PhD Opportunity: Metaverse and Responsible Business Models

The position is for one (1) PhD Candidates, to involve the MARIE Skłodowska-CURIE ACTIONS Doctoral Networks Industrial Doctorates (MSCA-DN-ID) Project AGORA - trAining younG researchers On shaping Metaverse for business and social vAlue. The recruited researchers will be Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows. The fellows will participate in networking and career events, workshops and are expected to present their work at international conferences. Fellows will be spending part of their time to Innov-Acts LTD and will be also seconded for part of their time at Department of Management, Entrepreneurship and  E-business, Cyprus University of Technology and company Metabaltic (https://www.metisbaltic.com) in Lithuania.

ABOUT THE AGORA PROJECT:

Metaverse is set to revolutionize online and real-world interactions. Europe, aiming to lead in this sector, must address its challenges in line with its values. The AGORA Network offers a holistic understanding of the metaverse, blending technical, business and social insights. It prepares early-stage researchers for roles in academia, industry, and policymaking through its unique inter-sectoral network. The initiative will involve 17 'Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows' for both academic and industrial research.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Role: Researcher - DoctoralCandidate

PhD Title: ‘’Metaverse and responsible business models’’

Description: This PhD position is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Project AGORA – “trAining younG researchers on shaping Metaverse for business and social vAlue” (https://agora-mariecurie.eu/). 

As metaverses operate in real-time their wide adoption is expected to create digital public spaces for interaction in which the already possible online interactions are intensified and blended with the physical world as never before.

The wide use of metaverses brings to the fore an avalanche of opportunities for businesses to profit from user generated content, use and repurposing of large datasets, and additional means to reach out to existing and prospective consumers. In detail, the Metaverse can revolutionise value proposition and bring changes on how value is created and captured in enterprises. This project will explore how business models can be designed, adapted and innovated for value creation, but how the above can take place from an ethical perspective whereby responsible research and innovation (RRI) are found at the core of the business model. 

DURATION & PLACEMENT OF THE POSITION:

Supervisory Team:

The supervisory team of this PhD is constituted by supervisors from the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and INNOV-ACTS LIMITED (INNOV). The PhD candidate is set to enroll into the Cyprus University of Technology doctoral program, which will also serve as the awarding entity for the PhD degree. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with supervisory team to define, develop, and refine the research approach.
• Engage in data collection, including interviews, surveys, and other appropriate methodologies if applicable.
• Analyse data and interpret findings to derive conclusions.
• Collaborate with industry partners, to gain insights and real-world applications.
• Actively participate in training, workshops, seminars, and conferences related to the research field.
• Prepare interim and final research reports, highlighting the findings, challenges, and future directions.
• Seek feedback, and continuously refine the research approach based on new insights and findings. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

• *Mobility Requirement: Candidates should not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Cyprus for more than 12 months in the 36 months before their recruitment date.
• An academic record, including a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from accredited universities in Computer Science, Management or other related field that would prepare the candidate to engage in this research.
• Proven proficiency in oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to take research initiatives and work collaboratively and individually.
• Previous research experience will be considered an advantage.
• Not in possession of a PhD degree at the date of recruitment.
• *Candidates will need to also fulfil the requirements of the doctoral program of Cyprus University of Technology. 

Optional Qualifications:

• Ability to take research initiatives and work collaboratively and individually.
• Previous experience in research.
• Background in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Background or experience in scientific or technological aspects of metaverse related technologies (e.g., Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Management).
• Experience in academic writing (if available).
• Record of scholarly publications (if available).
• Ability to work independently and accurately.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and high-quality output.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English. 

WE OFFER:

• Gross monthly salary for the researcher of €2803.28 The salary includes a living, mobility, and family allowance (if applicable), in accordance with the MSCA regulations of the European Union for Doctoral Researchers.
• A positive and inclusive company culture that values diversity, teamwork, and employee well-being. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to creativity, innovation, and better problem-solving. We actively promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organization and are dedicated to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all employees.
• An environment that fosters continuous learning in cutting edge science and technology, through courses, access to learning resources and interactions with experienced researchers.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The application and supporting documentation must be in English and must be submitted by the deadline of July 12th 2024. Please make sure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience align with the qualifications mentioned above. The application must include:

The following documentation must accompany the application:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Letter of motivation/research statement (500–1000 words) explaining why you would like to be part of a doctoral network and what you feel you can contribute to this PhD position.
• Copies of bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  If you have not completed the master's degree, you should provide a transcript of courses completed and your estimated date for the master´s degree completion.
• Copy of English language certificate (C2 Level).
• Name and contact information of two referees.
• Research proposal (max 2000 words), outlining proposed research topic & objectives, proposed methodology, and timeline.
• (Optional) Publications and other scientific work, if any. 

The application and supporting documentation for this position should be submitted to both the following links:

Job Position at Innov-Acts: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuFGlwRuUsTFl_-HUN44TXgcT2Ytq…

PhD Studies at Cyprus University of Technology 

Your privacy is important to us. When you apply for a position with us, be assured that any personal data shared during the application process will be handled in strict accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) guidelines and mandates, ensuring the confidentiality and security of your information. Please be aware that, as part of our collaborative approach, your application may be shared with other partners within the AGORA consortium for evaluation, consideration, and confirmation.