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 collaborate with the two institutions. This a great opportunity to gain valuable experiences for scientific purposes and expand their network.

The Researcher – Leading Researcher (R4) is a senior scientific expert with an internationally recognised track record of research excellence and leadership. At PHAETHON CoE, the R4 researcher leads high-impact research programmes, supervises multidisciplinary teams, and shapes the strategic vision of the Centre’s scientific agenda. This role is central to securing competitive funding, building strong collaborations with academia, industry, and policymakers, and delivering world-class research that advances the transition to sustainable and intelligent energy systems.

Reporting

The Leading Researcher reports directly to the Research Director or other Unit Leaders and is a key contributor to the Executive Research Strategy of PHAETHON CoE. The role involves active collaboration with Unit and Group Leaders, Project Coordinators, and the Executive Management Committee (EMC).

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and lead cutting-edge research agendas aligned with the CoE’s mission in energy, sustainability, and digital innovation.
  • Develop a long-term scientific vision and initiate cross-sectoral collaborations and interdisciplinary projects.
  • Mentor and inspire researchers, shaping the next generation of scientific leaders.
  • Direct complex, multi-partner research projects and consortia, often at national or European levels (e.g. Horizon Europe).
  • Build and manage high-performing research teams, ensuring excellence in delivery, ethics, and collaboration.
  • Supervise the scientific output and quality control within large research initiatives.
  • Translate research results into impactful innovations, publications, policy recommendations, and real-world applications.
  • Contribute to PHAETHON’s visibility and leadership through keynote lectures, conference participation, and international networks.
  • Engage in science-policy interfaces and represent the Centre in strategic fora and expert panels.
  • Lead the development and submission of major funding proposals to national, European, and international bodies.
  • Establish and strengthen strategic collaborations with academic institutions, industry, and public authorities.
  • Support the diversification of funding sources and the creation of innovation pathways (e.g. patents, spin-offs, pilot demonstrations).
  • Contribute to the dissemination of research outcomes and educational activities.
  • Contribute to the development of educational programmes related to the research activities of the lab.

Development Goals and Career Path (aligned with R4 HRS4R profile)

  • Expand international leadership and influence in energy and sustainability research.
  • Shape research strategy, innovation policy, and institutional development at PHAETHON CoE.
  • Drive interdisciplinary research impact across academic, industrial, and societal domains.
  • Contribute to institutional governance, capacity building, and long-term sustainability.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in 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.
  • Extensive postdoctoral and/or industrial research experience with a strong international profile.
  • Demonstrated leadership of large research teams, centres, or consortia.
  • Outstanding publication record and recognised contributions to scientific advancement and innovation.
  • Proven success in securing and managing large-scale, competitive funding.
  • Experience in mentoring, team-building, and institutional development.
  • Strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Fluency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of Greek is an asset.

Additional Qualifications

Experience in any of the following research fields will be considered an advantage:

  • 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.

Employment Terms

Initially, a one-year contract will be offered, with a 6-month probation period, which is renewable based on performance. The monthly gross salary for full-time employment is in the €3800 – €5500. From this amount, employee contributions to the Cyprus government funds will be deducted. Maternity leave will be granted based on Maternity Protection Law 1997(Ν.100(Ι)/1997), and the existing amendment laws. The 13th salary is incorporated in the monthly salary. Ideally, the position will be combined with an application for a PhD at the University of Cyprus, with the subject of the doctoral thesis being related to the research work conducted.

Key Benefits

  • Competitive renumeration package
  • Flexible working hours
  • Career development and training opportunities
  • Industrial and academic secondments in leading European organizations

Applications

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • Letter of interest for the specific position.
  • Full CV including description of previous experience, as well as reference to the grades of degrees.
  • Copies of degrees and transcripts of Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree(s).
  • Name and contact details of two referees for recommendation letters.
  • Please send your application by Friday, 27 June 2025 via email to phaethon.vacancies@ucy.ac.cy with reference number: “PHAETHON_R4_2025_01”.

Applicants need not be citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. Applicants should however ensure, before applying, that in case they are selected they will be residing in Cyprus on a full-time basis during the employment period. Submission of application implies acceptance of this condition.

The PHAETHON Centre of Excellence shall collect and process your personal data according to the provisions of the General Regulation on Personal Data 2016/679 (EU). Please note that applications which do not fulfill the required qualifications and do not follow the announcement’s guidelines will not be considered.

The PHAETHON Centre of Excellence is an Equal Opportunities Employer.