No. of Positions: One (1)
Category: European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network CLIMES (2026–2029)
Location: University of Cyprus (UCY), Nicosia, Cyprus
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE) at the University of Cyprus (UCY-KIOS) announces one (1) full-time PhD Student Scholarship position. This position is part of the European MSCA Doctoral Network CLIMES (2026–2029). More information about the specific topics that the successful candidate will work on can be found on the CLIMES project website https://www.climes.se/climesdn/.
CLIMES DN is expected to start on 1st of March 2026. CLIMES DN is implemented by an international consortium of universities, research institutes, public authorities, and private and third-sector partners. This structure ensures that candidates are embedded in a realistic research-to-application ecosystem, with access to diverse perspectives, datasets, and use cases. The network fosters mobility, secondments, and close interaction with stakeholders working directly on climate adaptation, public health, infrastructure, and risk management. The project combines interdisciplinary research with structured doctoral training to form experts capable of working across academia and the public, private, and third sectors, with a focus on:
• Improved compilation and use of climate impact data
• Innovative approaches to risk assessment
• Pushing the frontier of impact forecasting
The aim is to translate climate information into actionable knowledge for adaptation and resilience, thus strengthening Europe’s capacity to respond to climate risks.
The selected student will be enrolled in either the Electrical Engineering or the Computer Engineering PhD program of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Cyprus (UCY), the top-ranking university of the country. The ECE Department conducts top-quality research, with its faculty securing prestigious projects including multiple ERC Grants, Horizon2020/ Horizon Europe RIA projects, and many more. The selected student will work under the supervision of Prof. Mathaios Panteli (https://www.kios.ucy.ac.cy/people_category/kios-faculty/).
The successful candidate will conduct research at the state-of-the-art facilities of the KIOS Center of Excellence, focusing on the development of computational models, monitoring strategies, and AI-driven tools for resilient and intelligent smart city infrastructures, with particular emphasis on energy networks, cyber-physical systems, and critical infrastructure monitoring and control under climate extremes. The research will involve modeling, simulation, and AI-based approaches to improve the reliability, efficiency, and security of urban systems, while translating climate information into actionable knowledge for decision-making.
The candidate will be required to complete two in-person international secondments and attend in-person international meetings as part of the CLIMES EU MSCA Doctoral Network. Virtual secondments or virtual attendance at training events will not be accepted, except in extraordinary circumstances. The candidate will benefit from close collaboration with leading scientists within the CLIMES EU MSCA Doctoral Network, opportunities to engage with industry partners, and participation in specialized training workshops, international secondments, and career development programs, ensuring comprehensive interdisciplinary experience and strong preparation for careers in both academia and the private sector. The candidate will be part of a leading cohort of early-career researchers studying different aspects of impacts of climate extremes in Europe, from public health to societal perspectives and agricultural impacts, and will have access to a rich programme of training activities and research exchanges.
KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE)
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence operates within the University of Cyprus and currently is the largest research center at the University. KIOS is a leading research and innovation center in Cyprus and the region on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Since its establishment in 2008, the Center has followed an impressive and continuous development, leading to its significant upgrade to a European Research Center of Excellence through the EU strategic Horizon 2020 Teaming project in 2017. The Center collaborates strategically with Imperial College, London, as well as with a plethora of local and international research organizations and other stakeholders.
The Center provides an inspiring environment for carrying out top-level research in the area of ICT, with emphasis on the Monitoring, Control, Management and Security of Critical Infrastructures, including power and energy systems, water, transportation and telecommunication networks, healthcare systems, as well as systems for emergency management and response. KIOS researchers develop new knowledge and technological solutions to improve the operation, efficiency, reliability, safety, and security of these systems, bringing major socio-economic and environmental benefits at the local and global level.
Since its inception, the Center has been involved in more than 170 externally funded research and innovation projects and has received significant national and international recognition, as evidenced by important research grants, awards and distinctions such as 6 ERC Grants from the European Council (including the first ever ERC Advanced Grant and the first ever ERC Synergy Grant in Cyprus), the coordination of several EU-funded projects such as COCOON, SPARROW and GuardAI, the coordination of the ESF COST Action IntelliCIS (the first COST Action to be coordinated by a team from Cyprus), the first EU Teaming project to a Cypriot organization, an IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Technical Field Award, an IEEE Neural Networks Pioneer Award, a National Experienced Researcher of the Year Award, multiple National New Researcher of the Year Awards, National Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards, and several Best Paper Awards in top-tier international conferences and journals. These awards indicate the high-quality of research undertaken at the Center.
