KIOS CoE: 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 #151-200 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 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 140 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 5 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 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 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 180 people and is involved in more than 40 research and innovation projects funded by various European and national funding agencies, as well as in more than 28 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 (2023), it ranked between the top 701-800 universities in the world. Today, it is ranked between the top 101-150 young universities (under 50 years) and #501-600 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.

Job Details
Short Description/Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct fundamental or applied research in the areas of Information and Communication Technologies with emphasis on the Monitoring, Control and Security of Critical Infrastructure Systems. They will be encouraged to produce, submit, and publish research results in international conferences and journals, with a view to acquire the PhD degree. They will also be expected to assist and contribute to various projects of KIOS CoE in order to accomplish its strategic objectives.

Profile of the ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate must possess excellent academic and technical background (BSc or MSc degree) in areas relevant to the research interests of the KIOS Center. He/She must be able to demonstrate his/her knowledge in fundamental scientific/engineering disciplines relevant to the PhD topic of interest. Furthermore, the ideal candidate is expected to have excellent knowledge of the English Language, strong self-management and organizational skills, strong abilities for critical thinking and for collaborating within a team.

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 €1500. 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.

i. Cover letter that specifies the research area of interest (a candidate may apply to more than one area).
ii. 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).
iii. A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
iv. 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).
v. Copy of English language certificate: (a) for admission of international students, (b) for admission to an English-language postgraduate programme, (c) for admission to a postgraduate programme where knowledge of English is a prerequisite.
vi. 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.

The applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than Friday, 1 March 2024. 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.

For more information, please contact the KIOS Center of Excellence, by phone at +357 22893460 or via e-mail at kioshiring@ucy.ac.cy.

Πηγή: https://www.kios.ucy.ac.cy/open_positions/phd-student-scholarships-11/