CYENS Research Associate Positions (Minds in Cyprus)

CYENS Centre of Excellence

RESPONSIBILITIES Research Group / Project: Visual Computing Group / Pharos-CY Category: An initial one-year full time employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and project needs. Location: Nicosia, Cyprus Preferred Start Date: June or as soon thereafter. Application Deadline: 31/07/2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No. Of Positions: 1 Salary Range: Depending on qualifications and experience. About the project / position: CYENS Centre of Excellence is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant to join the Visual Computing Group and contribute to the Pharos-CY project. Pharos-CY aims to support the development and deployment of advanced, trustworthy, and human-centric AI technologies in Cyprus and the wider region. Within this context, CYENS contributes expertise in visual computing, interactive technologies, AI-enabled data services, digital twins, visual analytics, and applied research that can support both the public and private sectors. The successful candidate will work on research and development activities related to language and AI for Pharos-CY, including areas such as natural language processing, speech processing, multilingual AI, and retrieval-augmented generation. The successful candidate may also contribute to the preparation of project reports and deliverables, research proposals, software prototypes, stakeholder engagement activities, and dissemination of research results. Where applicable, the candidate will be encouraged to publish and present research outputs in international conferences, journals, workshops, and project events. Position holders are expected to contribute to both the research and applied innovation objectives of Pharos-CY, working closely with CYENS researchers, project partners, public-sector stakeholders, private-sector users, and other relevant actors in Cyprus’ AI and data ecosystem. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Visual Computing Group Leader.   Responsibilities of Research Assistant:  1. Conduct research and development in natural language processing, speech processing, machine learning, generative AI,  or related areas relevant to Pharos-CY.. 2. Design, implement, test, and document software prototypes, tools, pipelines, and services that support Pharos-CY use cases. 3. Work with text, speech, audio, or other domain-specific datasets, including data preparation, annotation, processing, analysis, and visualization. 4. Contribute to the development of AI-ready datasets and data services that may be used by public-sector and private-sector stakeholders. 5. Support the integration of speech-to-text, subtitling, diarisation, transcription, summarisation, translation, and text classification pipelines.. 6. Participate in project meetings, technical discussions, reporting activities, and coordination with Pharos-CY partners. 7. Contribute to project deliverables, technical documentation, presentations, demonstrations, and dissemination material. 8. Assist in the preparation of scientific publications, research proposals, and innovation activities related to the project. 9. Engage with stakeholders to understand real-world needs and translate them into technical requirements, prototypes, or research tasks. 10. Support the wider activities of the Visual Computing Group and CYENS Centre of Excellence, where relevant. YOUR PROFILE Profile of the ideal candidate:  1. Self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and work independently. 2. Able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research and development team. 3. Strong in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail. 4. Able to translate research ideas into working prototypes, tools, or demonstrators. 5. Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on, and results driven. 6. Comfortable working with researchers, engineers, project managers, and external stakeholders. 7. Able to communicate technical ideas clearly through written reports, presentations, and demonstrations. 8. Interested in applied AI and NLP solutions that can have real impact for Cyprus’ public and private sectors. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS General qualifications and requirements: 1. University Degree (Bachelor's degree and/or postgraduate degree) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or another relevant field. 2. Experience in one or more of the following areas: natural language processing, speech processing, computational linguistics, machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, large language models, or AI-enabled software development.  3. Strong programming skills, preferably in Python and/or C++. Experience with relevant libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, Transformers, NLTK, scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, LangChain, Whisper-family tools, or similar will be considered an advantage. 4. Experience with data processing pipelines, APIs, databases, cloud tools, or software engineering practices will be considered an advantage. 5. Ability to read, understand, and apply technical and scientific literature. 6. Computer literacy and ability to work with collaborative software development tools, such as Git. 7. Excellent written and oral English-language skills. 8. For non-EU applicants, a work permit will be required. Specific requirements for Research Associate positions:  1. University Degree (Bachelor's degree and/or postgraduate degree), in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing,, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Speech Technology, or a related area. 2. Strong programming skills in at least one of the following languages: Python. 3. Experience with one or more of the following: NLP, LLMs, speech-to-text, automatic speech recognition, subtitling, text classification, information extraction, summarisation, translation, corpus development, information retrieval, RAG, or AI-enabled language applications. 