Ref. no.: CYI_EEWRCD_26_14
Deadline for applications: 31 July 2026
Application process open*
The Cyprus Institute (CyI) invites applications for the position of Director of the Energy, Environment and Water Research Centre (EEWRC) — a flagship research centre addressing some of the most pressing global challenges of our time, including energy transition, and the sustainable management of natural resources in water-scarce regions.
This is a unique opportunity for an internationally recognised academic leader to shape and advance a high-impact research centre at the interface of science, policy, and innovation, with a strong focus on the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, a region at the forefront of climate and environmental transformation.
The successful candidate will lead the next phase of EEWRC’s development, strengthening its international standing, expanding its research portfolio, and enhancing its contribution to regional and global sustainability agendas.
About The Cyprus Institute
The Cyprus Institute is a European, non-profit, science- and technology-oriented educational and research institution, governed by an internationally acclaimed Board.
Its research is organised across five Research Centres:
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC)
- Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC)
- Energy Environment Water Research Centre (EEWRC)
- Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C)
- Science and Technology Driven Policy and Innovation Research Centre (STeDI-RC)
A defining feature of CyI is its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration across Centres, enabling impactful research addressing complex societal challenges.
About EEWRC
Established in 2007 in collaboration with MIT, the EEWRC has developed a strong track record in research addressing renewable energy, environmental systems, water resources, and sustainable development, with particular relevance to arid and semi-arid regions.
The Centre is uniquely positioned to:
- Address climate-energy-water nexus challenges
- Contribute to decarbonisation and sustainability policies
- Develop applied solutions bridging research and real-world implementation
Role and Strategic Leadership
The Director will provide visionary leadership for the EEWRC, guiding its scientific direction, strengthening its institutional capacity, and enhancing its international visibility and impact.
The role combines academic excellence, strategic leadership, and institutional stewardship, contributing significantly to the overall development of the Cyprus Institute.
The successful candidate will be appointed as a Professor with tenure, with an internationally competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the position.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Director will lead across the following strategic domains:
Scientific Leadership and Research Excellence
- Further define and advance a globally competitive research agenda aligned with key challenges in energy, environment, and water
- Foster interdisciplinary research programmes addressing complex sustainability challenges
- Maintain and further develop a high-impact personal research profile
Institutional Development and Centre Growth
- Strengthen and expand EEWRC’s research capabilities and infrastructure
- Develop and implement strategies aligned with the Centre’s mission and CyI’s institutional priorities
- Recruit, develop, and support high-performing research teams
External Engagement and Impact
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with leading international research institutions, industry, and policy stakeholders
- Enhance EEWRC’s role in policy-relevant research and societal impact
- Communicate research outcomes effectively to academic, public, and decision-making audiences
Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability
- Secure competitive research funding, strategic investments, and external resources
- Develop and oversee the Centre’s financial planning and investment strategies
- Contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of EEWRC
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an internationally recognised academic leader with:
- PhD for at least 15 years and full Professorship of at least 3 years.
- Demonstrated international research and administrative experience in recognised research Institutions of at least 10 years
- A distinguished research record of the highest international standard in a field relevant to EEWRC
- Demonstrated experience in leading research groups, centres, or programmes
- A compelling strategic vision for advancing research and innovation in energy, environment, and water
- Proven success in securing competitive research funding and building collaborative networks
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across academic, governmental, and industry environments
In addition, the candidate should demonstrate:
- Experience in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research, particularly in sustainability-related areas
- Engagement in applied and implementation-oriented research
- Familiarity with competitive research programmes and funding mechanisms
Excellent command of English is required; knowledge of Greek or other languages is an advantage.
Responsibilities as a Faculty Member
As a tenured Professor at CyI, the Director will also:
- Mentor and supervise graduate students (MSc and PhD)
- Contribute to the development and delivery of graduate courses and seminars
- Initiate and participate in high-level international research collaborations
- Lead and contribute to competitive research proposals
Terms and Conditions
- Location: Cyprus Institute campus, Athalassa, Nicosia
- Appointment: Tenured Professorship
- Salary Band: CYI10.1 – CYI11.7 (€80,172.95 – €107,462.29)
- Directorship allowance
- Benefits: Flexible working scheme, additional leave provisions, provident fund, and medical/life insurance
Previous experience at equivalent rank will be considered in salary placement.
Please click here for the position’s detailed job description, including general responsibilities, requirements and other details related to the position.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted via the CyI Exelsys Platform:
Apply here
Applicants should submit:
- CV presented in a structured format, which includes (in the following specific order):
- Personal & contact information
- Education
- Past and present employment (newest first)
- Prizes and awards
- Talks at conferences: separate invited talks from contributed talks and posters
- Grants
- Supervisions of graduate students (list separately MSc/PhD)
- A short letter of interest
- Research statement (up to 5 pages) including up to ten key papers (each paper should include a DOI, the number of citations (indicating whether it’s ISI or Google Scholar), the journal's impact factor (IF), and the role of the author)
- Teaching statement
- List of publications
- List of five (5) referees (including contact information)
- 3 authored publications for review
All materials must be in English and in PDF format.
For further information, please contact:
Ms Christiana Melodias – [email protected]
