ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (www.eratosthenes.org.cy) of Cyprus University of Technology (www.cut.ac.cy) invites applications for up to two (2) positions at the Assistant Researcher A’ and/or Assistant Researcher B’ level at the Big Earth Data Analytics Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. The positions are open either on a full-time (100%) or part-time employment basis. The successful candidates will conduct research and develop products under multiple Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence projects funded by the European Union, including the flagship Excelsior H2020 Teaming project (https://excelsior2020.eu/) and the recently commenced Horizon Europe ‘ENFIELD’ and AI-OBSERVER projects, as well as other national and/or industry-funded projects.

The ’ENFIELD’ project (https://enfield-project.eu/) is funded under the HORIZON-CL4-2022-HUMAN-02 call and will create a unique European Centre of Excellence that excels in fundamental research in the pillars of Adaptive, Green, Human-Centric, and Trustworthy AI that are new, strategic and of paramount importance to successful AI development, deployment, and acceptance in Europe and will further advance the research within verticals of healthcare, energy, manufacturing and space by attracting the best talents, technologies and resources from world-class research and industry players in Europe and by carrying out top-level research activities in synchronization with industry challenges to reinforce a competitive EU position in AI and create significant socio-economic impact for the benefit of European citizens and businesses.

The ’AI-OBSERVER’ project (https://ai-observer.eu/) is funded under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03 (Twinning) call and aims to significantly strengthen and stimulate the scientific excellence and innovation capacity, as well as the research management and administrative skills of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, through several capacity building activities on Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation applications in the Disaster Risk Reduction thematic area.

ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is an autonomous Centre of Excellence with Cyprus University of Technology as its sole stakeholder, specialising in earth observation, space technology and geospatial analysis. Cyprus University of Technology has a 13-year experience in earth observations and geospatial analysis. Through the “EXCELSIOR” H2020 Teaming Project (https://excelsior2020.eu/), ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence aspires to become a Digital Innovation Hub for Earth Observation and Geospatial Information by offering knowledge, responsible research, open innovation and application services capable of sustaining Cyprus’ development. ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence aspires to actively contribute to the European Research Area (ERA) priorities in Atmosphere and Climate, Resilient Societies and Big Earth Data Analytics, as well as to become the reference Earth Observation/Geoinformation Centre for research and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa (EMMENA) region.

A core activity of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is to conduct high caliber, state-of-the-art research, both basic and applied. A central task is to acquire research funding for the Centre, to provide facilities to the researchers, and to support them to acquire funding for their research independently and via international and local collaborations. Collaborations with industrial partners are particularly encouraged and facilitated.

Appropriate measures of success will be collaboratively determined based on the Centre’s strategic growth plan and sustainability targets. These will be revised periodically by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

Description of the Position
The positions concern University graduates (holding B.Sc. and/or M.Sc.) with studies and background knowledge in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or related disciplines.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidates will be placed in the Big Earth Data Analytics Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence under the supervision of Dr. Michalis Mavrovouniotis, and are expected to contribute towards shaping and advancing its research and innovation agenda by:
1. Developing Computational Intelligence (e.g., Machine Learning and Optimization models) applications and other tools;
2. Conduct applied and/or fundamental research;
3. Working towards fulfilling ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence mission goals;
4. Participation in the preparation and submission of projects’ deliverables;
5. Assisting in the definition of research goals and writing research proposals with the assistance of the Coordinator of the relevant Department;
6. Assisting in the establishment of local, regional, and international research networks that can support the long-term research agenda and priorities of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence;
7. Ensuring that the KPIs and other performance targets as set by the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence are met;
8. Undertaking any other relevant duties deemed necessary.

Qualifications and Experience
1. BSc and/or MSc Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or relevant field;
2. Strong computer programming skills (e.g., C/C++/Java/Python, Matlab) are a must;
3. Usage of Machine Learning and Deep Learning libraries (e.g., Pytorch, Tensorflow, Keras) will be considered a significant advantage;
4. Previous research experience will be considered an advantage.

Profile of the ideal candidate
1. Very good analytical skills.
2. Problem solving skills.
3. Hand-on and results driven.
4. Team-oriented attitude.
5. Excellent time-management skills.
6. Have good communication skills.
7. Very good knowledge of English, both written and oral.

Minimum Requirements for the post of Assistant Researcher A’ or Assistant Researcher B’
These positions concern researchers at the level of Assistant Researcher A’ who hold a post-graduate degree or Assistant Researcher B’ who hold a bachelor degree.

The appointment will be for a period of one year (12 months) with the prospect of renewal for another one year. The annual gross salary for the (full-time) position will range for Assistant Researcher A’ from €25468.08 to €29592.08, and for Assistant Researcher B’ from €20323.80 to €24216.57, depending on qualifications. It is noted that there is provision for 13th salary (the cost of the 13th salary is proportionally incorporated in the monthly remuneration).

Interested candidates must submit their application comprising of all documents listed below not later than Friday 3 May 2024 at 14.00 CYPRUS TIME, which is the deadline for the submission of the applications.

1. A cover letter in English clearly specifying availability date for full time employment;
2. Scanned or electronic copies of degree certificates and relevant qualifications. True copies of the originals will be requested for the shortlisted candidates;
3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (including contact details);
4. Full contact details of three referees (including their postal and email address). For the shortlisted candidates, the referees may be asked to submit Letters of Reference.

* Please combine all necessary documents in one PDF file and then upload on the "Resume" section.

Apply here: https://eratosthenes.peopleforce.io/careers/v/63203-assistant-researcher-a-and-or-assistant-researcher-b-at-the-big-earth-data-analytics-department

If you have previously applied for any position at ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, a new application is required.