Studies start in January 2024

Deadline for applications: Friday, 24th of November 2023 (11:59 p.m.)

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Information from the Department Secretary:

Electronic Form | Τηλ.: 25002542 | Φαξ.: 25002769

• Three (3) posts in the field of Atmospheric Research and Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere:

Each position offers excellent possibilities for professional development of highly motivated individuals in the framework of the EU-H2020  “EXCELSIOR” Horizon 2020 Widespread Teaming Phase 2 project (www.excelsior2020.eu) within which the Cyprus University of Technology established the ERATOSTHENES  Centre of Excellence for Earth Surveillance and Space-Based Monitoring of the Environment in cooperation with EU Advanced Partners [the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), the National Observatory of Athens (NOA), the German Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), and Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos, World Radiation Center (PMODWRC)].

The PhD positions refer to the research topic the Atmosphere sector of the Department of Environment and Climate of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (‘Excelsior Phase 2’ H2020 Teaming Grant Agreement NO.857510 (www.excelsior2020.eu)).

The successful applicants will be based at the Civil Engineering Department of the Cyprus University of Technology and will work in an international, vibrant research environment, having access to state-of-the-art instruments of the Sector of Atmosphere of the ERATOSTHENES CoE. The PhD students will be supervised in close collaboration with researchers from the advance partner TROPOS.

Description: The successful candidate will advance the ERATOSTHENES CoE research and innovation agenda in its scientific focus of Environmental Observations area through experimental research on the field of Atmospheric Remote Sensing. The ground-based remote sensing research Infrastructures of the ERATOSTHENES CoE is used to monitor the atmospheric processes and provide profiling of aerosol, clouds and wind to study microphysical process in Limassol, Cyprus.

The successful candidate will be involved on the operation of the remote sensing facilities of the Centre and will participate in numerous trainings and field campaigns relevant to the topic of performed research.

The three (3) PhD positions in the field of Earth Observation & Remote Sensing in the subject area of Atmospheric Remote Sensing Research will focus on

1. The role of dust to the cloud formation using remote sensing techniquesThe PhD thesis focuses on the aerosol-cloud interaction and the applicant will study the impact of dust to the microphysical properties of liquid water clouds.
2. Dust statistics and their impact on ice phase thin cloudsThe PhD thesis will focus on the aerosol characterization using different remote sensing techniques.
3. Regional scale aerosol characterization and sources identificationThe PhD thesis focuses on the combined analysis of remote sensing observations and modelled data for the aerosol characterization in Mediterranean region.

The Scientific approach will include:

• Remote Sensing Observations for Atmospheric Research
• Analysis of atmospheric ground-based observations with remote sensing instruments
• Analysis of space-borne remote sensing atmospheric parameters in support of ground-based observation
• Synergetic analysis of multi-platform aerosol datasets (e.g spaceborne and ground based remote-sensing and in situ)
• Application and development of innovative data processing chains
• Follow up quality standards and quality assurance tools of ground remote sensing observations

Responsibilities/activities to be involved in:

• Participation to the training activities and Research Infrastructures installation
• Responsible for the operation of remote sensing atmospheric following international standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for data processing using advanced software tools.
• Contribute to research related to Atmospheric Remote Sensing Observations
• Contribute to publications and communicate the research output and implications at different levels, including academic, public and policy related.
• Participate in the field intensive campaigns and research demonstration projects of ERATOSTHENESCoE
• Actively pursue regional and international networking, by participating in national and international conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Master degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Environmental Studies, Meteorology, Engineering or related field.
• Basic knowledge of environmental physics and remote sensing.
• Basic knowledge of programming (e.g. Matlab, R, Python).
• Ability for scientific communication in English both verbal and writing.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• High interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Willingness to participate in scientific experiments and field campaigns.
• Willingness to travel abroad and to participate in training activities, workshops and conferences.
• Experience in atmospheric remote sensing techniques is of advantage
• Driving license.

Financial Support: The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant at the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence.  We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary level to will be confirmed during the interview.

