At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to conduct innovative research in digital skills and immersive technologies.
- Company: Be part of CYENS Centre of Excellence, a leading research hub in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and hands-on research experience.
- Other info: Collaborate with top academic institutions and industry leaders in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact on the future of education and workforce development across Europe.
- Qualifications: MSc/MA or PhD in relevant fields with research experience.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 30000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
Department: Innovation / Education and Training
No. Of Positions: 1 Full-Time Researcher
Reporting Line: Education and Training Manager
Contract Type: Fixed Term project-based contract. An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal.
Duration of project: 48 months (01/05/2026 – 31/05/2030)
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range: €18000 – €30,000. The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.
Preferred Start Date: August 2026, or as soon as possible.
Application Deadline: (2 weeks) 12th of July 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the project / position:
CYENS Centre of Excellence is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Education & Training team within the Virtual Worlds Academy of Skills (ViWAS), a large-scale European initiative funded by the Digital Europe Programme. PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will contribute to research and development activities at the intersection of Virtual Worlds, immersive technologies (XR), digital skills, education, and workforce development. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain and further develop research experience while actively participating in a major European project involving leading academic institutions, research centres, industry partners, and policy stakeholders across Europe.
The candidate will work closely with the ViWAS coordination team and international experts, contributing to the development of innovative frameworks, research studies, educational programmes, and evidence-based policy recommendations supporting the adoption of Virtual Worlds across multiple sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research related to digital skills, Virtual Worlds, XR technologies, education and future workforce needs.
- Contribute to the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of the ViWAS Competence and Qualification Framework (CQF).
- Perform literature reviews, and policy analyses related to skills development and emerging technologies.
- Support research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting activities.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, conference papers, project deliverables, and research reports, and policy-oriented outputs.
- Participate in the design, piloting, evaluation, and continuous improvement of educational programmes, curricula and micro-credentials for Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training (VET), and lifelong learning.
- Collaborate with project partners, researchers, educational institutions, industry representatives, and policy stakeholders across Europe.
- Support dissemination, communication, and stakeholder engagement activities.
General qualifications and requirements
Key requirements
Essential Requirements:
- MSc/MA or PhD in Education, Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, Human-Computer Interaction, or another relevant field aligned with the responsibilities and activities of the position.
- Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- Ability to conduct literature reviews, collect and analyse research data, and synthesise findings.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Familiarity with Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality (VR/AR/XR) technologies, applications, and devices.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international and multidisciplinary environment.
Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required. For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required.
Research/Academic Requirements:
- Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing research findings.
- Experience presenting academic or professional work in seminars, workshops, conferences, or educational settings will be considered an advantage.
- Evidence of interest in research related to Virtual Worlds, immersive technologies (VR/AR/XR), digital skills, educational innovation, learning technologies, or emerging technologies.
- Experience contributing to research deliverables, reports, publications, or project outputs will be considered an advantage.
- Participation in national or European research and innovation projects is desirable but not essential.
Desirable Qualifications
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Experience in EU-funded projects.
- Experience in educational technology, XR technologies, digital skills development, or curriculum design.
- Experience in preparing research reports, policy briefs, project deliverables, or academic publications.
- Familiarity with European education, skills, innovation, or digital policy initiatives.
- Experience in higher education, vocational education and training (VET), or lifelong learning contexts.
Why us?
What CYENS Offers
CYENS offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge European research and innovation in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international environment. The successful candidate will work alongside leading academic institutions, research centres, industry partners, and policy stakeholders across Europe, contributing to the development of innovative solutions that shape the future of Virtual Worlds, digital skills, and education. The position provides valuable hands-on research experience, opportunities for professional and academic development, exposure to high-impact European projects, and access to a collaborative environment that fosters learning, innovation, 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; 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
Enquiries
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 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.
Research Assistant ViWAS Project (Education & Training) employer: CYENS
CYENS Centre of Excellence is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Nicosia, Cyprus, where innovation and research thrive. As a Research Assistant in the ViWAS Project, you will engage with leading academic institutions and industry partners, gaining invaluable experience while contributing to cutting-edge European initiatives in digital skills and immersive technologies. The Centre fosters professional growth through hands-on research opportunities, a supportive culture, and a commitment to excellence, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant ViWAS Project (Education & Training)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at CYENS, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of CYENS and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at CYENS
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that CYENS might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at CYENS.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
