Research Team Leader

Position: Research Group Leader
Ranks: Research Lecturer | Research Assistant Professor | Research Associate Professor | Research Professor
No. of Positions: Two (2)
Department: Research
Reporting Line: Research Director
Terms of Employment: Full-time employment on an initial two-year fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of conversion to an indefinite-term contract, subject to satisfactory performance, and approval.
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Application Deadline: 2nd January 2027
Salary: The offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s academic rank, seniority and relevant experience. 
Indicative annual gross starting salary ranges (full-time equivalent): 
Research Lecturer: €45.000 - €55.000 
Research Assistant Professor: €55.000 - €65.000  
Research Associate Professor: €65.000 - €80.000 
Research Professor: €80.000 - €100.000
 
The Opportunity  
CYENS Centre of Excellence is expanding its research capacity and invites applications from outstanding researchers interested in establishing and leading a new Research Group, co-leading an existing Research Group, or bringing complementary expertise to further develop an existing Research Group within the Centre. 
The opportunity is aimed at researchers with a strong scientific track record and a clear vision for developing a research programme within CYENS’ areas of expertise. Proposed research activities should demonstrate potential for scientific and socioeconomic impact, interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term development and growth. 
A start-up fund of €40,000 for the first two years will be available to support the establishment or further development of the Research Group, providing initial resources to help the successful candidate develop their research activities and team. 
CYENS offers a multidisciplinary research environment connecting Interactive Media, Smart Systems and Emerging Technologies, with expertise spanning Visual Sciences, Human Factors & Design, Communications and Artificial Intelligence. 
We welcome applications that introduce new or complementary research directions and strengthen the Centre’s existing research portfolio. 
 
About the position: 
The Research Group Leader will be responsible for the scientific direction and development of a new Group, including its research agenda, team development and RTDI activities. 
 
The candidate will be assessed on: 

• The candidate’s scientific excellence and research track record. 
• The originality and potential impact of the proposed research.
• Alignment and synergy with CYENS’ research activities. 
• Potential for interdisciplinary and external collaboration. 
• Proven track record to attract competitive research funding.
• The feasibility and long-term sustainability of the proposed Group. 

 
The successful candidate will work closely with the Research Director and other CYENS research teams, while developing collaborations with academic, industry and public-sector partners. 
 
Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide scientific leadership and direction to the Research Group. 
• Develop and deliver the Group’s research agenda and RTDI activities. 
• Conduct and supervise high-quality, internationally competitive research. 
• Recruit, develop and mentor researchers, subject to the Centre’s recruitment processes and available resources. 
• Develop and lead competitive research proposals for European, national and industry-funded programmes.
• Establish and maintain strategic research and innovation collaborations. 
• Contribute to knowledge transfer, innovation, industrial collaboration and research impact. 
• Publish research findings in high-quality international journals and conferences. 
• Contribute to CYENS’ research strategy and relevant Centre and project activities. 
• Participate in the Centre’s annual performance and evaluation processes, including contribution towards relevant KPIs. 
• Participate actively in the CYENS’ Centre-wide activities, events and initiatives, contributing to the wider research community and objectives.
• Maintain full-time physical presence at the Centre in Nicosia.
  

Key requirements 
Essential Qualifications and Experience  

1. PhD in a relevant field from an accredited institution. Relevant fields within interactive media and emerging technologies. Candidates with expertise in complementary or emerging research areas relevant to CYENS’ research portfolio are also encouraged to apply.
2. Demonstrated research competence and a strong research record, appropriate to the candidate’s proposed research area and academic rank. 
3. Established expertise in a field relevant to CYENS’ areas of research. 
4. Evidence of the ability to develop research collaborations and contribute to competitive research funding. Evidence of research impact and the ability to develop an independent research agenda.
5. Evidence of the ability to contribute to the development and leadership of a research group. 
6. Excellent written and oral English-language skills.

 
Desirable Qualifications 
The following will be considered an advantage: 

• International postdoctoral or research experience. 
• Experience in securing and managing European or national research grants.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary research teams or projects. 
• Experience collaborating with industry, public-sectororganisations or other external stakeholders.
• Experience in knowledge transfer, innovation, technology commercialisation or joint research and IP development.
• An established international research network.

What CYENS Offers 
CYENS offers an international, multidisciplinary research environment at the intersection of Interactive Media, Smart Systems and Emerging Technologies. 
Researchers benefit from access to a diverse research community, relevant research infrastructure and opportunities to collaborate with academic, industry and public-sector partners in Cyprus and internationally. The Centre’s environment supports research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and knowledge transfer, with opportunities to participate in European and national research and innovation programmes. 
 
In addition, CYENS offers: 

• €40,000 Research Group Start-up Fund for two years:Financial support to facilitate the establishment or further development of the Research Group. Eligible expenditure may include recruitment, research-related travel, equipment and other costs directly supporting the Group’s research activities. Expenditure will be subject to CYENS’ applicable financial, procurement and approval procedures.
• Opportunities to secure additional research funding through competitive projects, industry collaborations and other research and innovation activities.
• Provident Fund, in accordance with the Centre’s applicable policies and terms. 
• Potential for long-term employment, subject to performance, the Centre’s needs and the applicable employment framework.

For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following through the online application form, clearly indicating the position applied for: 

1. Cover letter, clearly specifying the candidate’s earliest availability for full-time employment. 
2. Research Group Proposal (maximum 5 pages) outlining: 
   1. The proposed three-year research vision and agenda. 
   2. Scientific objectives and expected impact.
   3. Proposed group composition and expertise. 
   4. Required infrastructure and resources. 
   5. Potential collaborations and funding opportunities. 
   6. Alignment with CYENS’ mission and existing research activities. 
   7. Approach to the Group’s development and long-term sustainability. 
3. Summary of research interests and achievements (maximum 2 pages). 
4. CV, including contact details and a complete list of publications. 
5. Copies of academic degree certificates (BSc, MSc and PhD). 
6. Details of the candidate’s three most important publications.
7. Contact details of three professional referees, preferably including academic/research referees and, where relevant, an industry or external collaborator familiar with the candidate’s research and leadership. Candidates should ensure that the nominated referees have agreed to act as referees. Recommendation letters are not required at the application stage. CYENS may contact referees during the later stages of the recruitment process, subject to the candidate’s consent.

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. 
• Candidates who are not EU citizens will be required to obtain the appropriate work permit to work in Cyprus.

For general enquiries regarding the position or application process, applicants may contact the HR Department at vacancies@cyens.org.cy