Maximum Gross monthly salary in case of full time €2122

Duration: 36 Months

The three-member committees will include members from the strategic partners of the EXCELSIOR H2020 TEAMING PROJECT (e.g. TROPOS) & members of the Eratosthenes Center of Excellence or other members from collaborating centers of excellence/Universities (e.g. CARE-C Centre of Excellence)

Research Advisors: Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Professor, d.hadjimitsis@cut.ac.cy

• Eight (8) posts in the field of Earth Observation & Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics (Earth Surveillance & Space Monitoring of the Environment) in any of the following subjects:

• “Environment and climate (agriculture, water resources, land use, natural and built environment)”

Agriculture: Modeling of Earth observation data for agricultural applications (e.g. agricultural monitoring, Common Agricultural Policy, sustainable agricultural practices, tools to support farmers, agricultural consultants and agricultural aid Paying Agencies, food security, Carbon Footprint)

Water Resources: Water resources management (e.g. drought, hydrodynamic energy, hydrological analysis, use of Copernicus data, river basin monitoring, coastal zone monitoring)

Land Use:  Land use and smart cities, urbanization, forest monitoring, forest management.

• “Resilient societies (disaster risk reduction, cultural heritage, maritime safety, energy)”

Floods & Fires: Integrated use of Space, Geoinformation and Data analytics for disaster-related and natural hazards applications, including floods and fires (e.g., satellite remote sensing, diachronic burnt scar mapping, flood mapping, early warning, dynamic monitoring, modeling, active fire detection, burned area assessments, flood risk management plans, diachronic mapping of flooded areas).

Earthquakes / Geohazards:

• Integration of satellite Interferometry products with GNSS measurements and corner reflectors measurements for geohazards monitoring (e.g. geohazards, interferometry, deformations, landslides, subsidence, landslides, emergency management)
• Risk assessment, impact criteria scenario assessment, probabilistic estimations of losses
• Multi-hazard risk assessment

Health: Big Earth Observation data for applications related to seasonal diseases (e.g. epidemiology, vector, West Nile virus, dynamic modeling, machine learning)

Cultural heritage:

• European Copernicus Programme Evolution for Cultural Heritage Cross-service
• Use of virtual reality for restoration and reinforcement of monuments.
• Assessment of the risk of monuments and cultural heritage sites from geo-hazards.

Marine Surveillance: Marine environment monitoring, maritime safety and protection, maritime spatial planning, fish farming monitoring.

Investigation and monitoring of infrastructure/ roadworks (e.g. transport pavements)

“Big data management (information extraction, visual exploration and imaging, information collection and data fusion, geoinformatics).”

• Analysis of big geodata for the monitoring of seasonal diseases,
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in geodata analysis,
• Development of Interoperable Geoinformatics and Geodesy Services,
• GNSS Big Data Management & Control
• Design and implementation of standard unmanned aerial platforms (UAVs) for environmental, urban, marine and agricultural management.
• Design and implementation of an integrated crisis management system with GIS technologies,
• Digital Twins for several applications (e.g. Climate, Maritime/Ocean etc)
• Artificial Intelligence in Earth Observation

Through the ‘ERATOSTHENES: Excellence Research Centre for Earth Surveillance and Space-Based Monitoring of the Environment’ with the acronym: ‘EXCELSIOR’, Horizon 2020 Widespread Teaming Phase 2 project (www.excelsior2020.eu), a new, autonomous and self-sustained Centre of Excellence entitled as ‘ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE)’ (www.eratosthenes.org.cy) has been created. The ECoE focuses on conducting basic and applied research, and enabling innovation in the areas of remote sensing and space-based monitoring the environment. There are distinct needs and opportunities that motivate the establishment of an Earth Observation Centre of Excellence in Cyprus, which are primarily related to the geostrategic location of Cyprus that allows us to examine complex scientific problems and address user needs in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Northern Africa (EMMENA), as well as South-East Europe. An important objective of the ECoE is to become a fully functional Digital Innovation Hub and a Research Excellence Centre for EO in the EMMENA region. The DIH will create an ecosystem which combines state-of-the-art sensing and data management/processing technologies, cutting - edge research opportunities, targeted education services and promotion of entrepreneurship. In order to be dynamic and innovative, the DIH will be based on two major infrastructures, which are a Satellite Ground Receiving Station and a Ground

The Consortium of the EXCELSIOR project consists of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), the National Observatory of Athens (NOA), the German Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) and the Department of Electronic Communications (DEC) from the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Cyprus Government. In the supervision of the PhD students is expected to have academics and researchers from DLR, TROPOS, NOA and other organisations/universities/research centres that are supporting the EXCELSIOR H2020 Teaming Project.

