Studies start in September 2023
Deadline for applications: Tuesday, 16th of May 2023 (2 p.m.)
Submit Application
Information from the Department Secretary:
Contact Form - Tel.: 25002178 - Fax. 25002636
One (1) post in the following topic: “Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methane, Methanol and Higher Hydrocarbons using Heterogeneous Catalysts in Flow Microreactors”
Description: Methanol is considered as a starting feedstock in chemical industries and an alternative fuel to replace fossil fuels. The formation of methanol and methane for example can be very useful since these two chemicals can be potential candidates for future alternative fuels. Moreover, the methanation of CO2 can increase the capacities of global methane which can be further transformed to useful chemicals, such as methanol or can be used for electric power generation. The current industrial scale for methanol production is based on syngas technology via utilization of CO and using metal-based catalysts. Replacing of CO with CO2 is a great challenge in CO2 utilisation.
To design and develop microreactors for CO2 hydrogenation for methanol and methane production and to evaluate the catalytic performance of synthesized materials and discover catalysts for improving the catalytic performance of optimized catalysts (exploitation of bimetallic and trimetallic supported nanoparticles) in terms of yield to methanol, methane, and long-term stability. Particularly this work aims to model the physico-chemical processes associated with CO2 hydrogenation using supported nanoparticles in order to optimise the production of methane/methanol using intensified microreactors. Furthermore, different microreactor designs will be evaluated in order to examine the performance of the nanoparticles in the formation of methane/methanol.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification at the Master level from accredited universities in chemical engineering, or any other related field. A strong background in computer programming using MATLAB, gPROMS, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar languages is required.
Research Advisor: Achilleas Konstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.konstantinou@cut.ac.cy,
One (1) post in the following topic: “Waste PVC Thermolysis as a Recycling Route”
Description: With rapid economic growth and massive urbanization, waste-to-energy technology is recognized as a renewable source of energy and is playing an increasingly important role in municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Plastic solid waste is growing rapidly as world bank data suggests and PVC is playing a pivotal role in the accumulation of waste due to its rapid use in almost every household across the world. Pyrolysis of plastic solid waste (PSW) has gained importance due to having better advantages towards environmental pollution and reduction of carbon footprint of plastic products by minimizing the emissions of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide compared to combustion and gasification.
In this work the pyrolysis of PVC waste which will be reclaimed from various sources and conditions, shall be treated in TG & TG-IR set-up to study its mechanism and determine its fuel like gases that are to be evolved against time of reaction. Process modelling of the thermolysis process will be the key aspect of this research work in order to optimise the reactor design and conditions as well the pyrolysis oil yield.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification at the Master level from accredited universities in chemical engineering, or any other related field. A strong background in computer programming using MATLAB, gPROMS, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar languages is required.
Research Advisor: Achilleas Konstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.konstantinou@cut.ac.cy,
One (1) post in the following topic: “Computational Investigation of Microreactor Configurations for Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid/Hydrous Hydrazine Decomposition using a heterogeneous Catalysts”
Description: The need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives has been a critical issue in recent years. Hydrogen fuel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels because of its wide availability and high energy density.For the very first time, novel microreactor configurations for the formic acid decomposition will be studied using computational modelling methodologies. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will be utilised to develop the comprehensive heterogeneous microreactor models.The CFD modelling study begins with the development of a packed bed microreactor to validate experimental results, subsequently followed by the theoretical development of novel microreactor configurations to perform further studies. The detailed models developed in this work will provide an interesting insight into the intensification of the formic acid decomposition reaction, using a heterogeneous catalysts.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification at the Master level from accredited universities in chemical engineering, or any other related field. A good knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, chemistry, maths and physics is essential. A strong background in computer programming using STAR-CCM+, gPROMS, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar languages is required.
Research Advisor: Achilleas Konstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.konstantinou@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the field of: Processes for hydrogen production based on metallic iron, electrolysis and microbial electrolysis
At this topic, the following will be examined:
- Synthesis of zero-valent metal under mild conditions and their use for Hydrogen production and CO2 capture
- Utilization of hydrogen and CO2 by hydrogenotrophic microorganisms and other autotrophic microorganisms to produce high-value-added products.
