The Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, (FORTH/ICE-HT) is seeking applicants for one PhD candidate position in the context of the research project «Energy autonomous smart clothing to enhance soldier safety and connectivity in the battleground (MINEFIELD), GA: 101168167», which is implemented under the «European Defence Fund (EDF) Lump Sum Grants».

Job Description

To conduct research as a PhD candidate within the framework of the aforementioned project, “MINEFIELD.” The main objective of MINEFIELD is to advance innovative textile-embedded energy-harvesting devices, placing significant focus on power generation, energy storage, and power management technologies. This endeavour encompasses the development and implementation of an autonomous system combining energy-harvesting and storage units, seamlessly integrating these technologies into fabrics and equipment to enhance the operational capabilities of various users. The selected candidate will conduct research, as a graduate student (PhD), within the framework of the aforementioned project, “MINEFIELD,” in the field of optimizing porous graphene-based networks serving as supercapacitor electrodes for electrochemical energy storage devices.

Location: FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras, Greece

Duration: up to 6 months, with the potential of renewal or extension according to the needs of the project

Fellowship: up to approximately 900 € per month (graduate fellowship) depending on qualifications

Envisaged starting date: 01/08/2026

Requirements and Qualifications

The applicant should hold both undergraduate (BSc) and MSc degree in Physical Sciences or Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or a relevant field. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in: (i) numerical simulation of complex fluid flows and multiphysics transport phenomena, with emphasis on polymer solutions and electrokinetic/electrohydrodynamic effects, (ii) finite element methods, scientific programming, and computational modelling tools, and (iii) rheology and modelling of complex fluids relevant to electrospinning and energy-harvesting materials. Candidates must be fluent in Greek and have a good knowledge of English (at least level B2).

The evaluation of the candidacies will be based on the following criteria and qualifications:

Qualifications - Weight - Evaluation criteria

Proven experience in numerical simulation and modelling of complex fluids and multiphysics systems - 40 - Demonstrated through relevance of master thesis: strong relevance: 10 points, medium relevance: 7 points, weak relevance: 3 points,  contribution with oral or poster presentations in international conferences and workshops, and/or peer-reviewed publications in relevant topics: 6 points for each, up to 30 points

Proven experience in rheology, electrokinetic / electrohydrodynamic phenomena, and scientific computing relevant to electrospinning - 40 - Demonstrated through participation in relevant national or international research projects and documented research experience, 20 points per year

Master’s degree grade - 20 - 2 x master degree Grade (if grade is in 1 – 10 scale). For other grading systems, the algorithm will be appropriately applied

Overall: 100

Application Submission

Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements should submit their applications, no later than 1/7/2026, 16:00h., by email to Kleanthi Zacharopoulou: kleanthi@iceht.forth.gr, cc.: Spyros Yannopoulos: sny@iceht.forth.gr.

In order to be considered, the application must include:

• Application letter
• CV
• Scanned copies of academic titles & English language certificate
• Certificate of registration as a PhD student
• Copy of Master thesis
• Certificates (abstracts and/or proceedings and/or presentations and/or peer-reviewed publications) of international conferences and workshops participation
• Employer’s certificate and any other official documentation of the required experience

Any application received after the deadline will not be considered for the selection.

Selection Procedure

Applications that are received on time will be evaluated by a scientific committee using the criteria mentioned above. If necessary, certain candidates will be invited to a personal interview with the committee.

Interview Criteria: (a) Background in the objective of the assignment (5 points). (b) Organizational and communication skills (5 points). (c) Team-spirit and self-motivation (5 points). (d) Commitment to achieving the goals (5 points)

The outcome of the selection will be announced on the website of FORTH/ICE-HT as well as on the website of “DIAVGEIA”.

In case of titles and qualifications awarded by foreign Higher Education Institutions, the provisions of the Law 55/2023 (article 36) and 4957/2022 (article 304) are implemented.

Selection Announcement

The result of the selection will be announced on the website of: FORTH/ICE-HT.

Candidates have the right to appeal the selection decision, by addressing their written objection to the FORTH/ICE-HT Research Secretariat, e-mail: kleanthi@iceht.forth.gr, within five (5) days after the results announcement on the web.

Contact

For information and questions regarding the application and selection procedure, candidates are asked to contact the FORTH/ICE-HT Research Secretariat, e-mail: kleanthi@iceht.forth.gr, tel.: +30 2610 965278.

For information and questions about the advertised position and the research activity of the group or the Institute, candidates are asked to contact Professor Spyros Yannopoulos: tel: 30 2610 965252, email: sny@iceht.forth.gr