Professor of Private Law (tenure track)

The Department of Law in Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) invites applications for a professor position in Private Law. The professorship focuses on two recently very significant fields: the harmonisation of European contract law and the challenges arising in private law from new technologies. Contract law is at present undergoing a rapid adaptation process in the light of novel forms of contracts and business models, as reflected in the sharing economy (airnbn, uber), the increasing dominance of online trade (amazon, eBay) and services (google, facebook) or novel mechanisms of self-enforcement (blockchain based contract mechanisms as smart contracts). Most achievements deriving from digitisation – or other research performed by TalTech– are in urgent need for analysis and implementation into today’s European legal systems.

The professorship is designed to contribute basic and constructive research on the legal foundations of emerging technologies (e.g. smart contracts) according to market needs. It also undertakes analytical and comprehensive research on novel contract practices already being in use (e.g. software licenses), the digital market component being the common denominator of all research. This research shall be taking place within the framework of an extensive international research network, providing for both high-level international impact and comparative, contemporary approaches.

In terms of teaching, the professorship is designed to provide to students extensive and thorough instruction on novel contract forms and their interaction, preparing future (in-house-) lawyers, judges, government officials and scholars for the digitisation of the legal and business-related professions.

The department offers

• a strong international team and student community;
• opportunities for professional development;
• an extensive network for multidisciplinary cooperation;
• modern working environment;
• access to relevant infrastructure.

For more detailed information on the position, please contact Kaja Kattel, Assistant to the Head of the Department of Law, kaja.kattel@taltech.ee.

Application instructions

The following application documents are required (in English):

• an application;
• documents proving that the candidate holds the required academic degree (PhD or an equivalent qualification) and has acquired the required education;
• a curriculum vitae and a list of publications;
• an academic portfolio;
• a vision or an action plan for the following period of employment (the maximum total length 1500 words);
• other documents considered to be important by the applicant.

Documents should be sent by e-mail to konkurss@ttu.ee.