- Electrolysis with the addition of organic compounds for the production of high-purity hydrogen
- Microbial Electrolysis process
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Ioannis Vyrides, Assistant Professor, Ioannis.vyrides@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Treatment of wastewater/waste using novel processes”
Description: At this PhD position/topic, the following will be examined: Different processes for wastewater/waste treatment such as microbial electrolysis, use of zero-valent metal and anaerobic bioreactors such as SAnMBR and UASB. Apart from effective wastewater/waste treatment, products such as Hydrogen or biogas or upgraded biogas will be generated in these processes. These processes will be examined and compared at the first stage of the PhD. Then, the student will focus on one of these processes and the mechanism, and pilot-scale application will be studied.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Ioannis Vyrides, Assistant Professor, Ioannis.vyrides@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Conversion of CO2 to heptanoic acid and hexanoic acid by physical and microbial processes”.
Description: The aim of the PhD project is the conversion of CO2 to heptanoic acid and hexanoic acid by physical and microbial processes in a system of zero valent metals and autotrophic microorganisms. During aquatic zero valent metal oxidation hydrogen is produced which can be used by autotrophs for the generation of fatty acids. The mechanisms of this system will be investigated and the system will also be studied using wastewater instead of CO2 as a carbon source.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Ioannis Vyrides, Assistant Professor, Ioannis.vyrides@cut.ac.cy
Three posts (3) posts in the following topic: “Nano-(Bio)Microplastics in the marine environment: Biological and Chemical Dynamics of marine diatoms and bacteria”
Available instrumentation for the project in the lab
Raman -FTIR and LIBS for Chemical imaging of nano-micro (bio)-plastics and their additives in the marine environment. Details in http://ebbl.cut.ac.cy
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess Bachelor’s in either Chemistry or Biology or Physics or Environmental science or Environmental/Chemical Engineering from accredited Universities
Research Advisor: Constantinos Varotsis, Professor, c.varotsis@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Application of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the detoxification of cyanotoxin contaminated water”
Description: The presence and subsequently the removal of micropollutants like pesticides, hormones, medical drugs and naturally occurring toxic metabolites (cyanotoxins) from water resources comprises a challenge for the water and wastewater industry. In order to remove micropollutants in trace concentrations from water resources chemical oxidation technologies such as ozonation and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are increasingly used to treat different types of source water and wastewater. The aim of this thesis is to explore the potential application of various AOPs for the removal of a group of natural toxins produced from the toxic strains of cyanobacteria, commonly known as cyanotoxins. The study aims to determine the tested AOPs efficiency and energy demands, toxicity of end product and unveil the transformation products. This will be a collaborative project with the University of Gdansk in Poland (Prof. Hanna Mazur-Marzec).
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Biochemistry and/or a postgraduate degree (Μaster level) from an accredited University in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering. The candidates must be fluent in English. Previous experience in the above-mentioned research topic will be considered as an advantage. Funding opportunities are available for exceptional candidates.
Research Advisor: Maria G. Antoniou, Assistant Professor, maria.antoniou@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Detection and removal of taste and odor compounds from surface waters contaminated with cyanobacterial harmful blooms (cyano-HABs)”
Description: Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are phototrophic microorganisms and represent an essential component of the food web in all aquatic ecosystems. However, certain strains of cyanobacteria have the ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites along with taste and odor compounds that make the water unfit for use. Climate change and anthropogenic activities are major contributors towards the more frequent and prolonged appearance of cyanobacterial harmful blooms (Cyano-HABs) across the globe, adding further pressure on scarce fresh water supplies. In order to mitigate the effects of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins measurements need to be taken at source. This study aims to apply advanced analytical techniques to identify taste and odor compounds (beyond the terpenoids geosmin and MIB) apply various physico-chemical methods for restoring cyanobacterial contaminated sites. This will be a collaborative project with the Technical University of Crete (Prof. Elia Psillakis).
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering and/or a postgraduate degree (Μaster level) from an accredited University in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering. The candidates must be fluent in English. Previous experience in the above-mentioned research topic will be considered as an advantage. Funding opportunities are available for exceptional candidates.
