PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering in University of Cyprus – Cyprus

Summary

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus is offering one full-time MSCA Doctoral Candidate (PhD) position as part of the European MSCA Doctoral Network SPRING 2026–2030. The successful candidate will be enrolled in either the Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering PhD program and will focus on advancing Digital Twin technology for enhancing the resilience of interconnected Critical Infrastructures. This involves developing a scalable DT framework, investigating anticipatory self-adaptation, LLM-supported diagnostics, explainable AI, and real-time risk-aware incident response. The scholarship offers a competitive monthly salary, mobility allowance, and family allowance if applicable, along with University tuition fees. The position is for a minimum of three years, subject to annual performance evaluation. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, demonstrate strong background in systems and control or cyber-physical systems, and have excellent English language proficiency. The application deadline is October 16, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE) at the University of Cyprus (UCY-KIOS)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
Research Area	Systems and Control Theory, Formal Methods, Explainable AI, Data-Driven Approaches, Human-Centered Design, Digital Twin Technology, Cyber-Physical Critical Infrastructures
Degree Required	Bachelor's degree
Salary	€2845.92 gross salary per month, plus mobility allowance of €689.99 gross amount, and a family allowance of €481.05 gross amount per month if applicable.
Funding	European MSCA Doctoral Network SPRING 2026–2030
Contract Duration	Minimum of three years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-16

About the Project

The PhD project focuses on advancing Digital Twin (DT) technology to enhance the resilience of interconnected Critical Infrastructures (CIs). The research will address current limitations in scalability, interoperability, cascading failures, and real-time data integration. It involves developing a scalable DT framework that combines formal methods, modeling and simulation, knowledge engineering, and adaptive AI to represent complex cyber-physical infrastructure systems. Key areas of investigation include anticipatory self-adaptation, LLM-supported human-interpretable diagnostics, explainable AI, and real-time risk-aware incident response to facilitate rapid, human-interpretable decision-making while maintaining system safety and performance during disruptions and recovery. The project will also develop a reusable library of intelligent software agents to provide resilience-as-a-service across multiple CI sectors, including energy, water, and transportation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research to advance Digital Twin (DT) technology for enhancing the resilience of interconnected Critical Infrastructures (CIs)
• Develop a scalable DT framework combining formal methods, modelling and simulation, knowledge engineering, and adaptive AI
• Investigate anticipatory self-adaptation, LLM-supported human-interpretable diagnostics, explainable AI, and real-time risk-aware incident response
• Develop a reusable library of intelligent software agents to provide resilience-as-a-service across multiple CI sectors
• Participate in international mobility secondments
• Participate in specialized training activities
• Participate in validation studies involving real-world use cases in the energy, water, and transportation sectors
• Actively contribute to SPRING network activities, including training events, workshops, dissemination activities, and project meetings

Required Skills

• Strong background in systems and control and/or cyber-physical systems
• Demonstrated competence in mathematical modelling, simulation, and scientific programming
• Ability to formulate mathematical and computational models
• Ability to develop and implement computational methods
• Ability to analyze complex interconnected systems
• Ability to conduct rigorous simulation- and software-based research
• Strong programming skills
• Ability to design modular research software
• Very good knowledge of the English language (IGCSE C grade, IELTS Academic 6.5, or TOEFL 550/213/80)
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of an international team

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or related areas. Applicants should have a strong background in systems and control and/or cyber-physical systems, with demonstrated competence in mathematical modeling, simulation, and scientific programming. Proficiency in English and strong writing and communication skills are essential. Candidates must also satisfy the MSCA Doctoral Network mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Cyprus for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Benefits

• Monthly competitive salary covering living allowance (€2845.92 gross)
• Social and health insurance
• Mobility allowance (€689.99 gross)
• Family allowance if applicable (€481.05 gross per month)
• University tuition fees
• Maternity leave based on national law
• Interdisciplinary research and training environment
• Opportunity to participate in international mobility secondments
• Specialized training activities
• Validation studies involving real-world use cases
• Structured doctoral training to form experts capable of working across academia and public/private/third sectors

About the Employer

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE) operates within the University of Cyprus and is the largest research center at the University. It is a leading research and innovation center in Cyprus and the region for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), focusing on the Monitoring, Control, Management, and Security of Critical Infrastructures. KIOS CoE has received significant national and international recognition, including 6 ERC Grants, and collaborates strategically with Imperial College London. The University of Cyprus, founded in 1989, is a dynamic academic institution recognized for high-impact research and quality teaching, ranking among the top 801-900 universities globally in the Shanghai List 2025 and among the top 100 young universities by Times New Higher Education Rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the PhD scholarship?

The scholarship will be offered for a minimum of three years, subject to annual performance evaluation.

What are the eligibility requirements regarding nationality and prior residence?

Applicants may be of any nationality. However, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Cyprus for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment, according to the MSCA Doctoral Network mobility rule.

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and/or Electronic Computer Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or related areas.

What is the monthly salary for this position?

The scholarship offers a monthly competitive salary including a living allowance of €2845.92 gross, a mobility allowance of €689.99 gross, and a family allowance of €481.05 gross per month if applicable.

What is the research focus of this PhD position?

The research will focus on advancing Digital Twin (DT) technology for enhancing the resilience of interconnected Critical Infrastructures (CIs), addressing limitations related to scalability, interoperability, cascading failures, and real-time data integration.

What are the English language proficiency requirements?

A very good knowledge of the English language is required, demonstrable through an IGCSE at least C grade, IELTS Academic with a minimum total score of 6.5, or TOEFL with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based).