4. Experience with AI and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, Transformers, scikit-learn, or similar. 5. Ability to independently identify technical problems and carry out research and development work within the scope of the Visual Computing Group and Pharos-CY. 6. Ability to work with domain experts and stakeholders to identify needs, define use cases, and support applied research activities. 7. Previous research experience and high-impact publications on relevant topics will be considered an advantage, especially for PhD holders. 8. Previous industrial, innovation, entrepreneurship, or grant-writing experience will be considered an advantage. 9. Experience with EU-funded or nationally funded research projects will be considered an advantage. 10. Experience with data governance, trustworthy AI, explainable AI, secure data handling, or responsible AI practices will be considered an advantage. WHY US? TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BY BEING PART OF A FAST-GROWING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE. A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate according to qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborate with leading researchers and innovators, contribute to a strategic AI initiative for Cyprus, engage with real-world stakeholders, and participate in high-impact research and innovation activities. APPLICATION PROCESS For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and mention the position you are applying for: “Application for Research Assistant - Language Technologies and AI - Visual Computing Group / Pharos-CY”: Process for Research Associates:  1. A cover letter which clearly specifies 1) contact details, 2) employment availability date 2. A detailed curriculum vitae in English. 3. Copies of academic transcripts  4. Description of their academic and research experiences as well as any relevant industrial / innovation / entrepreneurship experience, where applicable (500 words maximum). 5. Contact details of one University professor or one industry referee who will provide the reference letters. 6. One (1) representative publications. In case you previously applied for a post at CYENS CoE, a new application is required. CONTACT DETAILS For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department of CYENS, Centre of Excellence at vacancies@cyens.org.cy .

CYENS Centre of Excellence

RESPONSIBILITIES Department: Research Department /Extended Experiences Research Group   No. Of Positions: 2-3 Part Time or Full Time Researchers  Reporting Line: Extended Experiences Research Team Leader  Contract Type: Fixed Term Fixed Term project-based contract for the duration of the project.  Duration of project: 48 months (October 2026 – September 2030) Location: Nicosia, Cyprus Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range for Full Time Equivalent (FTE):  Research Assistant: €18,000 – €32,000 Research Associate: €28,000 – €45,000   Senior Researcher: starting from €36,000  - €55,000 The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.  Preferred Start Date: October 2026, or as soon as possible. Application Deadline: Position will remain open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.   About the project / position: The Extended Experiences (EX) Multidisciplinary Research Group (MRG) at CYENS Centre of Excellence invites applications for 2 Research Assistant / Research Associate / Senior Researcher positions in the areas of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), Neurotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Extended Reality (XR). The successful candidate(s) will contribute to the Horizon Europe project ELEVATE (European Excellence in AI-based Neural Engineering for Capacity Building in Widening Europe), which aims to advance research excellence in neurotechnology, AI, and immersive technologies through interdisciplinary research, innovation, training, and international collaboration.  Neuro-AI, BCIs and brain data represent a rapidly emerging technological domain with profound scientific, societal and economic implications. Unlike other physiological signals, brain data can act as proxies for attention, intention, affect and preference, raising questions not only about data protection but also about mental privacy, identity, human autonomy and non-discrimination. Because neurotechnology is moving from specialised clinical labs into everyday contexts — e.g., workplace monitoring, neurofeedback for mental health, learning enhancement and gaming — Europe urgently needs coordinated capacity to ensure that innovation, safety and rights-based governance evolve together.  The positions offer the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of neural engineering, human-computer interaction, AI, and immersive technologies, while collaborating with leading European partners including the University of Nottingham and the University of Patras, under the supervision of the Director of Research, Prof. Fotis Liarokapis Key Responsibilities: 1. Conduct research in one or more of the following areas:  1. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI),  2. Neurotechnology and physiological sensing,  3. Neuro-AI and intelligent adaptive systems,  4. Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR)  2. Design, develop, and evaluate novel systems integrating neurotechnology, AI, and immersive technologies.  3. Participate in the collection, processing, and analysis of physiological and behavioural data (e.g., EEG, eye tracking, biometric sensing).  4. Develop research prototypes and demonstrators using modern software and XR development frameworks.  5. Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, project deliverables, and dissemination activities.  6. Support the overall coordination of the EX MRG in line with the Grant Agreement, Description of Action and Consortium Agreement.  7. Monitor implementation progress across all relevant Work Packages and ensure timely follow-up with partners.  8. Maintain the project workplan, deliverables calendar, milestones tracker, action log, risk register and decision log.  9. Participate in proposal preparation, stakeholder engagement, training activities, and knowledge transfer initiatives.  10. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia, industry, and public-sector organisations.  YOUR PROFILE Skills and Competencies The ideal candidate will be: * Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently. * Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. * Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail. * Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on, and results-driven. * A team player with the ability to work independently and under pressure. * High levels of commitment, energy, and drive. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Key requirements Essential Requirements 1. Qualifications:  1. Research Assistant Level: B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Cognitive Science, or a related field.  2. Research Associate Level: Ph.D. degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Neuroscience, or a related field.  3. Senior Researcher Level: Over 5 years of post-doc experience in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Neuroscience, or a related field.    Essential Research/Academic requirements: 1. Brain-Computer Interfaces (EEG, fNIRS, neurofeedback, neuroadaptive systems)  2. Virtual, Augmented, or Mixed Reality  3. Strong programming skills (e.g., C#, C++, or similar).  4. Strong in bio-signal analysis (e.g., Python, Matlab, etc) 5. Ability to independently identify research problems and contribute to innovative solutions.  6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.  7. Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international research teams.  8. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.   Desired Qualifications: 1. Physiological computing and bio-signal analysis  2. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence  3. Unity or Unreal Engine development  4. Human-computer interaction 5. User experience research  6. Experimental design and user studies  7. Responsible AI and ethical aspects of emerging technologies  8. Experience with large multi-partner EU projects 9. Knowledge of quality assurance, risk management, GDPR, ethics or data management in EU projects.  10. Experience working in a research centre, university, innovation organisation or European consortium. WHY US? CYENS offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of research and innovation within a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international environment. Researchers benefit from collaboration with leading academic and industry partners, participation in high-impact national and European projects, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities for professional growth and scientific excellence. APPLICATION PROCESS For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and clearly indicate the position title in their application:   1. Full CV (including contact details). 2. Cover letter outlining:  1. your suitability for the role 2. your motivation for applying;  3. contact details of two referees.  3. Copies of academic transcripts  4. Description of their academic and research experiences as well as any relevant industrial / innovation / entrepreneurship experience, where applicable (500 words maximum). 5. Two (2) representative publications (if applicable). 6. Two (2) representative innovation outcomes / products (if applicable).   Important Information * Incomplete applications will not be considered.  * Applicants who have previously applied for a position at CYENS are required to submit a new application.  * All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.  * CYENS Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates worldwide.    CONTACT DETAILS Enquiries  For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department at vacancies@cyens.org.cy.

CYENS Centre of Excellence

RESPONSIBILITIES Position: Long-term Research Visitor  Category: CYENS Long-term Research Visitor – Research Department  Location: Nicosia, Cyprus  Application Deadline: Remain open   Cut off dates:  31st March, 30th June, 30th September, 31st December   CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE) is the Research and Innovation Centre on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies empowering knowledge and technology transfer in the region. CYENS CoE is supported by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and its founding Partners, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI), University College London, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Open University of Cyprus.      The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and STEM-led innovation and entrepreneurship.     CYENS, as a Centre of Excellence, cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity in an inspiring environment filled with academics, researchers, creative and onward-looking people, innovators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. The Centre operates under the moto “Inspired by Humans Designed for Humans” with the vision to produce world class research that drives innovation towards social and economic benefit while conducting excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence. It sets out to meet the challenge with a total potential funding of more than 30 million Euros for the first 7 years, from a Horizon 2020 Teaming Action and multiple other sources, and a business plan for long-term sustainability and growth.    Research Affiliates positions     CYENS CoE to facilitate the achievement of establishing itself as an internationally renowned Research Centre of Excellence in its field may provide Long-term Research Visitor slots to external Researchers. Research at CYENS will benefit by the involvement and collaboration of external Researchers in the Centre’s activities.    