Currently, the Center employs more than 200 people and is involved in more than 50 research and innovation projects funded by various European and national funding agencies, as well as in more than 20 projects funded by the industry. In addition, the Center instigates interdisciplinary interaction and promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and research organizations in high-tech areas of global importance. The KIOS CoE operates in a diverse environment as an equal opportunity employer.
University of Cyprus
The University of Cyprus, founded in 1989, is a young and dynamic academic institution of national and international recognition. Focused on excellence in education, research and innovation, the University of Cyprus is renowned for its high-impact research profile and quality of teaching. In the latest prestigious Shanghai List (2025), it ranked between the top 801-900 universities in the world. Today, it is ranked amongst the top 100 young universities (under 50 years) and #401-500 worldwide by the Times New Higher Education Rankings.
These distinctions indicate the university’s focus on research excellence and continuous development. Therefore, it aims to attract high-skilled researchers who will bring new ideas and contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society.
Scholarship Terms:
The PhD Scholarship offers a monthly competitive salary to cover living allowance (€2,845.92 gross salary), social and health insurance (according to the University of Cyprus regulations), mobility (€689.99 gross amount) plus a family allowance (if the candidate is married: €481.05 gross amount) per month, following the European MSCA Doctoral Network rules (see MSCA rules). Maternity leave will be granted based on Maternity Protection Law 1997(Ν.100(Ι)/1997), and the existing amendment laws. The position provides University tuition fees. The scholarship will be offered for a minimum of three years, subject to annual performance evaluation.
Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:
• (MSCA DN Mobility Rule) Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Cyprus for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account. Date of Recruitment means the first day of the employment of the researcher for the purposes of the action (i.e. the starting date indicated in the employment contract or equivalent direct contract).
• a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Energy Systems, or related areas.
• a clear interest in the topic of the position (candidates with cyber-physical systems, smart city infrastructures, and resilience analysis will be preferred).
• a solid background in energy systems and/or control theory.
• a very good knowledge of the English language. Proficiency in English can be demonstrated through one of the following:
o GCSE: at least C grade
o IELTS Academic: a minimum total score of 6.5
o Test of English as a foreign language (ETS TOEFL®): a minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet-based)
• strong writing and communication skills compatible with an entry-level research position.
• capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of an international team.
• capacity and willingness to provide assistance in organizational tasks relevant to the project.
The following experience will be considered as advantage:
• prior research or professional experience in energy networks, smart cities, CPS, or resilience assessment
• familiarity with ML/DL algorithms and tools for critical infrastructure
• previous research publications at conferences or journals
Application:
Interested candidates should submit the following items online through the link: https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/recruitment, and concurrently at the Projects Application Portal (https://www.climes.se/climesdn/). Note that incomplete applications or applications not submitted concurrently in both portals above, will NOT be considered.
• Cover letter specifying interest in the CLIMES PhD Scholarship position.
• A statement with a short description of academic and research experiences as well as the reasons for applying for the specific scholarship (1 page).
• A statement with the candidate’s future research plans in context of the announced project position (up to 1 page).
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English, which includes a list of publications (if any).
• Copies of official BSc/MSc degree(s) as well as copies of official transcripts for each degree (if the original language of the degree/transcript is not Greek or English, copies of official translations are also required).
• Copy of English language proficiency certificate.
• Identify the names of at least two University Professors who can provide reference letters.
The applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than Friday, 13th of March 2026. The evaluation of the applications will begin immediately, on a rolling basis. Top candidates may be funded (travel and accommodation expenses) for an on-site interview at UCY.
The University of Cyprus shall collect and process your personal data according to the provisions of the General Regulation on Personal Data 2016/679 (EU).
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality, as well as the elimination of all forms of discrimination in order to provide a fair, safe, and pleasant environment for the entire university community, where students and staff members will feel supported both in their professional and personal development, within and beyond their multiple identities. To this end, UCY seeks to create the necessary conditions that will encourage and respect diversity and ensure dignity both in the workplace and society at large. Moreover, UCY has adopted specific policies to promote equal opportunities, as well as respect and understanding of diversity, while it is committed to promoting and maintaining a working, teaching, and learning environment, free from any form of discrimination, whether direct or indirect.
For more information, please contact the KIOS Center of Excellence, by phone at +357 22893460 or via e-mail at [email protected].