Research Advisor: Maria G. Antoniou, Assistant Professor, maria.antoniou@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Biorefinery Development for Production of Microalgal Biomass Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids using Food Supply Chain Waste”
Description: Food Supply Chain Waste (FSCW) represents an important example of a problem that could be turned into a technological solution enabling biowaste conversion to added-value products. Thus, the fundamental objective of the thesis is to develop an integrated biorefining strategy exploiting major organic residues for production of microalgae rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Different physical, chemical and biological methods will be initially characterized for FSCW pretreatment, while the material generated will be applied in fermentations aiming to maximize the productivity of microalgae under heterotrophic and mixotrophic culture conditions. Various parameters associated to the composition of fatty acids produced will be determined, while transcription from multiple metabolic routes (including the fatty acids synthesis pathway) will be monitored through molecular biology (qPCR) to identify potential metabolic properties affecting the bioconversion of the waste into the desired product. Depending on the field of expertise and qualifications, funding could be available through current European research projects of the lab (http://enblab.weebly.com/). Moreover, the successful candidate could be offered teaching assistant positions in the department for lab-based courses.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Michalis Koutinas, Associate Professor, michail.koutinas@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Bioprocess Development for the Removal of Waste Polysaccharide-Based Bioplastic Systems”
Description: Bioplastics, defined as the plastics which are either characterised as bio-based or biodegradable, currently hold significant interest as sustainable alternatives to their fossil-based counterparts. However, although biodegradable plastics are truly biodegradable only under industrial conditions, their leakage to the marine and terrestrial environment should be avoided given that the disposal of bioplastics could enhance the negative impact imposed by “white pollution”. The current Thesis will focus on developing novel bioprocesses for valorisation of major polysaccharide-based bioplastic systems including thermoplastic starch (TPS) and cellulose-based bioplastics, which will be applied without or following aging/pretreatment. Tailored innovative strategies based on microbial and enzymatic systems will be implemented. Molecular techniques (NGS, qPCR) will be applied to monitor the composition of the microbial communities formed as well as expression from specific genes that pertain to important metabolic pathways of the strains involved. Depending on the field of expertise and qualifications, funding could be available through current European research projects of the lab (http://enblab.weebly.com/). Moreover, the successful candidate could be offered teaching assistant positions in the department for lab-based courses.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English. Past practical experience in bioprocess development will be an advantage.
Research Advisor: Michalis Koutinas, Associate Professor, michail.koutinas@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Energy and Meteorology”
Description: Electricity production from Photovoltaics (PVs) is heavily dependent on local meteorological phenomena, especially cloud type and cloud cover. Thus, in order to further promote the penetration of small-scale roof-top PVs in cities, the effect of clouds on PVs and the prediction of electricity production from these systems needs to be understood and any problems should be resolved. The current project addresses this topic and a software will be developed based on a novel methodology (patent pending) for the prediction electricity production from PVs.
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates should possess Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from an accredited University in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or Physics. They should have experience in computer software (Python/C++/Matlab/GIS/etc) and should be willing to engage in interdisciplinary work on energy and meteorology.
Research Advisor: Associate Professor Alexandros Charalambides, a.charalambides@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Creating Local Ecosystems of Climate Innovation”
Description: The aim of the research is to measure and analyze the effect of local traditions for the development of integrated regeneration practices for a sustainable future through innovation and entrepreneurship. Existing practices in South-East Europe (Greece, Croatia, Western Balkans, Cyprus) and the whole of the Middle East-North Africa (MENA region) will be studied and compared with more developed countries (Israel, Korea, USA, etc). Furthermore, the role of "champions" and of "regional development policies" will be an integral part of this research.
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees from an accredited University in Business and/or Management and/or Environmental Studies or in a relevant field. Should be willing to engage in interdisciplinary work on climate studies, engineering and innovation.
Research Advisor: Associate Professor Alexandros Charalambides, a.charalambides@cut.ac.cy
PhD posts - Chemical Engineering
Studies start in September 2023
Deadline for applications: Tuesday, 16th of May 2023 (2 p.m.)