This PhD position refers to the research topics of the ‘Excelsior Phase 2’ H2020 Teaming Grant Agreement NO.857510 (Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence). (www.excelsior2020.eu)

Financial Support: The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant at the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence.

We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary level to will be confirmed during the interview.

Maximum Gross monthly salary in case of full-time employment €2122

Duration: 36 Months

The three members of the supervisory committees will include members from the strategic partners of the EXCELSIOR H2020 TEAMING PROJECT (e.g. NOA, DLR, TROPOS) & members of the Eratosthenes Center of Excellence or other members from collaborating centers of excellence/Universities.

Research Advisors: The 8 positions will be allocated accordingly to the faculty members below, and there will be members in the three-member committees from the strategic partners of the EXCELSIOR H2020 TEAMING PROJECT & members of the Eratosthenes Center of Excellence or other members from collaborating Centers of Excellence/Universities.

Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Professor, d.hadjimitsis@cut.ac.cy

Evangelos Akylas, Professor, evangelos.akylas@cut.ac.cy

Christos Danezis, Assistant Professor, chris.danezis@cut.ac.cy

Nicholas Kyriakides, Assistant Professor, nicholas.kyriakides@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) position in the field of "Solar Energy under EXCELSIOR H2020 TEAMING PROJECT"

The PhD post in the field of Energy and in the subject area of Solar Energy Forecasting and Solar Radiation Interactions with Earth’s Surface and Atmosphere. The proposed topic is:

• Improvement of solar radiation/energy forecasting using satellite and ground based remote sensing of the atmosphere

The Scientific approach will include:

• Remote Sensing Observations of global and spectral solar irradiance
• Development of radiative transfer models with the use of in situ (solar, aerosol, clouds), EO and CAMS data for solar energy nowcasting and forecasting applications
• Study of the transfer of solar radiation through the atmosphere and its interactions with different atmospheric variables, such as ozone, aerosols, and clouds
• Development of innovative data processing chains ((e.g. development of artificial intelligence methods for solar energy forecasting improvements)
• Follow up quality standards and quality assurance tools of ground-based spectral and broadband solar irradiance observations
• Development and testing of calibration procedures for spectral, broadband, and narrowband solar radiation instruments
• Investigation of how changes of the spectral solar radiation affect the ecosystem and human health

Required Qualifications:

• University degree (diploma/master) in physics, or environmental studies, or meteorology or in a related field
• Knowledge of scientific programming (preferably Python and/or Matlab)
• Knowledge or familiarity with Linux environment is of advantage
• Ability for scientific communication in English
• Willingness to participate in scientific experiments and field campaigns
• Willingness to travel abroad and to participate in training activities and workshops
• Experience with solar radiation measurements or radiative transfer models is of advantage

The PhD positions refer to the research topic the Energy sector of the Department of Resilient Society of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (‘Excelsior Phase 2’ H2020 Teaming Grant Agreement NO.857510 (www.excelsior2020.eu)).

The successful applicants will be working in an international, vibrant research environment, have access to state-of-the-art instruments, and be given the opportunity to work on topics of societal importance.

Further information on the goals of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence can be found below.

Through the ‘ERATOSTHENES: Excellence Research Centre for Earth Surveillance and Space-Based Monitoring of the Environment’ with the acronym: ‘EXCELSIOR’, Horizon 2020 Widespread Teaming Phase 2 project (www.excelsior2020.eu), a new, autonomous and self-sustained Centre of Excellence entitled as ‘ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE)’ (www.eratosthenes.org.cy) has been created. The ECoE focuses on conducting basic and applied research, and enabling innovation in the areas of remote sensing and space-based monitoring the environment. There are distinct needs and opportunities that motivate the establishment of an Earth Observation Centre of Excellence in Cyprus, which are primarily related to the geostrategic location of Cyprus that allows us to examine complex scientific problems and address user needs in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Northern Africa (EMMENA), as well as South-East Europe. An important objective of the ECoE is to become a fully functional Digital Innovation Hub and a Research Excellence Centre for EO in the EMMENA region. The DIH will create an ecosystem which combines state-of-the-art sensing and data management/processing technologies, cutting - edge research opportunities, targeted education services and promotion of entrepreneurship. In order to be dynamic and innovative, the DIH will be based on two major infrastructures, which are a Satellite Ground Receiving Station and a Ground. The Consortium of the EXCELSIOR project consists of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), the National Observatory of Athens (NOA), the German Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), the Department of Electronic Communications (DEC) from the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Cyprus Government and the affiliated entities of CYRIC and Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos, World Radiation Center (PMODWRC). In the supervision of the PhD students is expected to have academics and researchers from DLR, TROPOS, NOA, ECoE, PMODWRC and other organisations/universities/research centres that are supporting the EXCELSIOR H2020 Teaming Project.

