PhD posts - Multimedia and Graphic Arts


Studies start in September 2023

Deadline for applications: Tuesday, 16th of May 2022 (2 p.m.)

Submit Application

Information from the Department Secretary:

Contact Form | Tel.: 25002530 | Fax: 25002768

 

Two (2) posts in the following topic: Virtual Reality for Physio/Psycho/Social Well-Being

Candidates should possess:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and a postgraduate Degree of Master’s level* from accredited Universities in a relevant field (e.g. Interactive Media/ Computer Science/ Computer Engineering/ Neuroscience/ Psychology) or any other field with specialization in Virtual Reality
  • Excellent programming skills / excellent knowledge of C/C++ programming language or/and excellent knowledge of a game engine (e.g. Unity)
  • Ability to work independently on research projects
  • Excellent knowledge of English language (spoken and written)

The following will be considered as additional qualifications:

  • experience in submitting research proposals and/or participation in research projects
  • very good knowledge of a 3D modelling software
  • experience in experimental research
  • good knowledge of statistical analysis

* In cases where the candidate demonstrates EXCEPTIONAL academic performance; holding a postgraduate degree may not be a restricted requirement to apply for this position. (Even though it is highly recommended)

For this position, applications are accepted only for full time studies.

The successful candidate will be assigned to the GET Lab (getlab.org), a research lab of the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, Cyprus University of Technology. In parallel with his/her study the successful candidate may be employed in currently active research programs and/or be assigned teaching-related duties at the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts with appropriate reimbursement.

In addition, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to be employed and/or carry out part of his/her research work at the Virtual Reality for Well-Being group of CYENS Centre of Excellence. (cyens.org.cy). Candidates of this PhD post are encouraged to also apply for the researcher’s positions here: https://tinyurl.com/VRresearchpositions. It is clarified that the applications for the PhD post (at CUT) and the applications for the research positions (at CYENS) will be evaluated independently.

Research Advisor: Despina Michael-Grigoriou , Associate Professor, despina.grigoriou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “eXtended Reality Learning”

Keywords: Serious Games, Distant Learning, Virtual Reality, Collaborative Environments

Description: XR has the potential to facilitate a richer, affective, and collaborative learning, than is possible with 2D alternatives and provide a high rate of knowledge transfer. XR technology empowers learner with ability: a) to manipulate visual 3D objects, processes and procedures and elicit additional information about them, b) to access inaccessible views of objects, processes and procedures, c) to combine and compare multiple views and d) to augment their senses. These affordances help learners to experience phenomena that is not possible to the real world, to visualise complex spatial relations and abstract concepts, to compare/contrast and interpret multiple/alternative perspectives. What is more, these affordances enhance learning experience by using 3D synthetic objects for learning to interact with which grab and hold the attention of learners, enhance learners’ immediacy and immersion, foster effective collaborative, and situated learning and foster practices and literacies that cannot be enacted in other traditional ICT environments. XR when they are properly used, can foster effective learning by leading to increased motivation and active engagement and participation of the students rather than passivity (learning by doing), by allowing learners to proceed through the learning process during a broad time period at their own pace, by encouraging social interaction among users in collaborative settings, by bridging formal and informal learning and by improving the transfer of knowledge and skills to real situations through the contextualization of learning and the mastering of authentic tasks by learners. The overall objective of this thesis is to design, create and maintain a sustainable on-demand education platform.

Candidates 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Good knowledge of English language
  • Good knowledge of programming (C++, C#)
  • Good knowledge of Unity engine
  • Knowledge of computer graphics is a bonus
  • Knowledge of augmented reality is a bonus

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).

The successful candidate will be a PhD candidate at CUT but based at CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/) at the Extended Experiences Group. The successful candidate will be funded by the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Fotis Liarokapi of the CYENS Center of Excellence at the Extended Experiences Group.

Research Advisor: Andri Ioannou, Associate Professor, andri.i.ioannou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “Embodied Collaborative Distant Learning in Serious Virtual Environments”

Keywords: Serious Games, Distant Learning, Virtual Reality, Collaborative Environments

Description: Serious games and immersive virtual reality simulations are argued to support students’ learning of complex scientific phenomena via the use of realistic graphics and interactions that students can hardly experience in everyday life. However, the integration of immersive VR simulations in classrooms introduces new challenges, whilst there is a lack of learning designs to inform practice. In the past, serious games that were used with sufficient support, shown to be motivational and an aid to learning high level or complex skills. Currently serious games are more likely to be used if they can be seen to inspire, or there is a direct link to the curriculum. Moreover, distance learning is becoming more and important for different reasons. Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) are appropriate tools for improving distance education because they allow users to meet and interact with others, including agents and virtual objects (and other virtual information). However, they are suffering from realistic modeling of users and their behaviors resulting in presence and lack of motivation. This thesis will try to overcome these problems by proposing a highly embodied VR platform for serious games focused on distant education that will allow embodied users to learn in a collaborative manner.