Submit Application
Information from the Department Secretary:
Contact Form - Tel.: 25002178 - Fax. 25002636
One (1) post in the following topic: “Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methane, Methanol and Higher Hydrocarbons using Heterogeneous Catalysts in Flow Microreactors”
Description: Methanol is considered as a starting feedstock in chemical industries and an alternative fuel to replace fossil fuels. The formation of methanol and methane for example can be very useful since these two chemicals can be potential candidates for future alternative fuels. Moreover, the methanation of CO2 can increase the capacities of global methane which can be further transformed to useful chemicals, such as methanol or can be used for electric power generation. The current industrial scale for methanol production is based on syngas technology via utilization of CO and using metal-based catalysts. Replacing of CO with CO2 is a great challenge in CO2 utilisation.
To design and develop microreactors for CO2 hydrogenation for methanol and methane production and to evaluate the catalytic performance of synthesized materials and discover catalysts for improving the catalytic performance of optimized catalysts (exploitation of bimetallic and trimetallic supported nanoparticles) in terms of yield to methanol, methane, and long-term stability. Particularly this work aims to model the physico-chemical processes associated with CO2 hydrogenation using supported nanoparticles in order to optimise the production of methane/methanol using intensified microreactors. Furthermore, different microreactor designs will be evaluated in order to examine the performance of the nanoparticles in the formation of methane/methanol.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification at the Master level from accredited universities in chemical engineering, or any other related field. A strong background in computer programming using MATLAB, gPROMS, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar languages is required.
Research Advisor: Achilleas Konstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.konstantinou@cut.ac.cy,
One (1) post in the following topic: “Waste PVC Thermolysis as a Recycling Route”
Description: With rapid economic growth and massive urbanization, waste-to-energy technology is recognized as a renewable source of energy and is playing an increasingly important role in municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Plastic solid waste is growing rapidly as world bank data suggests and PVC is playing a pivotal role in the accumulation of waste due to its rapid use in almost every household across the world. Pyrolysis of plastic solid waste (PSW) has gained importance due to having better advantages towards environmental pollution and reduction of carbon footprint of plastic products by minimizing the emissions of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide compared to combustion and gasification.
In this work the pyrolysis of PVC waste which will be reclaimed from various sources and conditions, shall be treated in TG & TG-IR set-up to study its mechanism and determine its fuel like gases that are to be evolved against time of reaction. Process modelling of the thermolysis process will be the key aspect of this research work in order to optimise the reactor design and conditions as well the pyrolysis oil yield.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification at the Master level from accredited universities in chemical engineering, or any other related field. A strong background in computer programming using MATLAB, gPROMS, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar languages is required.
Research Advisor: Achilleas Konstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.konstantinou@cut.ac.cy,
One (1) post in the following topic: “Computational Investigation of Microreactor Configurations for Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid/Hydrous Hydrazine Decomposition using a heterogeneous Catalysts”
Description: The need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives has been a critical issue in recent years. Hydrogen fuel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels because of its wide availability and high energy density.For the very first time, novel microreactor configurations for the formic acid decomposition will be studied using computational modelling methodologies. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will be utilised to develop the comprehensive heterogeneous microreactor models.The CFD modelling study begins with the development of a packed bed microreactor to validate experimental results, subsequently followed by the theoretical development of novel microreactor configurations to perform further studies. The detailed models developed in this work will provide an interesting insight into the intensification of the formic acid decomposition reaction, using a heterogeneous catalysts.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification at the Master level from accredited universities in chemical engineering, or any other related field. A good knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, chemistry, maths and physics is essential. A strong background in computer programming using STAR-CCM+, gPROMS, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar languages is required.
Research Advisor: Achilleas Konstantinou, Assistant Professor, a.konstantinou@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the field of: Processes for hydrogen production based on metallic iron, electrolysis and microbial electrolysis
At this topic, the following will be examined:
- Synthesis of zero-valent metal under mild conditions and their use for Hydrogen production and CO2 capture
- Utilization of hydrogen and CO2 by hydrogenotrophic microorganisms and other autotrophic microorganisms to produce high-value-added products.