Financial Support: The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant at the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. 

We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary level to will be confirmed during the interview.

Maximum Gross monthly salary in case of full time €2122

Duration: 36 Months

The three-member committees will include members from the strategic partners of the EXCELSIOR H2020 Teaming Project (e.g. TROPOS) and members of the ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence or other members from collaborating Centers of Excellence/Universities (e.g. CARE-C Centre of Excellence).

Research Advisors: Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Professor, d.hadjimitsis@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) position in the field of “Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation”

The PhD position will be fully funded by an affiliated organization/business of the ERATOSTHENES CoE through the invitation of the Research and Innovation Foundation to develop a doctoral thesis in businesses and will be part of the broader field of use of artificial intelligence in space and satellite applications. Funding will apply after the approval of the Research and Innovation Foundation.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree (diploma/master) in the field of engineering such as topographer, computer science, civil engineer, environmental engineer or in a related field.
• Ability for scientific communication in English.

Financial Support: The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant in the affiliated organization/business of the ERATOSTHENES CoE. 

We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary level to be confirmed during the interview.

Maximum Gross monthly salary in case of full time €2122

Duration: 36 Months

Research Advisors: Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Professor, d.hadjimitsis@cut.ac.cy, and co-advisory by a researcher at the company of the affiliate organization/business of the ERATOSTHENES CoE. 

• Three (3) positions in the field of “Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation (AI-OBSERVER)”

The PhD position will be fully funded by the AI OBSERVER at Eratosthenes Centre-of Excellence 

Required Qualifications:

• University degree (diploma/master) in the field of engineering such as topographer, computer science, civil engineer, environmental engineer or in a related field.
• Ability for scientific communication in English.

Financial Support

The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant at the ERATOSTHENES CoE.  We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary level to be confirmed during the interview.

Maximum Gross monthly salary in case of full time €2122

Research Advisors: Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Professor, d.hadjimitsis@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of " Stabilization of active colossal landslides of soil masses”

The topic includes the development of an innovative method of analysis, as well as application in a real situation. The “application” part of the dissertation, includes, among others, use of the available static/dynamic penetrometer (Pagani TG63-100).

Required Qualifications: Applicants must hold a recognized University Degree in Civil Engineering (or related field). Previous research experience or previous studies with a focus on geotechnical engineering at undergraduate or postgraduate level will be considered as an additional qualification. Very good knowledge of English language is required. Candidates who are not holders of a master’s in science degree will be required to complete additional ECTS credits as per the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) regulations.

Penetration equipment: Pagani TG63-100

Research Advisor: Lysandros Pantelidis, Associate Professor, lysandros.pantelidis@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of "Geotechnical analysis of mechanically stabilized retaining walls and slopes”

Required Qualifications: Applicants must hold a recognized University Degree in Civil Engineering (or related field). Previous research experience or previous studies with a focus on geotechnical engineering at undergraduate or postgraduate level will be considered as an additional qualification. Very good knowledge of English language is required. Candidates who are not holders of a master’s in science degree will be required to complete additional ECTS credits as per the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) regulations.

