Position: Research Associates – Socially-Competent Robotic and Agent Technologies (SCRAT) Research Group  

Type: An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and needs. Part-time opportunities are also available. 

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus 

Preferred Start Date: 01 January. 2023, or as soon thereafter. 

Application Deadline: 05 December. 2022

Positions: 4 

About the position   

The Socially-Competent Robotic and Agent Technologies (SCRAT) Research Group focuses on the design and development of smart assistants (for cognitive and physical processes) that work with humans rather than for humans. The group’s work uses human-centered and trustworthy AI/ML technologies, and draws inspiration from cognitive psychology and the social sciences.  

The group is looking for research associates with research and development experience in cognitive computing, personal assistants, explainable and trustworthy AI, machine learning / learning theory, preference elicitation, neural-symbolic integration, conversational AI, natural language understanding / generation, formal argumentation, and knowledge-based systems. 

Positions are available for both early-stage researchers (holding a B.Sc. and/or an M.Sc. degree), and experienced researchers / post-docs (holding a Ph.D. degree). 

The successful candidates will be engaged in fundamental and/or applied research in the aforementioned areas. Where applicable, candidates may also participate in the preparation of project reports and deliverables, research proposals for funding, software development, and dissemination activities. Furthermore, successful candidates will be expected to publish and present their research results in prestigious international conferences and journals.  

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the SCRAT MRG Leader, Dr Loizos Michael. For more information about the Research Groups visit our website. 

Responsibilities of Research Associate:  

1. Contact research in the areas of interest to the Research Group. 
2. Contribute to proposal writing and to the management of projects. 
3. Author papers and present work at international venues. 
4. Collaborate with other members of the Research Group. 
5. Explore innovation opportunities with external stakeholders. 

General qualifications and requirements 

1. University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or Degree of a level equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree) or Diploma or Certificate or other study title or qualifications relevant to SCRAT's research areas of interest (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Cognitive Systems). Candidates with other backgrounds, but with an otherwise solid profile, may also be considered. 
2. Excellent programming skills (e.g., C, C++, Python, Java), and mathematical maturity. 
3. Personable, and keen to work in a cross-disciplinary research and innovation setting.  
4. Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required, especially in readying and authoring research articles.  
5. For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required. 

Qualifications based on each applicant’s research stage / experience: 

• Documented research experience and high-caliber research publications. 

• Documented grant-writing experience and participation in funded projects. 

• Relevant industrial / innovation / entrepreneurship experience or interest. 

• Independence in identifying research questions and pursuing relevant work. 

• Ability to interact with stakeholders and identify collaboration opportunities. 

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 the successful candidate according to qualifications and experience. 

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 Associate - SCRAT MRG”: 

Process for Research Associates:  

1. A cover letter which clearly specifies: a) contact details, b) employment availability date, c) part-time or full-time availability. 

1. A detailed curriculum vitae in English. 

1. Copies of academic titles and transcripts.  

1. Description of their academic and research experiences as well as any relevant industrial / innovation / entrepreneurship experience, where applicable (1000 words maximum). 

1. Contact details of two University professors or one University professor and one industry referee who will provide letters of recommendation. 

1. Two (2) representative publications (if applicable). 

1. Two (2) representative innovation outcomes / products (if applicable). 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

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 .