Research Associates - Elevate Project at CYENS - Centre of Excellence

Nicosia, Cyprus, Cyprus -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

05 Oct, 26

Salary

55000.0

Posted On

07 Jul, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Brain-Computer Interfaces, Neurotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Bio-signal Analysis, C#, C++, Python, Matlab, Unity, Unreal Engine, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience Research, Experimental Design, Machine Learning, Physiological Sensing

Industry

research

Description

Responsibilities Department: Research Department /Extended Experiences Research Group No. Of Positions: 2-3 Part Time or Full Time Researchers Reporting Line: Extended Experiences Research Team Leader Contract Type: Fixed Term Fixed Term project-based contract for the duration of the project. Duration of project: 48 months (October 2026 – September 2030) Location: Nicosia, Cyprus Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range for Full Time Equivalent (FTE): Research Assistant: €18,000 – €32,000 Research Associate: €28,000 – €45,000 Senior Researcher: starting from €36,000 - €55,000 The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. Preferred Start Date: October 2026, or as soon as possible. Application Deadline: Position will remain open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. About the project / position: The Extended Experiences (EX) Multidisciplinary Research Group (MRG) at CYENS Centre of Excellence invites applications for 2 Research Assistant / Research Associate / Senior Researcher positions in the areas of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), Neurotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Extended Reality (XR). The successful candidate(s) will contribute to the Horizon Europe project ELEVATE (European Excellence in AI-based Neural Engineering for Capacity Building in Widening Europe), which aims to advance research excellence in neurotechnology, AI, and immersive technologies through interdisciplinary research, innovation, training, and international collaboration. Neuro-AI, BCIs and brain data represent a rapidly emerging technological domain with profound scientific, societal and economic implications. Unlike other physiological signals, brain data can act as proxies for attention, intention, affect and preference, raising questions not only about data protection but also about mental privacy, identity, human autonomy and non-discrimination. Because neurotechnology is moving from specialised clinical labs into everyday contexts — e.g., workplace monitoring, neurofeedback for mental health, learning enhancement and gaming — Europe urgently needs coordinated capacity to ensure that innovation, safety and rights-based governance evolve together. The positions offer the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of neural engineering, human-computer interaction, AI, and immersive technologies, while collaborating with leading European partners including the University of Nottingham and the University of Patras, under the supervision of the Director of Research, Prof. Fotis Liarokapis Key Responsibilities: Conduct research in one or more of the following areas: Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), Neurotechnology and physiological sensing, Neuro-AI and intelligent adaptive systems, Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR) Design, develop, and evaluate novel systems integrating neurotechnology, AI, and immersive technologies. Participate in the collection, processing, and analysis of physiological and behavioural data (e.g., EEG, eye tracking, biometric sensing). Develop research prototypes and demonstrators using modern software and XR development frameworks. Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, project deliverables, and dissemination activities. Support the overall coordination of the EX MRG in line with the Grant Agreement, Description of Action and Consortium Agreement. Monitor implementation progress across all relevant Work Packages and ensure timely follow-up with partners. Maintain the project workplan, deliverables calendar, milestones tracker, action log, risk register and decision log. Participate in proposal preparation, stakeholder engagement, training activities, and knowledge transfer initiatives. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia, industry, and public-sector organisations. Your profile Skills and Competencies The ideal candidate will be: Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently. Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail. Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on, and results-driven. A team player with the ability to work independently and under pressure. High levels of commitment, energy, and drive. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. General qualifications and requirements Key requirements Essential Requirements Qualifications: Research Assistant Level: B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Cognitive Science, or a related field. Research Associate Level: Ph.D. degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Neuroscience, or a related field. Senior Researcher Level: Over 5 years of post-doc experience in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Neuroscience, or a related field. Essential Research/Academic requirements: Brain-Computer Interfaces (EEG, fNIRS, neurofeedback, neuroadaptive systems) Virtual, Augmented, or Mixed Reality Strong programming skills (e.g., C#, C++, or similar). Strong in bio-signal analysis (e.g., Python, Matlab, etc) Ability to independently identify research problems and contribute to innovative solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international research teams. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills. Desired Qualifications: Physiological computing and bio-signal analysis Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Unity or Unreal Engine development Human-computer interaction User experience research Experimental design and user studies Responsible AI and ethical aspects of emerging technologies Experience with large multi-partner EU projects Knowledge of quality assurance, risk management, GDPR, ethics or data management in EU projects. Experience working in a research centre, university, innovation organisation or European consortium. Why us? CYENS offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of research and innovation within a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international environment. Researchers benefit from collaboration with leading academic and industry partners, participation in high-impact national and European projects, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities for professional growth and scientific excellence. Application process For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and clearly indicate the position title in their application: Full CV (including contact details). Cover letter outlining: your suitability for the role your motivation for applying; contact details of two referees. Copies of academic transcripts Description of their academic and research experiences as well as any relevant industrial / innovation / entrepreneurship experience, where applicable (500 words maximum). Two (2) representative publications (if applicable). Two (2) representative innovation outcomes / products (if applicable). Important Information Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who have previously applied for a position at CYENS are required to submit a new application. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. CYENS Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates worldwide. Contact details Enquiries For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department at vacancies@cyens.org.cy. About us CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE) is the Research and Innovation Centre on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies empowering knowledge and technology transfer in the region. CYENS CoE is supported by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and its founding Partners, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI), University College London, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Open University of Cyprus. The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and STEM-led innovation and entrepreneurship. CYENS, as a Centre of Excellence, cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity in an inspiring environment filled with academics, researchers, creative and onward-looking people, innovators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. The Centre operates under the moto “Inspired by Humans Designed for Humans” with the vision to produce world class research that drives innovation towards social and economic benefit while conducting excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence. It sets out to meet the challenge with a total potential funding of more than 30 million Euros for the first 7 years, from a Horizon 2020 Teaming Action and multiple other sources, and a business plan for long-term sustainability and growth.

Responsibilities

Conduct interdisciplinary research in BCI, Neuro-AI, and XR to develop novel systems and prototypes for the ELEVATE project. Manage project deliverables, coordinate with international partners, and contribute to scientific publications and technical reports.