Research Advisor: Lysandros Pantelidis, Associate Professor, lysandros.pantelidis@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of "Cartographic perspectives on spatial and thematic levels of detail and scale issues in virtual and augmented reality"

Augmented and virtual reality (VR & AR) are rapidly advancing technologies that enhance users’ perception of the real world by using virtual spaces or enhancing the real space with virtual elements. The geospatial community has been gradually focusing on VR & AR technologies and applications due to their ability to create immersive spatial experiences, facilitate spatial learning, and stimulate user experience. However, designing effective VR or AR interfaces poses several challenges, especially when a cartographic approach is realized. Scale issues and management of the Level of Detail (LoD) should be studied to create a concrete methodological approach when using high-resolution and accurate spatial data. Especially when data are provided from UAS airborne sensors and a 3D virtual space or 3D objects need to be visualized.

Cartographic perspectives are instrumental in addressing issues related to spatial and thematic levels of detail, as well as scale in virtual and augmented reality. By carefully considering scale, data representation, user interaction, and UX design, cartographers can create immersive and effective VR and AR experiences that provide valuable spatial and thematic information to users.

The candidate is expected to contribute significantly - through his research - to understanding on the scale issues and management of LoD for VR & AR cartographic representations based on various dimensions that focus on the types of data that are visualized, the techniques used, and the user actions that trigger LoD change.

Funding: Funding for the position is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from various research calls/projects.

Research Advisor: Apostolos Papakonstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.papakonstantinou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of "3D Geovisualization of Spatiotemporal Changes using Game Engines. A Cartographic approach on spatial and thematic levels of detail in digital twins"

Advancements in 3D geovisualization techniques have revolutionized our ability to analyze and understand complex spatiotemporal data. In recent years, the integration of game engines into cartographic practices has emerged as a powerful tool for representing geospatial information in an immersive and interactive manner. This approach leverages the capabilities of popular game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine to create dynamic and visually compelling representations of geographic data.

Utilizing game engines for geovisualization to depict spatiotemporal changes at varying levels of detail allow users to navigate through intricate landscapes, zooming in from global scales to individual objects with ease. Additionally, on the thematic level, these engines allow for the dynamic visualization of data layers.

Building these new types of applications also involves working with digital twins. Thus, creating immersive ways to visualize and interact with real-world GIS assets that complement current workflows.

A systematic exploration of the game engines' capabilities to depict thematic and photorealistic information of temporal changes over extended periods in various scales should be done. 3D geovisualization using game engines offers a powerful and flexible solution for exploring spatiotemporal changes with a cartographic perspective. It empowers users to engage with data interactively, enabling deeper insights into the dynamic nature of our world.

In this dynamic intersection of cartography and technology, the candidate will go deep into a judicious fusion of spatial and thematic levels of detail, scaled to the immersive canvas, to unlock the full potential of game engine-based 3D geoviz exploration, learning, and decision-making in the digital age.

The candidate is expected to contribute significantly - through his research - to the understanding of the most efficient visualization approach using game engines to offer a powerful and flexible solution for exploring spatiotemporal changes with a cartographic perspective. He will study how to stimulate users to interactively engage with data, enabling deeper insights into the dynamic nature of our world.

Funding: Funding for the position is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from various research calls/projects.

Research Advisor: Apostolos Papakonstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.papakonstantinou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of «Geo-spatial decision making for land management/land administration using GIS and artificial intelligence».

Basic Requirements:

• University degree in a field such as: Surveying Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or related field.
• Master’s degree in a field such as: Geographical Information Systems, Geo-information, Remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field.
• Ability to program in any of the following languages: Python, C#, Java, VB (using .NET SDK) (or in other language).
• Excellent knowledge of English.

Funding: Funding for the position is not available at the current stage, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from research calls.

Research advisor: Demetris Demetriou, Lecturer, demetris.s.demetriou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of "3-D Cadastre and 3-D city models for land management/land administration"

Basic Requirements:

• University degree in a field such as: Surveying Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or related field.
• Master’s degree in a field such as: Geographical Information Systems, Geo-information, Remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field.
• Ability to program in any of the following languages: Python, C#, Java, VB (using .NET SDK) (or in other language).
• Excellent knowledge of English.

Research advisor: Demetris Demetriou, Lecturer, demetris.s.demetriou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the field of "Modelling climate change and land policies to support disaster risk management"

Basic Requirements:

• University degree in a field such as: Surveying Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or related field.
• Master’s degree in a field such as: Geographical Information Systems, Geo-information, Remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field.
• Ability to program in any of the following languages: Python, C#, Java, VB (using .NET SDK) (or in other language).
• Excellent knowledge of English.

