Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The European MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Scholarship (DC12) – SPRING offers a fully funded three-year doctoral position at the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus. This position is part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network “Resilience experts in future large-scale critical infrastructures” (SPRING) running from 2026 to 2030.
The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research on Digital Twin (DT) technology to enhance the resilience of interconnected critical infrastructures, including energy, water, and transportation systems. The position combines interdisciplinary research with structured doctoral training, international mobility, and secondments across an international consortium of universities, research institutes, and industrial partners.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The MSCA Doctoral Network provides comprehensive financial support following European Commission rules:
- Monthly living allowance: €2,845.92 gross salary
- Mobility allowance: €689.99 gross per month
- Family allowance: €481.05 gross per month (if married or in equivalent relationship)
- Social and health insurance: According to University of Cyprus regulations
- University tuition fees: Fully covered
- Maternity leave: Granted based on Cyprus Maternity Protection Law 1997
The scholarship is awarded for a minimum of three years, subject to annual performance evaluation.
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Research Focus and Training
The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Mathaios Panteli and Prof. Demetrios Eliades at the state-of-the-art KIOS CoE facilities. The research addresses critical limitations in current Digital Twin technology: scalability, interoperability, cascading failures, and real-time data integration.
Key research objectives include:
- Developing a scalable Digital Twin framework combining formal methods, modelling and simulation, knowledge engineering, and adaptive AI
- Investigating anticipatory self-adaptation and LLM-supported human-interpretable diagnostics
- Implementing explainable AI and real-time risk-aware incident response
- Creating a reusable library of intelligent software agents for resilience-as-a-service across energy, water, and transportation sectors
Doctoral candidates participate in international mobility, secondments at partner organizations, specialized training activities, and validation studies involving real-world industrial use cases.
Host Institution
The University of Cyprus (UCY), founded in 1989, ranks among the top 100 young universities worldwide (under 50 years) and #401-500 in Times Higher Education Rankings. In the Shanghai List (2025), it placed 801-900 globally.
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the largest research center at UCY and a leading ICT research hub in the region. Since 2008, KIOS has secured over 170 externally funded projects, including 6 ERC Grants—the first ERC Advanced Grant and ERC Synergy Grant in Cyprus. The Center currently employs 200+ researchers and manages 50+ active European and national projects.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must satisfy all requirements below:
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer/Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or related areas
- Strong background in systems and control and/or cyber-physical systems
- Demonstrated competence in mathematical modelling, simulation, and scientific programming
MSCA Mobility Rule (Critical)
Applicants 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 the date of recruitment. Exclusions: compulsory national service, short stays (holidays), and time spent obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
Doctoral Degree Status
At the date of recruitment, applicants must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
Language Proficiency
Very good English knowledge demonstrated through one of:
- IGCSE: minimum C grade
- IELTS Academic: minimum 6.5 total
- TOEFL: 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (internet-based)
Skills and Attributes
- Ability to formulate mathematical and computational models
- Strong programming skills and modular research software design
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Capacity for independent research and international teamwork
- Willingness to participate in SPRING network activities
Advantageous Experience
- Machine learning, optimization, state estimation, formal methods, distributed/multi-agent systems
- Digital Twins, critical infrastructure modelling, resilience, cyber-physical security
- Peer-reviewed publications, research projects, open-source contributions, research-oriented MSc thesis
Application Process
Applications must be submitted concurrently through both portals. Incomplete applications or single-portal submissions will not be considered.
Step 1: UCY Application System
Submit through: https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/recruitment
Step 2: SPRING Application System
Submit through: https://forms.gle/FE9BffYwmQ1yK6mM6
Required Documents
- Cover letter specifying interest in SPRING PhD Scholarship position DC12
- Statement of academic/research experiences and reasons for applying (1 page)
- Research plans in context of the project position (up to 1 page)
- Detailed CV in English with list of publications
- Official BSc/MSc degree copies and transcripts
- Official translations if original language is not Greek or English
- English language proficiency certificate copy
- Contact details of at least two academic referees
Evaluation occurs on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Top candidates may receive funded travel and accommodation for on-site interviews at UCY.
For African Applicants
This position is open to applicants of any nationality, including Zimbabwean and SADC region candidates. The MSCA mobility rule specifically benefits researchers who have not recently been based in Cyprus. Candidates from African institutions with strong quantitative backgrounds in engineering, computer science, or applied mathematics are encouraged to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of SPRING—combining systems theory, AI, and human-centered design—aligns with growing research capacity needs across African critical infrastructure sectors.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 2026-10-16
- Position start: As soon as possible after selection
- Program duration: Minimum 3 years (2026–2030 network period)
Contact Information
KIOS Center of Excellence
Phone: +357 22893460
Email: [email protected]
Project website: https://spring-project.eu/doctoral-projects (reference DC 12)
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships