Assistant Researcher A' at the Big Earth Data Analytics Department

Ref No.: ERA-ARA-BEDAD-120

UP TO TWO (2) RESEARCH ASSISTANT A' POSITIONS AT THE BIG EARTH DATA ANALYTICS DEPARTMENT

ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence ) of Cyprus University of Technology ) invites applications for up to two (2) positions at the Assistant Researcher A' level at the Big Earth Data Analytics Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. The positions are open either on a full-time (100%) or part-time employment basis. The successful candidates will conduct research and develop products under multiple Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence projects funded by the European Union, including the flagship Excelsior H2020 Teaming project ) and the recently commenced Horizon Europe 'ENFIELD', BorderForce, and AI-OBSERVER projects, as well as other national and/or industry-funded projects.

The 'ENFIELD' project (https://enfield-) is funded under the HORIZON-CL4-2022-HUMAN-02 call and will create a unique European Centre of Excellence that excels in fundamental research in the pillars of Adaptive, Green, Human-Centric, and Trustworthy AI that are new, strategic and of paramount importance to successful AI development, deployment, and acceptance in Europe and will further advance the research within verticals of healthcare, energy, manufacturing and space by attracting the best talents, technologies and resources from world-class research and industry players in Europe and by carrying out top-level research activities in synchronization with industry challenges to reinforce a competitive EU position in AI and create significant socio-economic impact for the benefit of European citizens and businesses.

The 'BorderForce' project responds to evolving threats by enhancing real-time surveillance capabilities. It introduces a dynamic system, featuring self-sufficient, transportable Command and Control (C2) Stations with configurable and extendable capabilities. These stations incorporate versatile surveillance towers with anti-drone features, integrating data from autonomous monitoring sensors and UAV systems. Dedicated satellite resources, including CubeSat, strategically positioned at high-risk spots, ensure frequent revisits to critical areas. To enable early threat assessment, BorderForce leverages Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), processing online data for border security threats. The project emphasizes ethical, legal, and social aspects, safeguarding fundamental rights in border surveillance capability development. BorderForce collaborates with EU and candidate country border authorities, customs, and Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) entities. It defines scenarios, gathers architecture feedback, and validates end user feedback. The project emphasizes data exchange, novel user interfaces (e.g., XR), and immersive training for collaborative threat assessment, promoting safety and security while upholding fundamental rights. This solution enhances resource sustainability by improving the coordination and deployment of reusable security measures.

The 'AI-OBSERVER' project (https://ai-) is funded under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03 (Twinning) call and aims to significantly strengthen and stimulate the scientific excellence and innovation capacity, as well as the research management and administrative skills of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, through several capacity building activities on Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation applications in the Disaster Risk Reduction thematic area.

ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is an autonomous Centre of Excellence with Cyprus University of Technology as its sole stakeholder, specialising in earth observation, space technology and geospatial analysis. Cyprus University of Technology has a 13-year experience in earth observations and geospatial analysis. Through the "EXCELSIOR" H2020 Teaming Project ), ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence aspires to become a Digital Innovation Hub for Earth Observation and Geospatial Information by offering knowledge, responsible research, open innovation and application services capable of sustaining Cyprus' development. ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence aspires to actively contribute to the European Research Area (ERA) priorities in Atmosphere and Climate, Resilient Societies and Big Earth Data Analytics, as well as to become the reference Earth Observation/Geoinformation Centre for research and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa (EMMENA) region.

A core activity of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is to conduct high caliber, state-of-the-art research, both basic and applied. A central task is to acquire research funding for the Centre, to provide facilities to the researchers, and to support them to acquire funding for their research independently and via international and local collaborations. Collaborations with industrial partners are particularly encouraged and facilitated.

Appropriate measures of success will be collaboratively determined based on the Centre's strategic growth plan and sustainability targets. These will be revised periodically by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

Description of the Position
The positions concern University graduates (holding B.Sc. and M.Sc.) with studies and background knowledge in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or related disciplines.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidates will be placed in the Big Earth Data Analytics Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, and are expected to contribute towards shaping and advancing its research and innovation agenda by:
1. Developing Computational Intelligence (e.g., Machine Learning and Optimization models) applications and other tools;
2. Conduct applied or fundamental research;
3. Working towards fulfilling ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence mission goals;
4. Participation in the preparation and submission of projects' deliverables;
5. Assisting in the definition of research goals and writing research proposals with the assistance of the Coordinator of the relevant Department;
6. Assisting in the establishment of local, regional, and international research networks that can support the long-term research agenda and priorities of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence;
7. Ensuring that the KPIs and other performance targets as set by the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence are met;
8. Undertaking any other relevant duties deemed necessary.

Qualifications and Experience
1. BSc and MSc Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or relevant field;
2. Strong computer programming skills (e.g., C/C++/Java/Python, Matlab) are a must;
3. Usage of Machine Learning and Deep Learning libraries (e.g., Pytorch, Tensorflow, Keras) will be considered a significant advantage;
4. Previous research experience will be considered an advantage.

Profile of the ideal candidate
1. Very good analytical skills.
2. Problem solving skills.
3. Hand-on and results driven.
4. Team-oriented attitude.
5. Excellent time-management skills.
6. Have good communication skills.
7. Very good knowledge of English, both written and oral.

Minimum Requirements for the post of Assistant Researcher A'
The appointment will be for a period of one year (12 months) with the prospect of renewal for another one year. The annual gross salary for the (full-time) position will range from € to € , depending on qualifications. It is noted that there is provision for 13th salary (the cost of the 13th salary is proportionally incorporated in the monthly remuneration).

Interested candidates must submit their application comprising of all documents listed below not later than 30 November 2024 at 14.00 CYPRUS TIME, which is the deadline for the submission of the applications.

1. A cover letter in English clearly specifying availability date for full time employment;
2. Scanned or electronic copies of degree certificates and relevant qualifications. True copies of the originals will be requested for the shortlisted candidates;
3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae in English (including contact details);
4. The shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit Letters of Reference by three referees.

* Please combine all necessary documents in one PDF file and then upload on the "Resume" section.

Apply here: 

If you have previously applied for any position at ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, a new application is required.

Screening of applications will begin immediately after this deadline and all applicants will be notified accordingly.

For further information visit ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence webpage at 

For general inquiries, applicants may contact the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, at 

It is noted that:

- For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required;
- Applications will be treated in strict confidence. All information provided will comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union;
- The job requires that the Researcher is physically present at the Centre's premises and preferably becomes a resident in the area of employment;
- ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer;
- ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence does not discriminate in any way on the basis of gender, religion or belief, ethnic, national or social origin, age, physical ability, marital status and sexual orientation;
- The title of the position may be modified.

---