- Electrolysis with the addition of organic compounds for the production of high-purity hydrogen
- Microbial Electrolysis process
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Ioannis Vyrides, Assistant Professor, Ioannis.vyrides@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Treatment of wastewater/waste using novel processes”
Description: At this PhD position/topic, the following will be examined: Different processes for wastewater/waste treatment such as microbial electrolysis, use of zero-valent metal and anaerobic bioreactors such as SAnMBR and UASB. Apart from effective wastewater/waste treatment, products such as Hydrogen or biogas or upgraded biogas will be generated in these processes. These processes will be examined and compared at the first stage of the PhD. Then, the student will focus on one of these processes and the mechanism, and pilot-scale application will be studied.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Ioannis Vyrides, Assistant Professor, Ioannis.vyrides@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Conversion of CO2 to heptanoic acid and hexanoic acid by physical and microbial processes”.
Description: The aim of the PhD project is the conversion of CO2 to heptanoic acid and hexanoic acid by physical and microbial processes in a system of zero valent metals and autotrophic microorganisms. During aquatic zero valent metal oxidation hydrogen is produced which can be used by autotrophs for the generation of fatty acids. The mechanisms of this system will be investigated and the system will also be studied using wastewater instead of CO2 as a carbon source.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Ioannis Vyrides, Assistant Professor, Ioannis.vyrides@cut.ac.cy
Three posts (3) posts in the following topic: “Nano-(Bio)Microplastics in the marine environment: Biological and Chemical Dynamics of marine diatoms and bacteria”
Available instrumentation for the project in the lab
Raman -FTIR and LIBS for Chemical imaging of nano-micro (bio)-plastics and their additives in the marine environment. Details in http://ebbl.cut.ac.cy
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess Bachelor’s in either Chemistry or Biology or Physics or Environmental science or Environmental/Chemical Engineering from accredited Universities
Research Advisor: Constantinos Varotsis, Professor, c.varotsis@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Application of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the detoxification of cyanotoxin contaminated water”
Description: The presence and subsequently the removal of micropollutants like pesticides, hormones, medical drugs and naturally occurring toxic metabolites (cyanotoxins) from water resources comprises a challenge for the water and wastewater industry. In order to remove micropollutants in trace concentrations from water resources chemical oxidation technologies such as ozonation and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are increasingly used to treat different types of source water and wastewater. The aim of this thesis is to explore the potential application of various AOPs for the removal of a group of natural toxins produced from the toxic strains of cyanobacteria, commonly known as cyanotoxins. The study aims to determine the tested AOPs efficiency and energy demands, toxicity of end product and unveil the transformation products. This will be a collaborative project with the University of Gdansk in Poland (Prof. Hanna Mazur-Marzec).
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Biochemistry and/or a postgraduate degree (Μaster level) from an accredited University in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering. The candidates must be fluent in English. Previous experience in the above-mentioned research topic will be considered as an advantage. Funding opportunities are available for exceptional candidates.
Research Advisor: Maria G. Antoniou, Assistant Professor, maria.antoniou@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Detection and removal of taste and odor compounds from surface waters contaminated with cyanobacterial harmful blooms (cyano-HABs)”
Description: Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are phototrophic microorganisms and represent an essential component of the food web in all aquatic ecosystems. However, certain strains of cyanobacteria have the ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites along with taste and odor compounds that make the water unfit for use. Climate change and anthropogenic activities are major contributors towards the more frequent and prolonged appearance of cyanobacterial harmful blooms (Cyano-HABs) across the globe, adding further pressure on scarce fresh water supplies. In order to mitigate the effects of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins measurements need to be taken at source. This study aims to apply advanced analytical techniques to identify taste and odor compounds (beyond the terpenoids geosmin and MIB) apply various physico-chemical methods for restoring cyanobacterial contaminated sites. This will be a collaborative project with the Technical University of Crete (Prof. Elia Psillakis).
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering and/or a postgraduate degree (Μaster level) from an accredited University in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering. The candidates must be fluent in English. Previous experience in the above-mentioned research topic will be considered as an advantage. Funding opportunities are available for exceptional candidates.
