Postdoctoral Researcher for the project HVDC-WISE

Deadline: 2023

Title: Special Scientist for Research (Research Associate/Postdoctoral Researcher)
No. of Positions: One (1)
Category: Employment contract
Location: University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus announces one (1) Special Scientist for Research (Research Associate/Postdoctoral Researcher) position, for full-time employment. The successful candidate will conduct research in the recently awarded Horizon Europe Project “HVDC-based grid architectures for reliable and resilient WIdeSprEad hybrid AC/DC transmission systems” (HVDC-WISE).

The HVDC-Wise project explores concepts and proposes solutions to foster the development of large High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)-based transmission grid infrastructures, able to bring benefits in terms of resilience and reliability to the existing electrical system and capable of integrating the forthcoming large amount of renewable energy.

Who we are:
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the largest research center at the University of Cyprus and in 2017 was upgraded to a European Research Center of Excellence through the KIOS CoE Teaming project. Currently, the Center employs more than 180 people who are supported by externally funded research and innovation projects. The KIOS CoE operates in a diverse environment as an equal opportunity employer.

What we do:
KIOS provides an inspiring environment for carrying out top level research and innovation in the area of Information and Communication Technologies, with emphasis on the Monitoring, Control and Security of Critical Infrastructures. Such infrastructures include power and energy systems, water networks, transportation networks, telecommunication networks and emergency management and response. The Center instigates interdisciplinary interaction and promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and research organizations in high-tech areas of global importance.

Why work at KIOS:
You will have the opportunity to work on various high-profile projects with great impact on the community end the environment, not only in a local but also in a global scale.
In KIOS we strive to create a multicultural, diverse and inclusive workplace and we strongly support the continuous personnel evolvement and development, both personally and professionally, to fulfill your long-term goals. We offer internal and external professional training, covering both technical and soft skills.

Job Details
The successful candidate is expected to:
• Conduct fundamental and/or applied research in the area of power systems and HVDC-driven reliability and resilience analysis and enhancement of transmission networks.
• Attend project meetings (online and physically, both in Cyprus and Europe) and lead project activities.
• Prepare reports and project deliverables.
• Prepare research proposals.
• Assist in the supervision of undergraduate students.
• Publish results in top international conferences and journals.
• Design, planning and operation of renewable-rich power systems.
• Design, modelling and control of HVDC converters and architectures and their integration to AC/DC transmission grid infrastructures.
• Integration of HVDC control and protection to state-of-the-art cascading event simulators and HVDC-driven operational mitigation strategies for transmission networks.
The following will be considered a strong advantage (one or more):
• Technical expertise and experience in using DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Probabilistic security and resilience analysis and quantification of large-scale, interconnected transmission networks.
• Integration of HVDC architectures to investment planning of AC/DC transmission systems.
• Technical proficiency in decision-making and optimization techniques, as well as experience with relevant optimization software packages.

Profile of the ideal candidate:
• Problem solving skills
• Team-player
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Flexible and eager to learn
• Able to adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Have good communication, organizational and self-management skills
• Excellent knowledge of the English language

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s or/and Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution
• Doctorate degree or equivalent in the subject areas directly related to Electrical Power Systems or Engineering and Technology, or other related field from an accredited institution

Employment Terms:
The position is on a contract basis. Initially, a one-year contract will be offered, with a 6-month probation period, which is renewable based on satisfactory performance evaluation. The gross monthly salary depends on the candidate’s qualifications and experience and will be between €1900 – €3200. From this amount, employee contributions to the Cyprus government funds will be deducted. The 13th salary bonus is incorporated in the monthly salary. Maternity leave will be granted based on Maternity Protection Law 1997(Ν.100(Ι)/1997), and the existing amendment laws.

Application:
Interested candidates should submit the following items online through the link:
https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/recruitment

• Cover letter explaining the interest of the applicant in pursuing a career at the KIOS CoE, along with employment availability date
• Short summary of prior work experiences, activities and accomplishments (can be combined with the cover letter) (2 pages maximum)
• Copies of transcripts of BSc/MSc/PhD or other degree(s)
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English or in Greek
• Copy of an English language certificate
• Identify at least two referees that can provide reference letters.

The applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than Friday, 12th of May 2023, at 5 pm. The evaluation of the applications will begin immediately. Candidates will be informed of the result of their application by the KIOS CoE.

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 Dr. Mathaios Panteli ([email protected]) or the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, by phone at +357 22893460 or via e-mail at [email protected].