Position: Research Associate for ITICA MRG at CYENS – Centre of Excellence 

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

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus 

Preferred Start Date: January 2023 or as soon thereafter. 

Application Deadline: 18/12/2022 

About the Position  

Immersive Technologies for Intelligent and Creative Applications (ITICA) MRG focuses on bringing together elements from fine arts with computational intelligence and emerging technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to develop evidence-based applications. ITICA combines scientific research and expertise from a wide spectrum of research fields (e.g., Arts, Engineering, Science, Machine Learning), and tries to explore innovative projects that focus on the combination of arts, technology, and society. A key objective is to use interactive media, smart systems, and emerging technologies in service of the arts and produce outcomes that will bring innovation and creativity in the dissemination of scientific results. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct applied research in the aforementioned areas. Particularly, they will contribute to the various projects of the group, assisting with the production of interactive media installations, immersive experiences, and performances enhanced with novel and emerging technologies, such as VR, AR, haptics, and machine learning. The position holder will assist with the management of the projects, but also actively participate in the development of required applications/systems. Furthermore, they will be encouraged to publish/present their research results in prestigious international conferences and journals and contribute to the research centre’s key performance indicators. Finally, the selected candidates will be encouraged to introduce and develop their own research projects. 

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the ITICA MRG Leader, Dr. Kleanthis Neokleous. 

Responsibilities of  Research Associate: 

• Contribute to the production of interactive media-based installations and performances. 

• Conduct research in areas related to emerging and interactive technologies (e.g., VR, AR, haptics). 

• Manage activities of ongoing and new projects. 

• Participate in the preparation of manuscripts and presentations. 

• Disseminate research findings. 

• Contribute to collaborative decision-making, demonstrate initiative, and be proactive. 

• Maintain collaborations while participating in internal and external networks for the exchange of information. 

• Be a team player, work effectively with colleagues, and attend and contribute to relevant meetings. 

• Work independently and flexibly in planning day-to-day activities per project deadlines. 

• Develop new skills and methodologies as needed. 

• Undertake any other duties which may be required based on the needs of the projects. 

• Assist in mentoring new researchers. 

General qualifications and requirements: 

1. Ph.D. and/ or M.S., or M.A. Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Arts, Interactive Technologies, Human-Computer Interaction, Multimedia, Fine Arts, Architecture, or other relevant fields. 

1. Research publications on relevant topics. 

1. Programming experience (any of the following): 

• Experience in development using Game Engines such as Unity 3D or Unreal Engine, 

• Experience with the use of sensors (e.g., IMUs, physiological data, motion capture), or haptic devices, 

• Experience in the development of mobile applications, 

• Proficiency with C#, Java, C++, Python, or node-based programming (e.g., Unreal Engine Blueprints). 

1. Experience with development for Extended Reality (XR) technologies (e.g., VR, AR). 

1. Methodological and analytical skills, in particular, experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods. 

1. Experience with cross-disciplinary collaborations. 

1. Experience with Version Control. 

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

1. 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. A team player with the ability to work proactively and under pressure. 

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

1. Ability to interact with stakeholders in application domains and identify opportunities for collaboration. 

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

1. Problem-solving skills. 

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

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

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-ITICA MRG”: 

1. A detailed curriculum vitae in English. 

1. Cover letter which clearly states:  

• how do you envision your role,  

• how do your experience and qualifications match the specific position,  

• the availability date for employment. 

1. Copies of academic transcripts. 

1. Contact details of two University professors or Researchers, or one University professor or Research and one industry referee who can provide recommendation letters. 

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 .