KIOS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
PhD Student Scholarships No. of Positions : Five (5) Positions
Category : Scholarships Location : University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE) announces 5 full-time PhD Student
Scholarships. The KIOS CoE operates within the University of Cyprus, in collaboration with Imperial
College London.

The selected students 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.
The ECE Department conducts top-quality research at an international level, offering up to date academic
programs with focus on multiple areas of research. According to the latest Academic Ranking of World
Universities (aka Shanghai Ranking), the Department is ranked #201-300 among similar departments
around the world.

The enrolled students will conduct their research at the state-of-the-art facilities of the KIOS Center of
Excellence in one or more of the following thematic areas: Control systems, computational intelligence
and machine learning, autonomous systems, optimization and networks, embedded and real-time
systems hardware and software, fault diagnosis, cyber-security, reliability, resiliency and fault tolerance,
cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things, dependable integrated systems, intelligent transportation
systems, water networks, power and energy systems, telecommunication networks and edge computing.
Motivated candidates with strong mathematical and/or algorithm development backgrounds are
especially sought.

KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE)

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (www.kios.ucy.ac.cy) 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 society and 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
Short Description/Duties and Responsibilities:

The required skills and expertise for the announced position include one or more of the following areas:

• 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 Master’s in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering) or Computer
  Science or Mathematics or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Previous research experience will be considered an advantage.
• A very good knowledge of the English language. Proficiency in English can be demonstrated through
  one of the following:
  • GCSE: at least C-grade
  • IELTS Academic: a minimum total score of 6.5
  • Test of English as a foreign language (ETS TOEFL®): a minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213
    (computer based) or 80 (internet-based)Scholarship Terms:
    The offered scholarship is provisional to admission of the candidate to one of the PhD programs of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Cyprus. Application process and deadlines for program admission are separate from this scholarship application process. Candidates should consult the UCY Graduate School (https://www.ucy.ac.cy/graduateschool/) for admission requirements and applications.
    The scholarship offered by the KIOS CoE will be for one year and may be renewed annually, based on performance, for 3-5 years. It includes the University tuition fees and a gross monthly salary starting at €1250. 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. Note that incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

• Cover letter that specifies the research area of interest (a candidate may apply to more than one area).
• A statement with short description of academic and research experiences as well as the reasons for applying for the specific scholarship (can be combined with the cover letter) (1-page maximum).
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
• 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 certificate.
• Identify the names of two University Professors who can provide reference letters.

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 (panteli.mathaios@ucy.ac.cy) or the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, by phone at +357 22893460 or via e-mail at kioshiring@ucy.ac.cy.