Candidates 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Good knowledge of English language
  • Good knowledge of programming (C++, C#)
  • Good knowledge of Unity engine
  • Knowledge of computer graphics is a bonus
  • Knowledge of augmented reality is a bonus

 

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).

The successful candidate will be a PhD candidate at CUT but based at CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/) at the Extended Experiences Group. The successful candidate will be funded by the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Fotis Liarokapi of the CYENS Center of Excellence at the Extended Experiences Group.

Research Advisor: Andri Ioannou, Associate Professor, andri.i.ioannou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “Educational Technology and Learning Design”

Keywords: related to Cyprus Interaction Lab https://www.cyprusinteractionlab.com/

The topic is open and up for discussion between the supervisor and the candidate, as long as it is relevant to the Cyprus Interaction Lab https://www.cyprusinteractionlab.com/

Candidates should possess:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering or social sciences or education
  • MSc/MA degree in computer science or engineering or social sciences or education
  • Visa (if not from EU)

Desired Qualifications include:

  • Good knowledge of the English language
  • Knowledge of advanced learning technologies is a bonus

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).

The successful candidate will be a PhD candidate at CUT but based at CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/) at the Extended Experiences Group. The successful candidate will be funded by the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

Research Advisor: Andri Ioannou, Associate Professor, andri.i.ioannou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “The contribution of images in the communication, and welfare of people with dementia.”

Description: Dementia is the general term given to people with impairment in remembering (loss of memory), and reduced ability in language and problem-solving abilities. There is currently no treatment for dementia and medication is limited in its efficacy. Alternative methods for prolonging the offset of dementia are employed, most of which aim at Alzheimer's disease. The candidate will be expected to conduct extensive research on images, and visual communication in general, and examine their contribution in the communication, and welfare of people with dementia.

Candidates should possess:

  • M.A. Degree from an accredited University on the above topic areas or relevant degree.
  • Excellent knowledge of English language.
  • Ability to organize and carry out research independently.
  • Sample of research work (from the candidate’s MA program) or sample of literature review on a relevant topic proposal under the current opening.
  • Prior experience in research activities (i.e. publication record, submitting research proposals, participating in research programs) will be considered as an additional qualification.

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. The applicant will likely be invited for an interview.

The successful candidate will be based at the Semiotics and Visual Communication Research Lab (www.svclab.com). In parallel with his/her study the successful candidate may be employed in currently active research programs and/or be assigned teaching-related duties at the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts with appropriate reimbursement.

Research Advisor: Evripides Zantides, Professor, evripides.zantides@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: "Computer Vision and Machine Learning Applications in Smart Spaces" or "Smart Virtual Reality Applications

Description: The research will focus on developing novel computer vision and/or machine learning-based applications that can be used either in smart real spaces or in virtual reality applications. Within this scope real spaces refer to indoor environments (i.e. house, classroom, exhibition areas, shopping mall, etc.) or outdoor environments (i.e. public roads, pedestrian crossings, cultural heritage sites, playing grounds, etc.). Smart virtual reality applications refer to applications that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence for enhancing the overall user experience.  The topics will be addressed through research and development in the areas of computer vision and/or machine learning and their combination with emerging technologies such as mobile computing, ubiquitous computing, virtual and mixed reality.

Candidates should possess:

  • Postgraduate Degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Computer Science or Multimedia or Electronic Engineering or any related field.
  • Excellent computer programming skills.
  • Ability to organize and carry out research work independently.
  • Very good knowledge of English language.
  • Prior experience in research activities (i.e. publication record, submitting research proposals, participating in research programs) will be considered as an additional qualification.

The successful candidate will be assigned to the “Visual Media Computing Research Lab” (https://vmc.cut.ac.cy/). Τhe successful candidate will have the opportunity to be employed and/or carry out part of his/her research work at the CYENS Centre of Excellence (cyens.org.cy). In parallel with his/her study the successful candidate may be employed in currently active research programs and/or be assigned teaching-related duties at the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts with appropriate reimbursement.

Research Advisor: Andreas Lanitis, Professor, andreas.lanitis@cut.ac.cy

Recent articles

PhD posts - Multimedia an Graphic Arts

PhD posts - Multimedia an Graphic Arts

PhD posts - Multimedia an Graphic Arts

PhD posts - Multimedia an Graphic Arts

PhD posts - Multimedia and Graphic Arts

PhD posts - Multimedia and Graphic Arts

PhD posts - Multimedia and Graphic Arts

Studies start in September 2023

Deadline for applications: Tuesday, 16th of May 2022 (2 p.m.)

