Responsibilities
The VisionERC – PainAid project is a groundbreaking initiative funded under the VISION ERC programme aiming to revolutionize pain assessment and management for people who cannot verbally express their pain. The project pioneers the use of psychological factors, human-computer interaction and inclusive co-design to develop the first multimodal toolkit for non-verbal pain assessment. It will produce validated prototypes and empirical insights to support transformative changes in digital dementia care.
The Research Associate will play a key role in the social and ethical dimensions of the VisionERC project. Working closely with interdisciplinary teams, healthcare stakeholders, and end users, the Associate may contribute to:
- Conduct qualitative fieldwork (interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observations) in dementia care settings
- Coordinate and facilitate co-design workshops with caregivers, clinicians, and patients
- Perform mixed-methods analysis integrating behavioral, physiological, and qualitative data
- Draft and manage ethics applications and bioethics reports
- Contribute to open-access publications and scientific dissemination activities
This is a dynamic, interdisciplinary position ideal for a motivated early-career researcher with an interest in healthcare innovation, digital health, patient care, and technology ethics.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Maria Matsangidou, Senior Research Fellow, HealthXR: Smart, Ubiquitous and Participatory Technologies for Healthcare Innovation.
Responsibilities of Research Associate: - Data Collection: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research with people with dementia and caregivers, including interviews and observations.
- Co-Design: Plan and facilitate co-design workshops with end users to inform the development of inclusive pain assessment tools.
- Data Analysis: Analyze qualitative data (e.g., thematic coding) and support integration with behavioral and physiological quantitative / scale data.
- Ethics and Compliance: Prepare ethics applications, informed consent documents, and ensure GDPR compliance.
- Writing and Dissemination: Contribute to academic publications, project reports, and presentations; assist with ERC proposal drafting.
- Team Collaboration: Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, support project coordination, and contribute to project deliverables.
Your profile
1. Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
2. Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, having the ability to deal confidently and politely with enquiries.
3. Very good analytical skills coupled with attention to detail.
4. Dynamic and hands-on, able to adapt to changing project needs while maintaining focus on outcomes.
5. A dependable team player who can also perform effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
General qualifications and requirements
- Master’s degree or PhD (or nearing completion) in Social Sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Health Studies, or a related field
- Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, thematic analysis, grounded theory)
- Demonstrated experience in Scientific Publications
- Familiarity with ethical procedures for research involving vulnerable populations
- Demonstrated experience or strong interest in co-design, digital health, or user-centered design
- Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required.
- Sensitivity and respect for working with elderly and cognitively impaired populations
*For non-EU applicants, a work permit will be required.
Why us?
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 – Health XR Research Group”:
Process for Research Associates:
- A cover letter which clearly specifies 1) contact details, 2) employment availability date, 3) part-time or full-time availability, and 4) MRG(s) of interest in order of priority
- A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
- 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).
- Contact details of two University professors or one University professor and one industry referee who will provide the letters.
- Two (2) representative publications (if applicable).
- Two (2) representative innovation outcomes / products (if applicable).
Contact details
For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department of CYENS, Centre of Excellence 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.
