At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop AI models for underwater image analysis and marine species detection.
- Company: Be part of CYENS, a leading research centre in innovative technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional growth, and collaboration with top experts.
- Other info: Dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine biodiversity using cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: M.Sc. or Ph.D. in relevant fields with strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 23000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
Department: Research / DeepCamera
No. Of Positions: 1
Reporting Line: Research Team Leader
Contract Type: An initial one-year fixed term employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal. Full Time basis.
Duration of project: 36 months (September 2026 – August 2029)
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range: €18,000 – €23,000. The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.
Preferred Start Date: July 2026, or as soon as possible.
Application Deadline: 19th of June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the project / position:
The successful candidate will work in the area of AI-based underwater image analysis and marine species detection. Marine biodiversity monitoring currently relies on large volumes of underwater video footage that must be manually analysed, a process that is time-consuming and prone to variability. Advances in artificial intelligence and computer vision provide the opportunity to automate species detection and classification, significantly improving efficiency and consistency in marine ecological assessments. In this role, the successful candidate will develop, train, and validate deep learning models for automated detection and classification of marine species from underwater imagery and video datasets. The position is part of the EU-funded ATLANTIS project (I3–ERDF), developing underwater technologies for marine monitoring and sustainable blue-economy applications.
The successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct fundamental and/or applied research in the aforementioned areas. Where applicable, candidates may also participate in the preparation of project reports and deliverables, research proposals for funding, software development, and travel abroad for dissemination activities. Furthermore, successful candidates will be encouraged to publish/present their research results in prestigious international conferences and journals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform data curation, preprocessing, and quality control of underwater imagery and video datasets, in collaboration with marine experts
- Design, train, and evaluate deep learning models for automated detection and classification of marine species
- Develop computer vision pipelines for video processing and model inference
- Evaluate model performance using quantitative metrics
- Contribute to the integration of AI-based detection models into operational biodiversity monitoring workflows and data analysis pipelines
- Collaborate with project partners and contribute to the preparation of deliverables, technical reports, and dissemination materials
- Contribute to other activities of the research group and the Centre
Your profile
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate will be:
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently
- Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, having the ability to deal confidently and politely with enquiries
- Very good analytical skills coupled with attention to detail
- Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on and results driven
- A team player with an 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
- M.Sc. / Ph.D. in Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a closely related field, or in related area
- 3 years of relevant experience required
- Demonstrated experience in applied research in artificial intelligence or computer vision
- Experience in experimental design, model training, and quantitative evaluation of machine learning systems
- Evidence of scientific writing and dissemination (e.g. peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations)
- Strong programming skills in Python, with experience using deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch or TensorFlow)
- Experience in computer vision and image or video analysis
- Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required. For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with object detection or image segmentation models (e.g. YOLO, Mask R-CNN, Detectron2, etc.)
- Experience working with large image or video datasets and annotation tools (e.g. CVAT)
- Familiarity with Linux-based computing environments and version control systems (e.g. Git)
- Experience with data augmentation, transfer learning, or domain adaptation techniques
- Prior experience with environmental monitoring, marine datasets, or remote sensing imagery
- Previous research experience and high impact research publications on relevant topics (a requirement for PhD holders/an advantage for non-PhD holders)
Why us?
What CYENS Offers
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, your earliest available start date, part-time or full-time availability
- Research Group(s) of interest in order of priority
- 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
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 motto “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.
Research Assistant in AI-based Image Analysis employer: CYENS
CYENS Centre of Excellence is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and creativity in the field of AI-based research. Located in Nicosia, Cyprus, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge infrastructure, opportunities for professional growth through participation in high-impact projects, and the chance to contribute to meaningful research that impacts marine biodiversity. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive environment, CYENS empowers its researchers to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in AI-based Image Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of AI and marine research. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to computer vision and deep learning. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can do beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions in AI and image analysis. Practice explaining your past projects and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in AI-based Image Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the role. We want to see your passion for AI-based image analysis and marine biodiversity!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your academic and research experiences, be specific! Mention any relevant projects or publications that demonstrate your expertise in computer vision and deep learning. This is your moment to impress us!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Research Assistant position. Highlight your programming skills in Python and any experience with deep learning frameworks.
Follow Application Guidelines:Make sure you follow all the application guidelines carefully. Incomplete applications won’t be considered, so double-check that you’ve included everything we ask for. Apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at CYENS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI-based image analysis and marine species detection. Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in deep learning models and computer vision techniques. Being able to discuss specific projects or papers related to these topics will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your programming skills, especially in Python and any deep learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow. Bring examples of your previous work, such as projects involving object detection or image segmentation, to highlight your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Be a Team Player
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experiences working in interdisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others, especially in research settings. This will help convey that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a team environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the specific challenges they face in marine biodiversity monitoring or how they envision the integration of AI models into their workflows. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
