine and coastal engineering, with a vibrant international research community and extensive collaboration across Europe.

This fully funded 4-year PhD position at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), School of Science, Department of Cybernetics, offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the local drivers of extreme water levels in the eastern Baltic Sea. The research is hosted by the Laboratory of Wave Engineering, a core lab renowned for its expertise in wave dynamics, coastal engineering, and the application of advanced mathematical methods to marine and coastal challenges. The project focuses on the spatio-temporal variability of wave set-up—a critical but often overlooked contributor to storm-driven high water levels and coastal flooding risks. By integrating wave modelling, field observations, remote sensing, statistical analysis, and AI, the research aims to quantify spatial patterns of wave set-up, its statistical distributions, and the co-occurrence of high set-up with offshore extreme sea levels. The outcomes will have direct implications for coastal risk management and climate adaptation strategies in the Baltic region. Key research questions include: How does wave set-up height vary along the eastern Baltic Sea coast? What statistical distributions characterize wave set-up in semi-sheltered sea areas? How frequently do high wave set-up and extreme offshore water levels coincide, and what are the implications for flooding? Can wave set-up be reliably quantified from observations or remote sensing, and how do these compare to simulations? Responsibilities include performing simulations of wave set-up from 1961–2025, mapping areas with frequent large set-up heights, identifying statistical distributions, establishing links between offshore sea level and set-up events, exploring satellite-based proxies, and analyzing decadal changes and long-term trends. The successful candidate will also contribute to lab research projects and the organization of workshops and conferences. Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent in physical, mathematical, engineering, or Earth sciences (preferably physical oceanography, civil, coastal, or ocean engineering) and possess a strong background in mathematics and statistics. Excellent English skills, strong writing and analytical abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of an international team are essential. Experience with scientific software (Matlab, Mathematica, Python, R), statistics, supervision of BSc students, and science popularisation are beneficial. The Wave Engineering Laboratory at TalTech is internationally recognized for its research portfolio, which includes long wave theory, shallow-water solitons, set-up and run-up phenomena, tsunami research, surface wave modelling, and the application of machine learning and AI to marine hazards. The lab is committed to translating fundamental research into practical solutions for coastal engineering and management, and offers extensive opportunities for conference visits, research stays, and networking with leading universities and research centers. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, and a copy of your passport to Prof Dr Tarmo Soomere ([email protected]). Review the PhD admission information at TalTech's PhD admission page . For further details, contact the supervisors or visit the Wave Engineering Laboratory website . The application deadline is January 31, 2026.