Submit Application

Information from the Department Secretary:

Contact Form | Tel.: 25002530 | Fax: 25002768

 

Two (2) posts in the following topic: Virtual Reality for Physio/Psycho/Social Well-Being

Candidates should possess:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and a postgraduate Degree of Master’s level* from accredited Universities in a relevant field (e.g. Interactive Media/ Computer Science/ Computer Engineering/ Neuroscience/ Psychology) or any other field with specialization in Virtual Reality
  • Excellent programming skills / excellent knowledge of C/C++ programming language or/and excellent knowledge of a game engine (e.g. Unity)
  • Ability to work independently on research projects
  • Excellent knowledge of English language (spoken and written)

The following will be considered as additional qualifications:

  • experience in submitting research proposals and/or participation in research projects
  • very good knowledge of a 3D modelling software
  • experience in experimental research
  • good knowledge of statistical analysis

* In cases where the candidate demonstrates EXCEPTIONAL academic performance; holding a postgraduate degree may not be a restricted requirement to apply for this position. (Even though it is highly recommended)

For this position, applications are accepted only for full time studies.

The successful candidate will be assigned to the GET Lab (getlab.org), a research lab of the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, Cyprus University of Technology. In parallel with his/her study the successful candidate may be employed in currently active research programs and/or be assigned teaching-related duties at the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts with appropriate reimbursement.

In addition, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to be employed and/or carry out part of his/her research work at the Virtual Reality for Well-Being group of CYENS Centre of Excellence. (cyens.org.cy). Candidates of this PhD post are encouraged to also apply for the researcher’s positions here: https://tinyurl.com/VRresearchpositions. It is clarified that the applications for the PhD post (at CUT) and the applications for the research positions (at CYENS) will be evaluated independently.

Research Advisor: Despina Michael-Grigoriou , Associate Professor, despina.grigoriou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “eXtended Reality Learning”

Keywords: Serious Games, Distant Learning, Virtual Reality, Collaborative Environments

Description: XR has the potential to facilitate a richer, affective, and collaborative learning, than is possible with 2D alternatives and provide a high rate of knowledge transfer. XR technology empowers learner with ability: a) to manipulate visual 3D objects, processes and procedures and elicit additional information about them, b) to access inaccessible views of objects, processes and procedures, c) to combine and compare multiple views and d) to augment their senses. These affordances help learners to experience phenomena that is not possible to the real world, to visualise complex spatial relations and abstract concepts, to compare/contrast and interpret multiple/alternative perspectives. What is more, these affordances enhance learning experience by using 3D synthetic objects for learning to interact with which grab and hold the attention of learners, enhance learners’ immediacy and immersion, foster effective collaborative, and situated learning and foster practices and literacies that cannot be enacted in other traditional ICT environments. XR when they are properly used, can foster effective learning by leading to increased motivation and active engagement and participation of the students rather than passivity (learning by doing), by allowing learners to proceed through the learning process during a broad time period at their own pace, by encouraging social interaction among users in collaborative settings, by bridging formal and informal learning and by improving the transfer of knowledge and skills to real situations through the contextualization of learning and the mastering of authentic tasks by learners. The overall objective of this thesis is to design, create and maintain a sustainable on-demand education platform.

Candidates 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Good knowledge of English language
  • Good knowledge of programming (C++, C#)
  • Good knowledge of Unity engine
  • Knowledge of computer graphics is a bonus
  • Knowledge of augmented reality is a bonus

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).

The successful candidate will be a PhD candidate at CUT but based at CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/) at the Extended Experiences Group. The successful candidate will be funded by the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Fotis Liarokapi of the CYENS Center of Excellence at the Extended Experiences Group.

Research Advisor: Andri Ioannou, Associate Professor, andri.i.ioannou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “Embodied Collaborative Distant Learning in Serious Virtual Environments”

Keywords: Serious Games, Distant Learning, Virtual Reality, Collaborative Environments

Description: Serious games and immersive virtual reality simulations are argued to support students’ learning of complex scientific phenomena via the use of realistic graphics and interactions that students can hardly experience in everyday life. However, the integration of immersive VR simulations in classrooms introduces new challenges, whilst there is a lack of learning designs to inform practice. In the past, serious games that were used with sufficient support, shown to be motivational and an aid to learning high level or complex skills. Currently serious games are more likely to be used if they can be seen to inspire, or there is a direct link to the curriculum. Moreover, distance learning is becoming more and important for different reasons. Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) are appropriate tools for improving distance education because they allow users to meet and interact with others, including agents and virtual objects (and other virtual information). However, they are suffering from realistic modeling of users and their behaviors resulting in presence and lack of motivation. This thesis will try to overcome these problems by proposing a highly embodied VR platform for serious games focused on distant education that will allow embodied users to learn in a collaborative manner.

