Position: Research Assistant/Associate in Robotics
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: March 2024
Application Deadline: 08 March 2024
No. Of Positions: 1
Salary Range: €18,000 - €28,000 (depending on the applicant qualifications and experience)


About the position

We seek a highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant/Associate to join the Cognitive Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) research group at the CYENS Centre of Excellence. As part of our team, you will conduct engineering and research work in robotics, including, but not limited to, teleoperation, reinforcement, and imitation learning for teaching skills (e.g., locomotion, manipulation) to simulated or physical robots.

The Cognitive Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) research group is a newly formed group (as of January 2024), and the result of merging the Socially-Competent Robotic and Agent Technologies (SCRAT) and the Learning Agents and Robots (LEAR) research groups. CAIR conducts basic and applied research on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics with a focus on developing software agents and robots that populate (along with other agents, robots or humans) open-ended, dynamic and uncertain environments, perceive the world through multiple modalities, autonomously or interactively learn predictive models, accumulate skills over their lifetime, reason and plan in an adaptive fashion that is explainable and aligned with human cognitive abilities. Key areas include:

• machine learning (brain-inspired, reinforcement, deep, continual, evolutionary),
• generative AI (language models, text-to-image models, vision-language-action models),
• cognitive assistants (neural-symbolic integration, knowledge representation, reasoning),
• robotics (perception, learning, navigation, locomotion, planning, manipulation).

Our robotics lab is currently populated with a Unitree A1 quadruped robot, a TurtleBot 4 mobile robot, and 4 Parrot Anafi drones.

The successful candidate will work under the joint supervision of the CAIR team leaders, Prof. Loizos Michael, and Dr. Vassilis Vassiliades.

Responsibilities of Research Assistant/Associate:

1. Conduct research:
   1. Design and develop robotics methodologies in alignment with project objectives.
   2. Collaborate with the research team to formulate hypotheses, define research objectives, and conduct experiments.
2. Implement methods:
   1. Translate theoretical concepts into practical solutions through the implementation of algorithms, software, and hardware systems.
   2. Work on the programming and coding aspects of robotics systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation.
3. Robot Development:
   1. Contribute to the development of robotic platforms, ensuring they meet project specifications.
   2. Troubleshoot issues and modify existing robotic systems to enhance their performance and functionality.
4. Publish Research Findings:
   1. Contribute to the preparation and submission of research papers and publications for workshops, conferences, and journals.
   2. Disseminate research findings at conferences and events.
5. Collaborate with other team members, teams, or external researchers.
6. Participate in innovation activities related to the exploitation of research outputs.
7. Attend technical and non-technical training courses and workshops as required.
8. Undertake any other required duties based on team’s needs.

General qualifications and requirements

1. Bachelor's degree and postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., Robotics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering) from an accredited institution.
2. PhD in a relevant field will be considered an advantage.
3. Experience with Linux, robotic simulators (e.g., Gazebo, PyBullet, Isaac Sim), robotic systems, ROS/ROS2, sensors, and control algorithms.
4. Strong programming skills in languages such as Python and/or C++.
5. Experience with machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, evolutionary or developmental robotics will be considered an advantage.
6. Excellent written and oral English-language skills.

For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required.

Profile of the ideal candidate:

1. High level of commitment, self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
2. Very good analytical skills coupled with attention to detail.
3. Adaptable, hands-on and results driven.
4. Excellent collaboration 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 the successful candidate according to qualifications and experience.

Application process
For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the: “Application for Research Assistant/Associate in Robotics – CAIR research group”

Process for Research Assistants/Associates:

1. A cover letter which clearly specifies, 1) rationale on why you think you would be a good fit for the position, 2) contact details, and 3) employment availability date.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
3. Description of academic and research experiences, as well as any relevant industry experience (500 words maximum).
4. Copies of academic degrees (BSc/MSc/PhD) and transcripts.
5. Contact details of two University professors or one University professor and one industry referee who will provide the letters.
6. Two (2) representative publications (if applicable).

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 .

About CYENS CoE
CYENS Centre of Excellence is focusing on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies aiming to empower knowledge and technology transfer in Cyprus and wider region. It is a joint venture between the three public universities of Cyprus: the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology, and the Open University of Cyprus, the Municipality of Nicosia, and two renowned international partners, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany, and, the University College London, United Kingdom. This project has received 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, as well as from the Cypriot Government, local and international partners, and other sponsors.

Research in CYENS integrates the Visual Sciences, Human Factors & Design, and Communications & Artificial Intelligence, in a tight synergy that provides a unique interdisciplinary research perspective that emphasizes an “Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans” philosophy. The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research delivered by 18 high-caliber multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to act as an integrator of academic research and industrial innovation, towards the sustainable fueling of the scientific, technological, and economic growth of Cyprus and Europe.

CYENS Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and the position is open to everyone, internationally.

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

Deadline: 08 March. 2024

Positions: 1

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

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