The Research Scientist in Energy Social Sciences and Sustainable Transitions (R2) position is intended for researchers holding a PhD and that have demonstrated scientific independence. The successful candidate will coordinate and build the capacity of the research activities of PHAETHON CoE’s Energy Geopolitics and Governance, Socioeconomics and Environmental Sustainability Research Unit, conducting high-impact research, supervising researchers and students, and collaborating with international partners within national and European research projects. The successful candidate will also contribute to PHAETHON CoE’s activities related to the design, development and scale-up of energy communities.

Research Areas

Candidates are encouraged to apply if their research expertise focuses on Energy Social Sciences and Sustainable Transitions, with interests in energy social sciences and humanities (behaviour, justice, governance, culture), energy socio-economics (interaction between energy systems, society, and the economy), environmental sustainability (climate change, decarbonisation, sustainable transitions) and geopolitics (energy security, international relations, resources and supply chains).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research activities of PHAETHON CoE’s Energy Geopolitics and Governance, Socioeconomics and Environmental Sustainability Research Unit.
• Conduct high-quality independent and collaborative research as part of the research activities of the PHAETHON Teaming project.
• Prepare scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Coordinate and contribute to the preparation of research proposals for European and national funding programmes.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and project meetings.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners across Europe.
• Support mentoring of early-stage researchers (R1), MSc students, or interns.
• Contribute to dissemination, open science practices, and research impact activities.

Career Development

• Development of an independent research profile within European and National research projects.
• Opportunities to lead research tasks or work packages within collaborative projects.
• Supervision and mentoring of First Stage Researchers (R1), MSc students, and interns.
• Collaboration and mobility opportunities with international partners, including the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Groningen.
• Participation in National and European research networks.
• Career progression pathway toward Senior / Established Researcher (R3) roles.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Social Sciences and Humanities, Energy Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or a closely related field.
• Experience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals or conferences.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Desirable Skills and Experience

The following will be considered an advantage but are not mandatory:

• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary research activities in the areas of energy geopolitics and governance, socioeconomics, and environmental sustainability.
• Proven ability to conduct high-quality independent and collaborative research, particularly within interdisciplinary and/or international research environments.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in European research programmes (e.g., Horizon Europe).
• Experience collaborating in international research environments.
• Knowledge of Greek is considered an advantage but is not required.

Employment Conditions

• Initial contract: 1 year, renewable based on performance
• Full-time position (residency in Cyprus is required)
• Annual gross salary: €26,400–€45,600 (depending on qualifications and experience)
• 13th salary (included in the above annual gross figure)
• 21 days of paid annual leave
• Flexible working hours

Employee contributions to Cyprus statutory funds will be deducted from the gross salary in accordance with national legislation. Maternity leave will be granted in accordance with the Maternity Protection Law of 1997 (Ν.100(I)/1997), as amended.

Application Documents

Interested candidates should submit:

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

Application Deadline

Friday 6 November 2026

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