Research Associate

Research Group / Project: Visual Computing Group / Pharos-CY

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

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

Preferred Start Date: June 2026 or as soon thereafter.

Application Deadline: 05/06/2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

No. Of Positions: 1

Salary Range: Depending on qualifications and experience.

About the project / position:

CYENS Centre of Excellence is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to join the Visual Computing Group and contribute to the Pharos-CY project.

Pharos-CY aims to support the development and deployment of advanced, trustworthy, and human-centric AI technologies in Cyprus and the wider region. Within this context, CYENS contributes expertise in visual computing, interactive technologies, AI-enabled data services, digital twins, visual analytics, and applied research that can support both the public and private sectors.

The successful candidate will work on research and development activities related to visual computing and AI for Pharos-CY, including areas such as visual data processing, 3D reconstruction, scene understanding, AI-ready datasets, digital twins, computer vision, geospatial or urban-scale visual analytics, and data-driven services for real-world applications.

The successful candidate may also contribute to the preparation of project reports and deliverables, research proposals, software prototypes, stakeholder engagement activities, and dissemination of research results. Where applicable, the candidate will be encouraged to publish and present research outputs in international conferences, journals, workshops, and project events.

Position holders are expected to contribute to both the research and applied innovation objectives of Pharos-CY, working closely with CYENS researchers, project partners, public-sector stakeholders, private-sector users, and other relevant actors in Cyprus’ AI and data ecosystem.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Visual Computing Group Leader.

1. Conduct research and development in visual computing, computer vision, machine learning, AI-enabled data analysis, 3D reconstruction, digital twins, or related areas relevant to Pharos-CY.
2. Design, implement, test, and document software prototypes, tools, pipelines, and services that support Pharos-CY use cases.
3. Work with visual, spatial, urban, cultural, environmental, or other domain-specific datasets, including data preparation, annotation, processing, analysis, and visualization.
4. Contribute to the development of AI-ready datasets and data services that may be used by public-sector and private-sector stakeholders.
5. Support the integration of visual computing methods with trustworthy AI, data governance, human-centric design, and applied AI workflows.
6. Participate in project meetings, technical discussions, reporting activities, and coordination with Pharos-CY partners.
7. Contribute to project deliverables, technical documentation, presentations, demonstrations, and dissemination material.
8. Assist in the preparation of scientific publications, research proposals, and innovation activities related to the project.
9. Engage with stakeholders to understand real-world needs and translate them into technical requirements, prototypes, or research tasks.
10. Support the wider activities of the Visual Computing Group and CYENS Centre of Excellence, where relevant.

1. Self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
2. Able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research and development team.
3. Strong in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
4. Able to translate research ideas into working prototypes, tools, or demonstrators.
5. Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on, and results driven.
6. Comfortable working with researchers, engineers, project managers, and external stakeholders.
7. Able to communicate technical ideas clearly through written reports, presentations, and demonstrations.
8. Interested in applied AI and visual computing solutions that can have real impact for Cyprus’ public and private sectors.

1.  A PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or another relevant field.
2. Experience in one or more of the following areas: computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, visual computing, 3D graphics, 3D reconstruction, digital twins, image/video processing, geospatial data analysis, data visualization, or AI-enabled software development.
3. Strong programming skills, preferably in Python and/or C++. Experience with relevant libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, PCL, Open3D, Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar tools will be considered an advantage.
4. Experience with data processing pipelines, APIs, databases, cloud tools, or software engineering practices will be considered an advantage.
5. Ability to read, understand, and apply technical and scientific literature.
6. Computer literacy and ability to work with collaborative software development tools, such as Git.
7. Excellent written and oral English-language skills.
8. For non-EU applicants, a work permit will be required.

Specific requirements for Research Associate positions: 

1. A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Visual Computing, Data Science, 3D Graphics, Computer Engineering, or a related area.
2. Strong programming skills in at least one of the following languages: Python, C++.
3. Experience with one or more of the following: computer vision, deep learning, 3D reconstruction, image/video analysis, point clouds, digital twins, geospatial visualisation, visual analytics, data-driven simulation, or AI-enabled application development.
4. Experience with AI and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, OpenCV, or similar.
5. Ability to independently identify technical problems and carry out research and development work within the scope of the Visual Computing Group and Pharos-CY.
6. Ability to work with domain experts and stakeholders to identify needs, define use cases, and support applied research activities.
7. Previous research experience and high-impact publications on relevant topics will be considered an advantage, especially for PhD holders.
8. Previous industrial, innovation, entrepreneurship, or grant-writing experience will be considered an advantage.
9. Experience with EU-funded or nationally funded research projects will be considered an advantage.
10. Experience with data governance, trustworthy AI, explainable AI, secure data handling, or responsible AI practices will be considered an advantage.

Take advantage of this opportunity for your professional and personal development by being part of a fast-growing Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence.

A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate according to qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborate with leading researchers and innovators, contribute to a strategic AI initiative for Cyprus, engage with real-world stakeholders, and participate in high-impact research and innovation activities.

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 - Visual Computing and AI - Visual Computing Group / Pharos-CY”:

Process for Research Associates: 

1. A cover letter which clearly specifies 1) contact details, 2) employment availability date
2. A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
3. Copies of academic transcripts 
4. Description of their academic and research experiences as well as any relevant industrial / innovation / entrepreneurship experience, where applicable (500 words maximum).
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.

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 .