The Centre offers annually a number of Long-Term Research Visitor slots based on available resources. The visitors will be employed either on a full-time or a part-time basis (and affiliated) by CYENS CoE. In the case of full-time employment, Long-Term Research Visitors must work exclusively at CYENS during their placement and they should not be engaged in other activities (i.e. teaching activities) in other Institutions. Part time employment is allowed if Long-Term Research Visitors are employed at CYENS for at least 75% of their time.      Benefits and Responsibilities:     Long-Term Research Visitors are:    * Allowed access to the Centre’s facilities and use of the Centre’s assets.    * Required to use the CYENS affiliation (double affiliation if they hold positions in other institutions) for any publication or proposal resulting from their collaboration with CYENS and CYENS funders acknowledgement in the corresponding section, for the period of their engagement as Long-Term Research Visitor    * Expected to conduct applied research within their proposed area of interest and collaborate with the existing MRGs.    * Expected to establish synergies with other RTDI activities of the Centre and MRGs.    * Encouraged to secure funding through any RTDI activities (national and EU research funding, industry collaborations, joint IP exploitation, etc.).    * Visitors must also involve at least one (1) MRG in their proposal.    * Required to ensure outstanding and sustained quality of research outputs in line with the proposal submitted and related deliverables.    * Expected to have a role in dissemination activities including presenting and publishing research results in prestigious international conferences and journals.    * Allowed reimbursement for certain expenses after approval from the Executive Committee. Travel expenses for representation of CYENS CoE can be eligible for funding from the CYENS CoE budget. Any other expense i.e., publication fees for journals, where the visitor mentions their affiliation with CYENS as well as give appropriate acknowledgements will be eligible for funding (general CYENS Budget). However, prior approval for all such expenses must be sought.    * Long-Term Research Visitors are employees, and must therefore abide by the employee handbook and all applicable CYENS policies. The actions of the Long-Term Research Visitors should comply with the standards expected by CYENS CoE as per the relevant section of the Employee Handbook i.e. Code of conduct and professional standards    * Expected to work on a daily basis at the CYENS premises.    * Required to provide a monthly update to the Research Director about their activities at CYENS and address any possible deviations from the original plan of action.    GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS General qualifications and requirements  1. Lecturer or equivalent qualifications    * have a doctoral degree from a recognized university    * demonstrate ability to teach and conduct research at a university level    1. Assistant Professor or equivalent qualifications           The qualifications for the rank of Lecturer and in addition:    * have at least three years of self-reliant academic level teaching or research after the acquisition of a doctoral degree from a recognized university or research center   * publications in scientific journals or other publications of recognized value    1. Associate Professor or equivalent qualifications           The qualifications for the rank of Assistant Professor and in addition:    * at least seven years of service in a University or research centre or other equivalent work experience, after the acquirement of a doctoral degree. publication of articles in prestigious international scientific journals or monographs and books of recognized publishing houses that substantiate remarkable self-reliant research.    * ability to guide and promote research which includes supervising of postgraduate students, guidance or important contribution to research programs or securing funding for research activities.    * indication of international recognition of the candidate’s contribution in specific research fields such as research reports, invitations for scientific speeches, assignments of article evaluation,    research proposals or doctoral theses, participation in scientific journal publication committees or participation in convention organizing    1. Professor or equivalent qualifications           The qualifications for the rank of Professor and in addition:   * at least eleven years in total university or in a research centre or other equivalent work experience, after the acquirement of a doctoral degree, or holding a position at the level of Professor in a recognized university    * international recognition of the candidate’s scientific work    * supervision and successful completion of research programs or doctoral theses.   Duration of Visit:   Long-term Research Visitors are counted those, whose visit duration is between three (3) calendar months up to twelve (12) calendar months. In exceptional cases the possibility of renewal for up to 1 year will be considered. In the case that Long-term Research Visitors wish to renew their placement they should submit to the evaluation committee a report of the actions performed during the initial placement, a plan of action for the renewal period and a justification to explain why a renewal is necessary. The evaluation committee will make a recommendation to the EC and the EC will decide if a renewal is accepted. APPLICATION PROCESS Application process   For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and mention the position you are applying for:  “Application for Long-term Research Visitor”:  1. CYENS Long-Term Research Visitor Application Form , complete all fields and submit it through the online application form.     2. A detailed curriculum vitae in English.    *The applications received will be reviewed based on the above-mentioned cut-off dates.    CONTACT DETAILS For general enquiries, applicants may contact the Research Officer CYENS, Centre of Excellence at research_office@cyens.org.cy    CYENS Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and the position is open to everyone, internationally.  All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.