Position: PhD/Research Assistant and Post-Doc Positions in Computer Animation and/or Virtual Humans

Category: An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal based on performance.

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

Preferred Start Date: February 2023 or as soon thereafter.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2023

No. Of Positions: 2 Research Assistants (RAs) and 2 Post-Docs

About the position

Applications are invited from candidates who possess the necessary qualifications to fill two (2) full-time research assistant positions (the positions could lead to a PhD degree at the University of Cyprus) and two (2) full-time research associate positions (at the post-doctoral level) at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, to investigate in the field of "Computer Graphics, Character Animation, Machine Learning".

The CYENS CoE is focusing on multidisciplinary research in the greater area of interactive media and smart systems. It is a joint venture between the three public universities of Cyprus (University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, and Open University of Cyprus), the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany, and University College London, United Kingdom, hosted by the Municipality of Nicosia. The Centre was set-up with seed funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017 (Teaming Phase 2) under grant agreement No. 739578.

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct research in the areas of computer animation, extended reality, and artificial intelligence. They will work with a very active team of researchers, including Dr. Andreas Aristidou, Dr. Panayiotis Charalambous (V-EUPNEA MRG) and Dr. Yiorgos Chrysanthou (RIPE MRG), investigating modern trends and techniques in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, aiming to provide: (a) novel solutions for overcoming the current limitations in character animation, and (b) essentials for future improvements in a wide range of ambitious and challenging projects.

Position holders are expected to conduct experimental research on computer graphics/character animation/extended reality, to collect and analyze experimental results, to conduct bibliographical review of the current literature, to publish/present their research results in prestigious international conferences and journals, and potentially to participate in the preparation of research and innovation proposals. We welcome applications from talented and motivated individuals with backgrounds in related fields such as Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Robotics and Computer Science.

Requirements for the PhD/RA position:

• Bachelor's degree and/or postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. Informatics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering) from an accredited institution.

• Excellent programming skills (e.g., C, C++, C#, Python, Java), mathematical maturity, and ability to learn quickly.

• Experience in Machine / Deep Learning, Computer Graphics and character animation will be considered an advantage.

• Previous research experience and high impact research publications will be considered an advantage.

• Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required.

Requirements for the Post-Doc position: 

• MSc/PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics)

• Strong computer programming skills (e.g. C/C++/Java/C#, Python, Matlab) is a must

• Knowledge of Deep-learning and usage of one of the existing Deep-learning environments (e.g. Keras, Tensorflow, Pytorch etc.)

• High-impact research publications on relevant topics

• Previous grant-writing experience will be considered an advantage

• Previous relevant industrial experience will be considered an advantage

• Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required.

• Interest to take a leading role by contributing to the direction of the project and co-supervising students

For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required

Profile of the ideal candidate:

1. Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.  

1. Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, having the ability to deal confidently and politely with enquiries.  

1. Very good analytical skills coupled with attention to detail.  

1. Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on and results driven.

1. A team player with an ability to work independently and under pressure. 

1. High levels of commitment, energy, and drive.

1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Take advantage of this opportunity for your professional and personal development by being a part of our fast- growing Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence. A very attractive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates according to their qualifications and experience, that it ranges between €18,000 - €30,000 for Research Assistants and €28,000 - €38,000 for Research Associates (postdocs). From this amount all legal employee contributions will be deducted.

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 PhD/Research Assistant and Post-Doc Positions in Computer Animation and/or Virtual Humans”:

Process for Research Associates:

1. A cover letter describing your interest for the job and any relevant prior experience as well as contact details and employment availability date.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
3. Copies of academic transcripts
4. Contact details of two referees, either two University professors or one University professor and one industry referee

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

In case you previously applied for a post at CYENS CoE, a new application is required.

For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department of CYENS, Centre of Excellence at vacancies@cyens.org.cy.

The applicants may address any technical or research related inquiries to the lead researchers Andreas Aristidou (a.aristidou@ieee.org) and/or Panayiotis Charalambous (p.charalambous@cyens.org.cy).