Researcher (Social and Political Sciences)

Deadline: November 21, 2025

Title: Special Scientist for Research (Researcher)
No. of Positions: One (1)
Category: Employment contract
Location: University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

The Department of Social and Political Sciences, in collaboration with the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus announce one (1) Researcher position, for part-time employment. The successful candidate will conduct research under projects funded by the European Union, as well as national or industry-funded projects.

University of Cyprus

The University of Cyprus was officially founded in 1989 and started operating in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, in 1992. Within a short time, the University of Cyprus managed to achieve international recognition through an impressive course of development. Today, it is ranked among the top 100 young universities (under 50 years) and #401-500 worldwide by the Times New Higher Education Rankings.

These great distinctions are the result of our dedication to excellence and continuous development. The University of Cyprus managed to stand out and receive awards for the new paths it has opened up in particularly demanding and dynamic contexts of research. The University of Cyprus becomes better every year; therefore, it wishes to attract the best employees.

To this end, the University constantly develops its programs of study and recruits high-caliber staff who will contribute significantly to the design of new curricula, both at undergraduate and graduate level.

Department of Social and Political Sciences

The Department of Social and Political Sciences (SPS) in one of the largest university departments in Cyprus with about 400 undergraduate, 50 graduate, and 12 doctoral students. It offers academic programs in the three distinct fields of Sociology, Political Science and Journalism. The SPS is a dynamic and creative academic community of 20 faculty members, 12 adjunct lecturers and a number of research associates.
More specifically, the Department:
• Runs three popular undergraduate programs in Political Science (since 1996), Sociology (since 1997) and Journalism (since 2012); an MA program in Political Science (since 2012) and two PhD programs in Political Science and Sociology (since 1999).
• Runs a Departmental Internship Program, offering the opportunity to undergraduate and graduate students to gain practical training in important public and private organizations.
• Runs one of the largest Erasmus university programs sending and hosting dozens of students through a well-established network of more than 50 universities.
• Participates in inter-university European programs and organizes an international summer school.
• Has an internationalized faculty that undertakes and publishes high-quality research and serves in the editorial boards and editorial teams of well-known international journals.
• Has faculty members who are actively involved in social outreach activities in Cyprus; policy- making in various national and international bodies; and offers expertise in various fora.

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the largest research center at the University of Cyprus and in 2017 was upgraded to a European Research Center of Excellence through the KIOS CoE Teaming project. Currently, the Center employs more than 200 people who are supported by externally funded research and innovation projects. The KIOS CoE operates in a diverse environment as an equal opportunity employer.

What we do:
KIOS provides an inspiring environment for carrying out top level research and innovation in the area of Information and Communication Technologies, with emphasis on the Monitoring, Control and Security of Critical Infrastructures. Such infrastructures include power and energy systems, water networks, transportation networks, telecommunication networks and emergency management and response. The Center instigates interdisciplinary interaction and promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and research organizations in high-tech areas of global importance.

Why work at KIOS:
You will have the opportunity to work on various high-profile projects with great impact on society and the environment, not only on a local but also on a global scale.
In KIOS we strive to create a multicultural, diverse and inclusive workplace and we strongly support the continuous personnel evolvement and development, both personally and professionally, to fulfill your long-term goals. We offer internal and external professional training, covering both technical and soft skills.

Job Details

The successful candidate is expected to:
• Work independently and/or in a team in fundamental and/or applied research, typically in the
context of research and/or innovation projects.
• Engage in the preparation of research and/or innovation proposals and deliverables
• Create and pilot qualitative and quantitative research instruments in the Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Education).
• Collect, clean, and analyze qualitative and/or quantitative data.
• Prepare reports, research findings and outcomes.

Profile of the ideal candidate:
• Problem solver
• Team-player
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Flexible and eager to learn
• Able to adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Have good communication and organizational skills
• Excellent knowledge of the English language

Qualifications
Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Social Sciences (e.g. Political Science, Sociology or Psychology, Education, Anthropology) from an accredited institution

Employment Terms:
The position is on a contract basis. Initially, a one-year contract will be offered, with a 6-month probation period, which is renewable based on performance. The gross monthly salary depends on the candidate’s qualifications and experience and will be between €750 – €1150 (80 hours/month). From this amount, employee contributions to the Cyprus government funds will be deducted. A 13th salary bonus is incorporated in the monthly salary. Maternity leave will be granted based on Maternity Protection Law 1997(Ν.100(Ι)/1997), and the existing amendment laws.

Application:
Interested candidates should submit the following items online through the link:
https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/recruitment
• Cover letter explaining the interest of the applicant in pursuing a career at the KIOS CoE, along with employment availability date, in English
• Short summary of prior work experiences, activities and accomplishments (can be combined with the cover letter), in English (2 pages maximum)
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English
• Copies of transcripts of BSc/MSc or other degree(s)
• Copy of an English language certificate
• Identify at least two referees that can provide reference letters

The applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than Friday, 21st of November 2025, at 5 pm. The evaluation of the applications will begin immediately. At least the best three candidates per position that satisfy the required qualifications will be interviewed by a 3-member Selection Committee. Candidates will be informed of the result of their application by the KIOS CoE.

Applicants need not be citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. Applicants should however ensure, before applying, that in case they are selected they will be residing in Cyprus on a full-time basis during the employment period and submission of application implies acceptance of this condition.

The University of Cyprus shall collect and process your personal data according to the provisions of the General Regulation on Personal Data 2016/679 (EU).
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality, as well as the elimination of all forms of discrimination in order to provide a fair, safe, and pleasant environment for the entire university community, where students and staff members will feel supported both in their professional and personal development, within and beyond their multiple identities. To this end, UCY seeks to create the necessary conditions that will encourage and respect diversity and ensure dignity both in the workplace and society at large. Moreover, UCY has adopted specific policies to promote equal opportunities, as well as respect and understanding of diversity, while it is committed to promoting and maintaining a working, teaching, and learning environment, free from any form of discrimination, whether direct or indirect.

For more information, please contact the KIOS Center of Excellence, by phone at +357 22893460 or via e-mail at [email protected].