Funding: Funding for the position is not available at the current stage, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from research calls.

Research advisor: Demetris Demetriou, Lecturer, demetris.s.demetriou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the following subjects: “Fusion of Space and Ground Remote Sensing Datasets for Archaeo-landscape Studies”

Description: Fusion of remote sensed data and sensors for archaeological studies is a special research topic that remains open. The complexity of the matter lies in the different mode of operation of each sensor, its spectral sensitivity, as well as in the same heterogeneity and uniqueness of the archaeological landscape. The availability of big (geospatial) and open geo-data, known nowadays as Big Data, together with the development of new artificial intelligence techniques in terms of image processing, gives a new perspective for future research. The research is expected to contribute significantly to the better understanding and optimization of non-destructive fusion techniques for archaeological landscape studies.

Funding: Funding for the position is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from various research calls.

Research Advisor: Athos Agapiou, Assistant Professor, athos.agapiou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the following subjects: “Earth Observation Datasets and Analysis for Endangered Monuments and Sites”

Description: Satellite images can record in a short period of time large areas in a systematic way, including archaeological sites and monuments. Their ability to record electromagnetic radiation in wavelengths beyond the visible (near - middle infrared and thermal bands) allow better observation, analysis and mapping of threatened sites and monuments, especially in areas affected after a natural or man-made hazard. The aim of the present research is to contribute to the improvement of existing research methods, especially by exploiting open and freely available satellite images, such as the Sentinel images of the Copernicus European space programme, by developing novel methodology that will allow a more accurate mapping as well as risk indicators for monuments and places.

Funding: Funding for the position is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from various research calls.

Research Advisor: Athos Agapiou, Assistant Professor, athos.agapiou@cut.ac.cy

• One (1) post in the following subject: “Understanding the environmental context and drivers of changes of UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites in India by means of EO datasets”

Funding: Funding for the position is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to attract partial/full funding from various research calls.

Research Advisor: Athos Agapiou, Assistant Professor, athos.agapiou@cut.ac.cy

• Two (2) posts for the following topics:

“Underwater Video Exploitation for 3D Reconstruction”

Description: Photos are the golden standard for 3D reconstruction and Image Based Modelling, due to their quality and resolution. Nevertheless, videos are becoming a valid alternative for 3D reconstruction due to better compression algorithms, better cameras with higher resolution and the fact that video acquisition has advantages in some scenarios, like the underwater environment. Optimal extraction of video frames for 3D reconstruction, is an open research topic. The minimum number of frames should be selected from the video, while at the same time ensure that the object will be fully described in the 3D reconstruction. Selecting frames at a predefined rate, is far from optimal, since the coverage may vary due to variable camera speed and rotation as well as object's complex geometry. A similar issue but in real time is valid for odometry applications, where frames are skipped to reduce processing load. The candidate will work in developing algorithms for optimal frame extraction, either real time or near real time.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates for this post should possess:

• BSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• MSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• Visa (if not coming from the EU)

Additional qualifications which will be considered include:

• Good knowledge of English language
• Good knowledge of programming (C++, C#, or other)
• Knowledge of computer vision, or photogrammetry, or graphics is a bonus
• Previous publications in scientific journals or announcements in conferences, symposiums, etc.
• The application should include a letter of interest or statement of purpose written in English or Greek, that explains/describes why the applicant wishes to undertake this specific study, his/her research objectives and other relevant information (500-800 words maximum).

Funding: for the position is not guaranteed.

• “Wave effect removal in video sequence”

Description: Visual mapping of seafloor, especially in coastal sites, is increasingly important for a variety of disciplines, including environment, tourism, engineering, archaeology, etc. Using underwater cameras is the most popular way, but the drawback is the small frame and limited area coverage per image. Existing photogrammetric techniques to stich photos into an orthophotomosaic are time consuming and limited into small areas. Use of drones may facilitate larger areas with a single frame, allowing for greater coverage, but in lower hights the wave effect, renders photos useless. The candidate should use nadiral video captured from a stable hovering point, using computational photography and time series analysis, could provide a clear image of the seafloor, with several applications, such as photo shooting, video production and photogrammetry for coastal mapping

