Job Overview

This position is part of the established strategic partnerships of the PHAETHON CoE with both the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Groningen. Thus, the selected candidate(s) will have the opportunity to work for a period in any of the two institutions. This is a great opportunity for early career researchers to gain valuable experiences for scientific purposes and also expand their network.

The Researcher – First Stage (R1) supports the execution of research projects within one of the PHAETHON CoE’s Research Units under the guidance of senior research staff. This role is designed for early-career researchers (typically pre-PhD) and aims to foster their academic and professional development within the fields of intelligent, sustainable, and green energy systems. The position contributes to high-quality research outputs while allowing the researcher to build expertise in methodologies, project work, and research collaboration in line with the European Charter & Code and HRS4R principles.

Reporting

The First Stage Researcher works under the direct supervision of a Group Leader within the different research units or senior researcher and collaborates closely with other team members on ongoing R&I activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct research activities in line with the objectives of the assigned project, under the supervision of senior researchers.

  • Participate in data collection, processing, and analysis, applying scientific methods and tools relevant to the research topic.

  • Contribute to literature reviews, technical documentation, and the preparation of scientific publications or project reports.

  • Supporting the write-up of Research Proposals.

  • Present research results to internal teams and at local or international workshops, as appropriate.

  • Assist in the organisation of lab activities, pilot testing, or small-scale fieldwork in accordance with safety and ethical protocols.

  • Participate in training and career development activities offered by the Centre (e.g. seminars, workshops, and transferable skills training).

  • Follow good research practices and maintain research integrity, data confidentiality, and ethical compliance at all times.

Development Goals and Career Path (aligned with R1 HRS4R profile)

  • Gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research within the energy and sustainability domains.

  • Develop critical thinking, research design, and data analysis skills.

  • Improve communication and collaboration skills within academic and applied research environments.

  • Contribute to early-stage publications and dissemination of research findings.

  • Build a foundation for successful progression to Recognized Researcher (R2) status.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any field of Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, or any other related field with a grade of at least a 2.1 class or equivalent.

  • Demonstrated interest in pursuing a research career, particularly in topics relevant to green technologies, smart energy, or sustainability.

  • Basic understanding of research methods, scientific writing, and data handling.

  • Motivation to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

  • Strong analytical and organisational skills.

  • Fluency in English; knowledge of Greek is considered an advantage.

Additional Qualifications (Preferred)

Experience in any of the following fields:

  • Power Systems

  • Energy Communities

  • Renewable Energy Sources

  • Smart Grids

  • Data Analysis

  • Artificial Neural Networks, expert systems and applications to the field of energy

  • ICT applications in the field of energy

  • Green Hydrogen Technologies

  • GIS systems

  • Programming in Python especially for energy related applications

  • Previous experience in research programmes

Employment Terms

  • One-year contract with a 6-month probation period, renewable based on performance.

  • Monthly gross salary: €1500 – €2000 (based on experience).

  • Employee contributions to Cyprus government funds will be deducted.

  • Maternity leave granted according to Maternity Protection Law 1997(Ν.100(Ι)/1997).

  • 13th salary bonus is incorporated in the monthly salary.

  • Optionally combined with a joint PhD degree with UG and DTU or with a PhD application at the University of Cyprus.

Key Benefits

  • Competitive remuneration package

  • Flexible working hours

  • Career development and training opportunities

  • Industrial and academic secondments in leading European organizations

Applications

To apply, submit the following:

  • Letter of interest for the specific position

  • Full CV including previous experience and degree grades

  • Copies of degrees and transcripts (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s)

  • Name and contact details of two referees

Deadline: Friday, 13 June 2025
Email: phaethon.vacancies@ucy.ac.cy
Reference: “PHAETHON_R1_2025_01”

Note: Applications that do not fulfill the required qualifications and do not follow the announcement’s guidelines will not be considered.

Data Protection: PHAETHON CoE processes personal data in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/679.

Equal Opportunity: PHAETHON CoE is an Equal Opportunities Employer.