The Estonian Academy of Arts invites applications for a full-time doctoral candidate position at the Timber Architecture Research Center PAKK, in collaboration with the PUUSTER research project. This is a new doctoral position within PAKK, focusing on research in sustainable timber architecture and construction. The doctoral research is carried out in close collaboration with the national R&D project PUUSTER.
The admission deadline for international applicants is 31 March 2026 at 3 pm (EET). More information about admission for international applicants HERE.
Position Context
The doctoral candidate will be working at EKA PAKK as junior researcher and will develop an individual doctoral research project aligned with PAKK’s research directions. At the same time, the candidate will contribute to and collaborate closely with the PUUSTER project, engaging with its thematic focus on the valorisation of underutilised wood species and wood-based materials in construction.
Profile and Requirements
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for doctoral students at the EKA. In addition, the candidate should demonstrate:
- A strong motivation to develop high-quality, sustainable architecture.
- Preferably, experience or demonstrated interest in timber structures or timber-based construction systems.
- An interest in construction processes and materials, automation, digitalisation, and environmental impact.
Role and Tasks
- Developing an individual doctoral research project within the PAKK research framework, in dialogue with the PUUSTER project themes.
- Following the Estonian Academy of Arts architecture and urban planning doctoral studies curriculum and doctoral study regulations
- Conducting academic research, co-authoring and writing peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Contributing to the development and writing of funding proposals alongside senior researchers.
- Participating in knowledge transfer and supporting teaching activities at the Estonian Academy of Arts.
- Collaborating closely with PAKK research groups, the TalTech timber engineering research group and wood technology laboratory, and researchers from the University of Tartu Physics Institute.
About PAKK
The Timber Architecture Research Center PAKK operates at the intersection of architecture, engineering, material research, and design-driven innovation. PAKK focuses on sustainable timber construction, circular design strategies, and experimental building systems, combining academic research with real-world applications. The centre brings together architects, engineers, and other researchers with public and private stakeholders to develop future-oriented timber construction methods through interdisciplinary collaboration and international networks.
About the PUUSTER Project
The thematic research and development project PUUSTER aims to build competence in Estonia for the sustainable use of underutilised wood species and wood-based materials in building structures. The project defines engineering parameters for such materials and develops resource-efficient production and construction technologies. It also explores new applications for production residues.
PUUSTER follows circular economy principles, including the development of reusable and demountable joints, integrated design solutions, numerical simulation models, and optimized structural systems. The project is carried out through interdisciplinary collaboration, combining architectural design, engineering, material science, and digital technologies to establish a solid scientific foundation for innovative and sustainable timber construction.
More information: www.puuster.com
Current PUUSTER focus themes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvG2e8Zaggu8a-Rji5e_F_A
Employment Conditions
- Full-time doctoral student – junior researcher
- Gross salary: 2100 EUR per month
- PhD enrolment: September 2026
- Duration: 4 years
Contact
Siim Tuksam
Head of Research, Faculty of Architecture
Estonian Academy of Arts
siim.tuksam@artun.ee
Anna Tommingas
Head of Timber Architecture Research Center PAKK
Estonian Academy of Arts
anna.tommingas@artun.ee