The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus announces two (2) Special Scientist for Research (Research Engineer) positions, for full-time employment. The successful candidates will conduct research and development activities within the context of research and innovation, as well as provide technical and research support in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

The selected candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation projects including the Pharos-CY project. The Pharos-CY project aims to accelerate the development and adoption of AI solutions across Cyprus’s key sectors such as Health and Sustainability, by leveraging high-performance computing infrastructure towards research, industry, and public-sector innovation.

Who we are:
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the largest research center of its kind in Cyprus and one of Europe’s leading Centers of Excellence. It combines world-class academic research with real-world application through its innovation-driven environment. Currently, the Center employs more than 200 people who are supported by externally funded research and innovation projects and has strong international collaborations, translating advanced research into impactful solutions. The KIOS CoE operates in a diverse environment as an equal opportunity employer.

The Center is internationally recognized, receiving significant national and international awards and distinctions such as ERC Grants from the European Council, an IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Technical Field Award, Digital Water Award 2024 by Water Europe, multiple National New Researcher of the Year Awards, National Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards, and several Best Paper Awards in top-tier international conferences and journals.

What we do:
KIOS provides an inspiring environment for carrying out top level research and innovation in the area of Information and Communication Technologies, with emphasis on the Monitoring, Control and Security of Critical Infrastructures. Such infrastructures include power and energy systems, water networks, transportation networks, telecommunication networks and emergency management and response. The Center instigates interdisciplinary interaction and promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and research organizations in high-tech areas of global importance.

Why work at KIOS:
You will contribute to high-profile projects, both locally and globally, with opportunities to grow professionally, and take ownership in a dynamic, intellectually rigorous environment. You will collaborate closely with leading academics and multidisciplinary teams, advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world deployments across critical infrastructure systems, while seeing your work delivering tangible impact on today’s most important challenges. We offer a flexible and supportive environment, along with opportunities for continuous training and professional development.

Job Details
The successful candidates are expected to:
• Design scalable and reusable ML pipelines (data, models, pipelines, evaluation tools) and package toolkits (Python libraries, Docker images).
• Collect, aggregate, clean, normalize, and validate datasets.
• Develop APIs for data access and digital twin integration, and expose AI services.
• Ensure compatibility (data formats, authentication) and conduct integration testing.
• Write technical documentation, deliverables and API references.
• Develop materials for AI training program.

Profile of the ideal candidate:
• Problem solver
• Team-player
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Flexible and eager to learn
• Able to adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Have good communication, organizational and self-management skills
• Very good knowledge of the English language

The required skills and expertise for the announced positions include the following:
• Strong foundation in artificial Intelligence and machine learning including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, etc.
• Proven data handling skills (Data cleaning, feature engineering, working with datasets).
• Strong software engineering practices including version control (e.g., git), MLOps (e.g., ClearML) and experiment management, data management (e.g., DVC), and model-serving.

Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s or/and Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience in developing and training machine models using PyTorch or TensorFlow in Multi-GPU environments.
• Experience in working with high performance computing systems for both training and inference of machine learning models.

Employment Terms:
The positions are on a contract basis. Initially, a one-year contract will be offered, with a 6-month probation period, which is renewable based on performance. The gross monthly salary depends on the candidate’s qualifications and experience and will be between €1900 – €2700. From this amount, employee contributions to the Cyprus government funds will be deducted. A 13th salary bonus is incorporated in the monthly salary. Maternity leave will be granted based on Maternity Protection Law 1997(Ν.100(Ι)/1997), and the existing amendment laws.

Application:
Interested candidates should submit the following items online through the link:
https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/recruitment
• Cover letter explaining the interest of the applicant in pursuing a career at the KIOS CoE, along with employment availability date, in English
• Short summary of prior work experiences, activities and accomplishments (can be combined with the cover letter), in English (2 pages maximum)
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English
• Copies of transcripts of BSc/MSc or other degree(s)
• Copy of an English language certificate (if any of your degrees were taught in English, this will be considered equivalent to an English language certificate)
• Contact details of at least two referees that can provide reference letters

The applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than Friday, 24th of July 2026, at 5 pm. The evaluation of the applications will begin immediately. At least the best three candidates per position that satisfy the required qualifications will be interviewed by a 3-member Selection Committee. Candidates will be informed of the result of their application by the KIOS CoE.

Applicants need not be citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. Applicants should however ensure, before applying, that in case they are selected they will be residing in Cyprus on a full-time basis during the employment period and submission of 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.

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.

For more information, please contact the KIOS Center of Excellence, by phone at +357 22893460 or via e-mail at [email protected].