Candidates 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Good knowledge of English language
  • Good knowledge of programming (C++, C#)
  • Good knowledge of Unity engine
  • Knowledge of computer graphics is a bonus
  • Knowledge of augmented reality is a bonus

 

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).

The successful candidate will be a PhD candidate at CUT but based at CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/) at the Extended Experiences Group. The successful candidate will be funded by the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Fotis Liarokapi of the CYENS Center of Excellence at the Extended Experiences Group.

Research Advisor: Andri Ioannou, Associate Professor, andri.i.ioannou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “Educational Technology and Learning Design”

Keywords: related to Cyprus Interaction Lab https://www.cyprusinteractionlab.com/

The topic is open and up for discussion between the supervisor and the candidate, as long as it is relevant to the Cyprus Interaction Lab https://www.cyprusinteractionlab.com/

Candidates should possess:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering or social sciences or education
  • MSc/MA degree in computer science or engineering or social sciences or education
  • Visa (if not from EU)

Desired Qualifications include:

  • Good knowledge of the English language
  • Knowledge of advanced learning technologies is a bonus

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).

The successful candidate will be a PhD candidate at CUT but based at CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://www.cyens.org.cy/) at the Extended Experiences Group. The successful candidate will be funded by the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

Research Advisor: Andri Ioannou, Associate Professor, andri.i.ioannou@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: “The contribution of images in the communication, and welfare of people with dementia.”

Description: Dementia is the general term given to people with impairment in remembering (loss of memory), and reduced ability in language and problem-solving abilities. There is currently no treatment for dementia and medication is limited in its efficacy. Alternative methods for prolonging the offset of dementia are employed, most of which aim at Alzheimer's disease. The candidate will be expected to conduct extensive research on images, and visual communication in general, and examine their contribution in the communication, and welfare of people with dementia.

Candidates should possess:

  • M.A. Degree from an accredited University on the above topic areas or relevant degree.
  • Excellent knowledge of English language.
  • Ability to organize and carry out research independently.
  • Sample of research work (from the candidate’s MA program) or sample of literature review on a relevant topic proposal under the current opening.
  • Prior experience in research activities (i.e. publication record, submitting research proposals, participating in research programs) will be considered as an additional qualification.

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. The applicant will likely be invited for an interview.

The successful candidate will be based at the Semiotics and Visual Communication Research Lab (www.svclab.com). In parallel with his/her study the successful candidate may be employed in currently active research programs and/or be assigned teaching-related duties at the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts with appropriate reimbursement.

Research Advisor: Evripides Zantides, Professor, evripides.zantides@cut.ac.cy

 

One (1) post in the following topic: "Computer Vision and Machine Learning Applications in Smart Spaces" or "Smart Virtual Reality Applications

Description: The research will focus on developing novel computer vision and/or machine learning-based applications that can be used either in smart real spaces or in virtual reality applications. Within this scope real spaces refer to indoor environments (i.e. house, classroom, exhibition areas, shopping mall, etc.) or outdoor environments (i.e. public roads, pedestrian crossings, cultural heritage sites, playing grounds, etc.). Smart virtual reality applications refer to applications that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence for enhancing the overall user experience.  The topics will be addressed through research and development in the areas of computer vision and/or machine learning and their combination with emerging technologies such as mobile computing, ubiquitous computing, virtual and mixed reality.

Candidates should possess:

  • Postgraduate Degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Computer Science or Multimedia or Electronic Engineering or any related field.
  • Excellent computer programming skills.
  • Ability to organize and carry out research work independently.
  • Very good knowledge of English language.
  • Prior experience in research activities (i.e. publication record, submitting research proposals, participating in research programs) will be considered as an additional qualification.

The successful candidate will be assigned to the “Visual Media Computing Research Lab” (https://vmc.cut.ac.cy/). Τhe successful candidate will have the opportunity to be employed and/or carry out part of his/her research work at the CYENS Centre of Excellence (cyens.org.cy). In parallel with his/her study the successful candidate may be employed in currently active research programs and/or be assigned teaching-related duties at the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts with appropriate reimbursement.

Research Advisor: Andreas Lanitis, Professor, andreas.lanitis@cut.ac.cy