Research Associates - Elevate Project

Department: Research Department /Extended Experiences Research Group

No. Of Positions: 2-3 Part Time or Full Time Researchers

Reporting Line: Extended Experiences Research Team Leader

Contract Type: Fixed Term Fixed Term project-based contract for the duration of the project.

Duration of project: 48 months (October 2026 – September 2030)

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range for Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

Research Assistant: €18,000 – €32,000

Research Associate: €28,000 – €45,000

Senior Researcher: starting from €36,000 - €55,000

The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

Preferred Start Date: October 2026, or as soon as possible.

Application Deadline: Position will remain open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Extended Experiences (EX) Multidisciplinary Research Group (MRG) at CYENS Centre of Excellence invites applications for 2 Research Assistant / Research Associate / Senior Researcher positions in the areas of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), Neurotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Extended Reality (XR). The successful candidate(s) will contribute to the Horizon Europe project ELEVATE (European Excellence in AI-based Neural Engineering for Capacity Building in Widening Europe), which aims to advance research excellence in neurotechnology, AI, and immersive technologies through interdisciplinary research, innovation, training, and international collaboration.

Neuro-AI, BCIs and brain data represent a rapidly emerging technological domain with profound scientific, societal and economic implications. Unlike other physiological signals, brain data can act as proxies for attention, intention, affect and preference, raising questions not only about data protection but also about mental privacy, identity, human autonomy and non-discrimination.Because neurotechnology is moving from specialised clinical labs into everyday contexts — e.g., workplace monitoring, neurofeedback for mental health, learning enhancement and gaming — Europe urgently needs coordinated capacity to ensure that innovation, safety and rights-based governance evolve together.

The positions offer the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of neural engineering, human-computer interaction, AI, and immersive technologies, while collaborating with leading European partners including the University of Nottingham and the University of Patras, under the supervision of the Director of Research, Prof. Fotis Liarokapis

1. Conduct research in one or more of the following areas:
   1. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI),
   2. Neurotechnology and physiological sensing,
   3. Neuro-AI and intelligent adaptive systems,
   4. Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR)
2. Design, develop, and evaluate novel systems integrating neurotechnology, AI, and immersive technologies.
3. Participate in the collection, processing, and analysis of physiological and behavioural data (e.g., EEG, eye tracking, biometric sensing).
4. Develop research prototypes and demonstrators using modern software and XR development frameworks.
5. Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, project deliverables, and dissemination activities.
6. Support the overall coordination of the EX MRG in line with the Grant Agreement, Description of Action and Consortium Agreement.
7. Monitor implementation progress across all relevant Work Packages and ensure timely follow-up with partners.
8. Maintain the project workplan, deliverables calendar, milestones tracker, action log, risk register and decision log.
9. Participate in proposal preparation, stakeholder engagement, training activities, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
10. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia, industry, and public-sector organisations.

• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on, and results-driven.
• A team player with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
• High levels of commitment, energy, and drive.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

1. Qualifications:
   1. Research Assistant Level: B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
   2. Research Associate Level: Ph.D. degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Neuroscience, or a related field.
   3. Senior Researcher Level: Over 5 years of post-doc experience in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Neuroscience, or a related field.

1. Brain-Computer Interfaces (EEG, fNIRS, neurofeedback, neuroadaptive systems)
2. Virtual, Augmented, or Mixed Reality
3. Strong programming skills (e.g., C#, C++, or similar).
4. Strong in bio-signal analysis (e.g., Python, Matlab, etc)
5. Ability to independently identify research problems and contribute to innovative solutions.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
7. Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international research teams.
8. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

1. Physiological computing and bio-signal analysis
2. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
3. Unity or Unreal Engine development
4. Human-computer interaction
5. User experience research
6. Experimental design and user studies
7. Responsible AI and ethical aspects of emerging technologies
8. Experience with large multi-partner EU projects
9. Knowledge of quality assurance, risk management, GDPR, ethics or data management in EU projects.
10. Experience working in a research centre, university, innovation organisation or European consortium.

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.

For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and clearly indicate the position title in their application:

1. Full CV (including contact details).
2. Cover letter outlining:
   1. your suitability for the role
   2. your motivation for applying;
   3. contact details of two referees.
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. Two (2) representative publications (if applicable).
6. 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.

Enquiries
For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department at vacancies@cyens.org.cy.