PHAETHON CoE invites highly motivated early-stage researchers wishing to pursue Doctoral studies (Joint PhD degree) and contribute to cutting-edge research in Sociotechnical embedding of energy technologies: Citizen perceptions, social context, energy behaviour and flexibility in energy communities.

Selected candidates may pursue one of the following PhD pathways:

• PhD Degree at the University of Cyprus. Candidates will be registered as full-time PhD students at the University of Cyprus.
• Joint Supervision PhD Degree between the University of Cyprus and either the University of Groningen or the Technical University of Denmark. Candidates will be registered as full-time PhD students at the University of Cyprus and will be jointly supervised by academics from both the University of Cyprus and either the University of Groningen or the Technical University of Denmark.
• Joint PhD Degree between the University of Cyprus and the University of Groningen. Candidates will be registered as full-time PhD students at the University of Cyprus and the University of Groningen.

The PhD positions each focus on any one of the following aspects of sociotechnical embedding in Energy Communities:

• Citizen perceptions of energy policy, technology and practices.
• Stakeholder engagement modeling in energy communities.
• Energy behaviour and flexibility in energy communities.
• Specific foci and methods vary per PhD and with the norms of the fields. Students are advised to check the publications of lead supervisors for an indication of likely perspectives and methods.

The main physical location of the workplace is the University of Cyprus.

Successful candidates will:

• Conduct research within the Energy Geopolitics and Governance, Socioeconomics and Environmental Sustainability Research Unit of PHAETHON CoE.
• Participate in international collaborations, mobility periods, and research secondments.

Research Areas

Candidates are encouraged to apply if their research expertise focuses on sociotechnical embedding of energy technologies, energy communities, citizen perceptions, stakeholder engagement modeling in energy communities, energy behaviour and flexibility.

What the PhD Covers

The fully funded PhD includes:

• Monthly financial support corresponding to a gross annual rate of €18,000–€30,000, including the 13th salary, for a full-time position (residency in Cyprus is required).
• Coverage of PhD tuition fees for up to four years, corresponding to the standard period of PhD completion.
• Research support and access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure.
• Coverage of mobility fees.
• Participation in international conferences and scientific trainings.

Academic Environment

PhD candidates will:

• Work under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers.
• Engage in EU and nationally funded projects.
• Publish in high-impact scientific journals.
• Present research at leading international conferences.
• Develop strong academic and transferable skills.

PHAETHON also offers a vibrant, multicultural, and research-intensive environment with strong links to industry, policymakers, and international research institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• To conduct research that results in a PhD dissertation and is in line with the objectives and requirements of the research area.
• To organize and execute the data collection and analysis.
• To publish the results of the research in international scientific journals relevant to the sociotechnical transitions community and/or the humanities.
• To present the research findings to fellow scientists and to collaborate as appropriate.
• To provide a limited number of educational activities relating to the academic fields in which the research is situated.

Career Development

• Mentorship by senior researchers.
• Progression pathway to Recognised Researcher (R2).
• Participation in National or European research networks.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold a (Research) Master’s degree in an environmental social science or humanities discipline or topic that demonstrates an interest in and aptitude for the work described above.
• Have a good academic track record, reflecting affiliation with interdisciplinary research projects.
• Be enthusiastic about writing international publications and a PhD dissertation
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Possess analytical thinking and research skills.
• Have excellent command of English.

Conditional Offer

The award of the PHAETHON PhD is strictly conditional upon the candidate’s formal admission to a PhD programme at the University of Cyprus.

Selected candidates must submit a separate application to the relevant University of Cyprus PhD position, which is officially advertised and administered through the University of Cyprus Graduate School (https://www.ucy.ac.cy/graduateschool/), and must satisfy all academic admission requirements set by the respective Department.

The successful candidate is expected to commence the PhD programme during the January intake period.

Applicants must ensure that they submit their application to the relevant University of Cyprus PhD programme within the corresponding University of Cyprus application window and comply with all applicable deadlines and admission requirements.

The PHAETHON PhD Studentship will be activated only upon official confirmation of admission and enrolment as a UCY PhD student.

Who Should Apply?

We strongly encourage applications from:

• Local or International candidates seeking a high-quality European doctoral programme.
• Candidates interested in Doctoral degrees with leading EU universities.

Application Documents

Interested candidates should submit:

• Letter of motivation (including proposed research interests)
• Full CV
• Copies of Bachelor’s degrees and transcripts
• Contact details of two academic referees
• Any relevant publications (where available)

Application Deadline

Friday 6 November 2026  phaethon.vacancies@ucy.ac.cy

Find more positions here: https://www.phaethon.ucy.ac.cy/announcements/jobs-listings/ 

If you have previously applied for any position at PHAETHON CoE, a new application is required.
Screening of applications will begin immediately after this deadline and all applicants will be notified accordingly.