DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Special Scientist - Postdoc Position on Wireless Networked Control Systems
Title: Special Scientist (Postdoctoral Researcher for the ERC CoG MINERVA)
No. of Positions: One (1)
Category: 1 year, with the possibility for extension based on performance for multiple years

Postdoctoral Researcher position
A position for a Special Scientist - Postdoctoral Researcher (Research Fellow) is available at the Distributed and Networked Control Systems (DNCS) Group, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Cyprus, directed by Professor Themistoklis Charalambous. The Special Scientist position is fixed term and filled initially for 1 year with an option for extension. It is a full-time position available from September 2024. We are seeking exceptional postdoctoral researchers who have an earned PhD and have evidence of independent research, to tackle complex and exciting problems in the fields of networked control systems.

Subject
The Special Scientist position is part of the highly prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant MINERVA (eMergINg coopERatiVe Autonomous systems - information for control and estimation) and includes fundamental and blue-sky research on Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCSs). Such systems have a wide range of applications in a plethora of areas, such as flexible factory automation networks and autonomous systems, including Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) and Robotics. As a result, we have been witnessing a great surge in both research and industrial interest towards the realization of such systems. That is why this project has external advisors from ABB Corporate Research.
The MINERVA project has a duration of 5 years (now in its second year), and the selected candidates will work on the integration between control, estimation, and information theories for real-time transmission, control, and estimation, key ingredients for Cooperative Autonomous Systems.

Candidate’s profile
We are looking for highly motivated, research-oriented candidates who have completed their PhD degree in a relevant field before the start of the contract period. Proficiency in English is a necessary prerequisite. In the review process, particular emphasis will be given to the quality of the candidate's previous research and international experience, together with the substance and innovativeness of their research interests.

Employment Terms
The position is on a contract basis for one year with the possibility of renewal. The maximum monthly gross salary is up to €3,200 depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate (€0-€19,500 per year is nontaxable, €19,501-€28,000 has tax rate 20%, €28,001-€36,300 has tax rate 25%). There is no provision for 13th salary.

How to apply
Interested applicants should submit the following as a single PDF file:
1) Letter of motivation (maximum 1 page in 10pt font size)
2) A complete curriculum vitae describing education and employment history with contact details
3) Degree Certificates and Transcripts
4) List of publications, with pointers to at most three of the most relevant publications
5) Contact details of at least two referees

Please send your application by Wednesday, 31st of July 2024 via email to the Director of DNCS Group, Professor Themistoklis Charalambous by email (charalambous.themistoklis@ucy.ac.cy) with subject title: MINERVA2024- Postdoc-Application. For more information, please contact Professor Themistoklis Charalambous directly.
At least the best three candidates that satisfy the required qualifications, will be interviewed by a 3-member Committee. Candidates shall be informed of the result of their application by the relevant entity.
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).
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 the application implies acceptance of this condition.

University of Cyprus
With around 7,000 students, 113 laboratories, and 830 faculty and staff members, the University of Cyprus (UCY) is a young and rapidly expanding university (established in 1989). There are 7 faculties, 22 departments, and 16 research units /centers, covering a broad spectrum within the life, social, natural and engineering sciences. UCY is the biggest employer in Cyprus for young graduates and researchers. It currently employs about 750 young scientists using external research funds. We are seeking and attracting new qualified scientists and researchers because our constant aim is to be the largest employers' organization for young researchers in Cyprus. Currently, UCY is ranked #368 in QS World University Rankings 2024 and in the top 100 best young universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education’s ‘THE Young University Rankings’ for universities less than 50 years old.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is a part of UCY’s School of Engineering. Hosting a multitude of international and world-leading researchers, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering provides a truly inspirational ecosystem, where scientists and engineers from different fields interact and work together by crossing traditional boundaries to solve the most challenging scientific and technological problems, provide an excellent education and produce greater wellbeing for society in general. Its main research focus spans areas from control, robotics, autonomous systems, and power systems to photonics and communications. According to the Shanghai Rankings 2023, the ECE Department has been ranked in the top 151-200 ECE Departments worldwide.

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.