Research Advisor: Maria G. Antoniou, Assistant Professor, maria.antoniou@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Biorefinery Development for Production of Microalgal Biomass Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids using Food Supply Chain Waste”
Description: Food Supply Chain Waste (FSCW) represents an important example of a problem that could be turned into a technological solution enabling biowaste conversion to added-value products. Thus, the fundamental objective of the thesis is to develop an integrated biorefining strategy exploiting major organic residues for production of microalgae rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Different physical, chemical and biological methods will be initially characterized for FSCW pretreatment, while the material generated will be applied in fermentations aiming to maximize the productivity of microalgae under heterotrophic and mixotrophic culture conditions. Various parameters associated to the composition of fatty acids produced will be determined, while transcription from multiple metabolic routes (including the fatty acids synthesis pathway) will be monitored through molecular biology (qPCR) to identify potential metabolic properties affecting the bioconversion of the waste into the desired product. Depending on the field of expertise and qualifications, funding could be available through current European research projects of the lab (http://enblab.weebly.com/). Moreover, the successful candidate could be offered teaching assistant positions in the department for lab-based courses.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English.
Research Advisor: Michalis Koutinas, Associate Professor, michail.koutinas@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Bioprocess Development for the Removal of Waste Polysaccharide-Based Bioplastic Systems”
Description: Bioplastics, defined as the plastics which are either characterised as bio-based or biodegradable, currently hold significant interest as sustainable alternatives to their fossil-based counterparts. However, although biodegradable plastics are truly biodegradable only under industrial conditions, their leakage to the marine and terrestrial environment should be avoided given that the disposal of bioplastics could enhance the negative impact imposed by “white pollution”. The current Thesis will focus on developing novel bioprocesses for valorisation of major polysaccharide-based bioplastic systems including thermoplastic starch (TPS) and cellulose-based bioplastics, which will be applied without or following aging/pretreatment. Tailored innovative strategies based on microbial and enzymatic systems will be implemented. Molecular techniques (NGS, qPCR) will be applied to monitor the composition of the microbial communities formed as well as expression from specific genes that pertain to important metabolic pathways of the strains involved. Depending on the field of expertise and qualifications, funding could be available through current European research projects of the lab (http://enblab.weebly.com/). Moreover, the successful candidate could be offered teaching assistant positions in the department for lab-based courses.
Required Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and postgraduate degree of Master’s level from accredited Universities in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biology, Environmental Engineering or any other related field and to be fluent in English. Past practical experience in bioprocess development will be an advantage.
Research Advisor: Michalis Koutinas, Associate Professor, michail.koutinas@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Energy and Meteorology”
Description: Electricity production from Photovoltaics (PVs) is heavily dependent on local meteorological phenomena, especially cloud type and cloud cover. Thus, in order to further promote the penetration of small-scale roof-top PVs in cities, the effect of clouds on PVs and the prediction of electricity production from these systems needs to be understood and any problems should be resolved. The current project addresses this topic and a software will be developed based on a novel methodology (patent pending) for the prediction electricity production from PVs.
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates should possess Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from an accredited University in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or Physics. They should have experience in computer software (Python/C++/Matlab/GIS/etc) and should be willing to engage in interdisciplinary work on energy and meteorology.
Research Advisor: Associate Professor Alexandros Charalambides, a.charalambides@cut.ac.cy
One (1) post in the following topic: “Creating Local Ecosystems of Climate Innovation”
Description: The aim of the research is to measure and analyze the effect of local traditions for the development of integrated regeneration practices for a sustainable future through innovation and entrepreneurship. Existing practices in South-East Europe (Greece, Croatia, Western Balkans, Cyprus) and the whole of the Middle East-North Africa (MENA region) will be studied and compared with more developed countries (Israel, Korea, USA, etc). Furthermore, the role of "champions" and of "regional development policies" will be an integral part of this research.
Required Qualifications: Successful candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees from an accredited University in Business and/or Management and/or Environmental Studies or in a relevant field. Should be willing to engage in interdisciplinary work on climate studies, engineering and innovation.
Research Advisor: Associate Professor Alexandros Charalambides, a.charalambides@cut.ac.cy
