PhD/Postdoc positions in the DNCS Group @ University of Cyprus

We have multiple open positions in the Distributed and Networked Control Systems (DNCS) group at the University of Cyprus, including PhD and Postdoc opportunities. We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our research group who will contribute to cutting-edge research in control over communications and communications over control for cooperative autonomous systems. Specifically, our open (fully-funded) positions are:
      P1. Postdoc on “Distributed real-time, resource-efficient channel mapping and prediction”
      P2. Postdoc on “Information theoretic approaches for real-time estimation and control”
      P3. PhD on “Information theoretic approaches for real-time estimation and control”
      P4. PhD on “Model-based learning for joint control synthesis and communication in cooperative autonomous systems”

Why join us?

• Work alongside renowned researchers in a collaborative environment
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including drones and mobile robots.
• Engage in high-impact research with opportunities for publication and collaboration with top institutions worldwide
• Become part of an international, friendly team with regular events (talks, visitors, etc) and networking opportunities

Successful Postdoc candidates

• Completed their PhD in a relevant discipline (such as electrical engineering, robotics, or computer science) within the last 5 years
• Academic achievements in control, robotics, and/or machine learning (e.g., journal papers in top-tier venues)
• Strong programming skills
• High level of commitment and initiative combined with creativity
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English for research publications and presentations

Successful PhD candidates

• Hold a master's degree in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or related fields with excellent grades
• Strong proficiency in mathematical tools (e.g., linear algebra, graph theory, optimization). Background in control, path planning, or decision-making algorithms is a plus.
• Possess very good programming skills
• Proficiency in writing and speaking English

How to apply
Interested applicants should submit the following as a single PDF file:

• Letter of motivation (maximum 1 page in 10pt font size)
• CV with contact details
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (if not in Greek or English, a certified English translation)
• Contact details of at least two referees

Please send your application via email to the Director of the DNCS Group, Professor Themistoklis Charalambous (charalambous.themistoklis@ucy.ac.cy) with the subject title MINERVA2025-Application-P* (where * you insert the number of the position of interest from P1 to P4) by Monday, 31st of March 2025. For more information, please contact Professor Themistoklis Charalambous directly.

About the director of the group
Prof. Themistoklis Charalambous is currently a tenure track Assistant Professor at the University of Cyprus (UCY) and a Visiting Professor at FinEst Center for Smart Cities in Estonia and Aalto University in Finland (where he was serving as a tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering until August 2021). He received his BA (First Class Honours) and MEng (Distinction) in Electrical and Information Sciences from Trinity College, Cambridge University, in 2005. He completed his PhD studies in the Control Laboratory of the Engineering Department at Cambridge University. Following his PhD, he held research positions at Imperial College London, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and Chalmers University of Technology. In January 2017, he joined the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. In September 2018, he was nominated as a Research Fellow of the Academy of Finland, and in July 2020, he was promoted to tenured Associate Professor. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant of €2,000,000 for 5 years for the project “eMergINg coopERatiVe Autonomous systems - information for control and estimation (MINERVA)”.

About the University of Cyprus
The University of Cyprus (UCY), with around 7.000 students, 113 laboratories, and 830 faculty and staff members, is the country’s leading public university and has established itself as a hub of academic excellence, research, and innovation since its founding in 1989. UCY is recognized for its strong research output, participating in major EU-funded projects such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, while consistently ranking among the top universities in Europe, particularly for research impact. Currently, UCY is ranked in the top 100 best young universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings for universities less than 50 years old. Established in 2001, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Cyprus has rapidly developed into a dynamic hub where scientists and engineers from diverse disciplines collaborate to tackle complex scientific and technological challenges. The department’s research spans cutting-edge fields, including control, robotics, and autonomous systems; well-being and smart living environments; industrial electronics and informatics; and power systems and conversion. Demonstrating its commitment to excellence, the University of Cyprus has been ranked among the top 151-200 institutions worldwide for Electrical and Electronic Engineering and 101-150 for Automation and Control in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings). This recognition reflects the department’s dedication to high-quality research, innovative teaching, and impactful outreach, solidifying its position as a leader in engineering education and research in the region.