Required Qualifications:

Candidates for this post should possess:

• BSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• MSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• Visa (if not coming from the EU)

Additional qualifications which will be considered include:

• Good knowledge of English language
• Strong knowledge of programming (C++, C#, or other)
• Knowledge of computer vision, or photogrammetry, or graphics is a bonus
• Previous publications in scientific journals or announcements in conferences, symposiums, etc.
• The application should include a letter of interest or statement of purpose written in English or Greek, that explains/describes why the applicant wishes to undertake this specific study, his/her research objectives and other relevant information (500-800 words maximum).
• Funding for this position is not guaranteed.

• “Augmented reality to support photogrammetric data acquisition”

Description:  During the last decade, Image Based Modelling and 3D reconstruction have been automated in such degree that the process was adopted by several professionals without photogrammetric expertise, including photographers, archaeologists, divers, enthusiasts, scholars, etc. In case of aerial acquisition using drones, technology provides automated navigation for data acquisition to ensure fully coverage of the object with guaranteed overlaps (i.e., mapping using drones). But in many scenarios, especially when using handheld camera for monument, construction or medium object documentation, the data acquisition process relies on photographer’s experience. No one can guarantee object’s full coverage, until full post processing. In case of gaps, it is very difficult, or expensive or even impossible to revisit the site and take additional photos. Therefore, the candidate will work towards developing an AR application which would suggest best positions for photos in real time and guide the user to the correct position for covering undercuts or hidden surfaces, will greatly enhance the data acquisition process, which is the bottleneck of the 3D reconstruction process, currently.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates for this post should possess:

• BSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• MSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• Visa (if not coming from the EU)

Additional qualifications which will be considered include:

• Strong knowledge of programming (C++, C#, or other)
• Knowledge of computer vision, or photogrammetry, or graphics is a bonus
• Knowledge of augmented reality is a bonus
• Previous publications in scientific journals or announcements in conferences, symposiums, etc.

The application should include a letter of interest or statement of purpose written in English or Greek, that explains/describes why the applicant wishes to undertake this specific study, his/her research objectives and other relevant information (500-800 words maximum).

This post will be co supervised with Extended Experiences Group of CYENS - Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/). Funding for this position is not guaranteed for the full duration of the Ph.D., but there is the possibility to attract full funding from CYENS - Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/), under competitive Ph.D. calls. If the proposal is successful, the candidate will be funded and based in CYENS Centre of Excellence.

• “Augmented Reality (AR) in GPS denied environment for Cultural Heritage (CH)”

Description: AR is attracting attention as an alternative mean to disseminate and promote CH sites. Although AR is well proven technology in open spaces with the aid of GPS and auxiliary sensors, the same doesn’t apply for museums, interior of historical buildings or underwater sites. WiFi and coded targets are an alternative for such cases, but still there are limitations in their use. The candidate should device a system to make use of computer vision techniques for localization as well as to specify important points of interest, which are tracked with a mobile device. Apart from localization the augmented reality guide will allow visitors to perceive a unique visualization of the reconstructed site/area in real-time performance through a user interface.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates for this post should possess:

• BSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• MSc degree in engineering, computer science or multimedia
• Visa (if not coming from the EU)

Additional qualifications which will be considered include:

• Good knowledge of English language
• Strong knowledge of programming (C++, C#, or other)
• Knowledge of computer vision, or photogrammetry, or graphics is a bonus
• Good knowledge of Unity or Unreal engine is a bonus
• Knowledge of augmented reality is a bonus
• Previous publications in scientific journals or announcements in conferences, symposiums, etc.

The application should include a letter of interest or statement of purpose written in English or Greek, that explains/describes why the applicant wishes to undertake this specific study, his/her research objectives and other relevant information (500-800 words maximum). This post will be co supervised with Extended Experiences Group of CYENS - Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/).

Funding for this position is not guaranteed for the full duration of the Ph.D., but there is the possibility to attract full funding from CYENS - Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/), under competitive Ph.D. calls. If the proposal is successful, the candidate will be funded and based in CYENS Centre of Excellence.

Research Advisor: Dimitrios Skarlatos Associate Professor, dimitrios.skarlatos@cut.ac.cy