Joint PhD in Computational Sciences between The Cyprus Institute and the Lebanese University (Project: Mechanical Properties of Nano-composites via Multi-scale Modeling)
The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a non-profit research and educational institution with a strong scientific and technological orientation, emphasizing international collaborations, cross-disciplinary research, innovation, and post graduate education. CyI, through its established research centres, addresses challenging issues that are important at both the regional and international levels. Many of its research activities are being carried out in partnership with leading institutions in the respective thematic areas.
The position offers excellent possibilities for professional development of highly motivated individuals in the framework of a joined collaboration between The Cyprus Institute (CyI) and the Lebanese University (LU) in computational multi-scale modeling of complex nanostructured materials.
The successful applicant will spend part of his/her time at the Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre of The Cyprus Institute, and at the School of Engineering of the Lebanese University. He/she will be enrolled in the PhD programs: Computational Science of CyI and Mechanical Engineering of LU.
The researcher will receive high quality interdisciplinary training on a broad range of topics in the fields of computational methods for studying the mechanical properties of complex nanostructured materials.
Description of the Position
Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) can be defined as a mixture of two or more phases, where the matrix is a polymer and the dispersed phase(filler) has at least one dimension in the range of nm scale. Nanocomposites can also show unique design possibilities, which offer excellent advantages in creating functional materials that they have the ability to tune mechanical properties that meet the needs in industry. To address the above challenges, the current project proposes a multi-scale computational methodology, which involves detailed microscopic MD simulations and continuum modelling (homogenization) approaches, to directly probe the distribution of mechanical properties for different model of PNCs (e.g. nanoparticle, carbon nanotube and graphene).
The successful candidate will advance the CyI’s and LU’s research and innovation agenda on multi-scale computational methods for complex systems. Moreover, the candidate will enhance the existing collaboration between CyI and LU in computational science & engineering.
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate is expected to have a Master’s degree in engineering, physical sciences or a related field. For the particular research requirements of this fellowship, a Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree in mechanical or materials engineering will be considered an advantage. Good oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work in an international, interdisciplinary research environment are considered essential skills.
Additional Preferred Skills
| • | Research experience on nanocomposites |
| • | Good knowledge of programming (e.g. Python, C, C++, Fortran) |
| • | Independent thinking |
| • | Strong analytical and organizational skills |
| • | Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team |
| • | Publication record |
Applicants should also refer to additional information about admission requirements, which can be found on the website of CyI under the PhD in Computational Sciences admissions section. When applying through the online application, in Step 2 of the application under the section Scholarship or Financial Aid: “Specific PhD Project” applicants should enter the project reference GS-COS-JOINT CYI LU-21-1 in the Project Code field. Applicants should also mention in their statement of intent that they are applying for the PhD position with reference code: GS-COS-JOINT CYI LU-21-1. If the code is not entered in the online application, the applicant may not be considered for this position.
Financial Support
The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant or receive a stipend in accordance with the current regulations at the Graduate School of the CyI and of the LU.
The exact salary / stipend level to will be confirmed upon appointment.
Application Process
Applicants should refer to the CyI website under the PhD in Computational Sciences Admissions section for additional information about the application process.
Applications should be sent through the online application system of The Cyprus Institute Graduate School. When applying through the online application, in Step 2 of the application under the section ‘Scholarship or Financial Aid’, applicants should select ‘Specific PhD Project’ and they should enter the project reference code: GS-COS-JOINT CYI LU-21-1 in the Project Code field. Applicants should also mention in their statement of intent that they are applying for the PhD position with reference code: GS-COS-JOINT CYI LU-21-1. If the code is not entered in the online application, the applicant may not be considered for this position.
Eligibility Criteria
According to the eligibility criteria set by the joint CyI – LU PhD program the candidate should:
| • | Have a BSc and MSc |
| • | Be - at the date of recruitment - an ‘early-stage researcher’ (i.e., in the first four years of his/her research career and should not have a doctoral degree). |
Application Deadline
The selected candidate will be admitted to the PhD programme in Fall 2022. Please see the deadlines in the table below:
| Entry | Deadlines | Eligibility |
| Fall 2022 | Regular Deadline: April 1, 2022 | For all applicants |
| Fall 2022 | Late Deadline: July 3, 2022 | For applicants who do not require a student visa |
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Professor Vangelis Harmandaris This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more information about postgraduate studies at The Cyprus Institute and admission requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies of The Cyprus Institute at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at tel: +357 22208614.
