DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Special scientist positions in genomics and bioacoustics at the University of Cyprus

Title: Special Scientist
No. of Positions: Five (5)
Category: Three (3) month contract with possibility of renewal
Location: University of Cyprus, Nicosia

We are inviting applications for five (5) full-time Special Scientist positions to work with Alexander Kirschel in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cyprus. The role will involve working on a University of Cyprus funded project involving collaboration with Professor Bridgett vonHoldt, an expert in evolutionary genomics and epigenetics at Princeton University and Odysseas Economides, a robotics expert at HardwareX.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include working on bioinformatics pipelines and downstream genomics analyses of whole genome sequences and metabarcoding. Genomics analyses include admixture mapping, GWAS, and population genomics. Bioacoustics include recording, measuring songs, performing and analysing the results of playback experiments from audio and video recordings. Molecular labwork includes library preparation for metabarcoding, DNA extraction and quantification.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Depending on the position, a Master or PhD in a related subject

Molecular lab experience in genomic library preparation

Proficiency in R

Expertise in bioinformatics and command line

Proficiency in English

For one position, experience in avian fieldwork and availability to work in Southern Africa during this time.

Desirable skills

Experience with demographic inference

First author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Location

The position is based at the University of Cyprus, in Nicosia.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

The positions are initially for a duration of 3 months, with possibility of extension. The gross monthly salary for full time employment ranges from €1305.48 to €2480.42, depending on qualifications and experience. . From the gross salary employee contributions to the various governmental funds will be deducted.

Indicatively, employment will be commencing in early October 2026 or the soonest possible after that.

How to apply

Applications for these positions are due by 29th September.

Informal enquiries and applications, including a cover letter, CV, details of two referees, copies of degrees and transcripts and a list of publications, should be sent by email to:

Associate Professor Alexander Kirschel
Behavioural Ecology and Evolution Lab
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Cyprus
[email protected]

The best 3 candidates per position that satisfy the required qualifications, will be interviewed by a 3-member Committee.

Applicants are not required to be citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. However, applicants should ensure that, if selected, they will be residing in Cyprus on a full-time basis for the duration of the employment period. Submission of an application implies acceptance of this condition.

The employment of persons who have reached the age of 65 years old, at the commencement date of employment, is prohibited.

Candidates shall be informed of the result of their application by the relevant entity.

The University of Cyprus shall collect and process your personal data according to the provisions of the General Regulation on Personal Data 2016/679 (EU).

The University of Cyprus (UCY) is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality, as well as the elimination of all forms of discrimination in order to provide a fair, safe, and pleasant environment for the entire university community, where students and staff members will feel supported both in their professional and personal development, within and beyond their multiple identities. To this end, UCY seeks to create the necessary conditions that will encourage and respect diversity and ensure dignity both in the workplace and society at large. Moreover, UCY has adopted specific policies to promote equal opportunities, as well as respect and understanding of diversity, while it is committed to promoting and maintaining a working, teaching, and learning environment, free from any form of discrimination, whether direct or indirect. Special-Scientist-Biological-Sciences.pdfPDF