The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a European, non-profit, Science and Technology oriented Educational and Research Institution based in Cyprus, and led by an acclaimed Board of Trustees. The research agenda of the CyI is pursued at its four Research Centres: The Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC), the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC), the Energy Environment Water Research Centre (EEWRC), and the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C). Considerable cross-centre interaction is a characteristic of the Institute’s research culture.

The Cyprus Institute invites applications for a highly motivated professional to join the Institute as Archaeological Materials Laboratory Assistant at STARC. STARC is devoted to the development, introduction and use of advanced science and technologies in the field of archaeology, cultural heritage, and history of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region. At STARC, research scientists and doctoral students, often in partnership with colleagues from other national or international research organizations, employ diverse and multidisciplinary methods of physical and chemical characterisation for the study of material culture.

The successful candidate will support archaeological sample preparation for chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural analyses, with emphasis on the preparation of ceramic samples into polished blocks and thin sections, and routine analysis and sample documentation using instrumental analysis methods (OM, SEM-EDS, hhXRF).

The Laboratory Assistant will be supporting laboratory and research staff with the primary goal of efficient lab procedures and producing consistent results, both from sample preparation and from instrumental analysis. The Laboratory Assistant will need to be thorough when carrying out their duties, successfully maintain records of laboratory processes and equipment, and generate reliable reports. On-the-job training will be provided at the beginning of employment.

The rank of the position will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The appointment will be on a part-time basis for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of renewal, depending on performance and availability of funds.

Responsibilities/activities to be involved in:

1. Collecting, receiving, labelling, documenting and registering samples or substances;
2. Sample preparation, with emphasis on ceramic thin sections and metal, slags, ceramics, and glass polished blocks;
3. Supporting research activities, including museum and fieldwork, sample analysis and documentation by OM, SEM-EDS and hhXRF, and data collection;
4. Recording all experimental data and test results accurately and in the specified format (written and/or electronic);
5. Ensuring that safety guidelines are adhered to at all times within the laboratory;
6. Maintaining daily logs and equipment record books;
7. Cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining laboratory equipment;
8. Providing other technical support, when necessary

Required Qualifications

1. A Βachelor’s degree in any field, with a degree in Archaeology, Geology, Material Sciences, or cognate subjects as an advantage;
2. High level of communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to a multicultural/multinational environment;
3. Fluency in spoken and written English

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Archaeology, Geology, Material Sciences, or cognate subjects will be considered a competitive advantage;
• Prior familiarity with lab processes will be considered as a competitive advantage

Application

For full consideration, interested applicants should process their application at The Cyprus Institute Exelsys Platform (https://onlinerecruitment.exelsyslive.com/?c=6E7274A2-8EBA-4BEA-905B-06F790EEB566/) based on the instructions given. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a short letter of interest, and the names and contact details of two (2) referees. All documentation should be in English and in PDF Format. For further information, please contactDr Maria Dikomitou Eliadou (m.dikomitou@cyi.ac.cy).Please note that applications that do not fulfill the required qualifications and do not follow the announcement’s guidelines will not be considered.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. 

The Cyprus Institute is an Equals Opportunity employer certified from the Cypriot Ministry of Labor and also an HRS4R accredited Institution that adheres to the European Commission’s “Charter & Code” principles for recruitment and selection.

Contact person: Maria Dikomitou Eliadou (m.dikomitou@cyi.ac.cy)

Reference number: STARC_LA_22_03