Title: Special Scientist (IT Specialist)
No. of Positions: One (1)
Category: Employment contract
Location: University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus announces one (1) Special Scientist (IT Specialist) position, for full-time employment. The successful candidate will provide IT support to all KIOS CoE personnel, assist in maintaining KIOS CoE IT systems, and be responsible for the effective and secure operation of computer systems, related applications, hardware and software. The appointee will have the opportunity to help shape the IT infrastructure behind high-profile research and innovation projects on critical infrastructures such as Water, Electricity, Power and Health, undertaken by the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence.
Who we are:
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the largest research center of its kind in Cyprus and one of Europe’s leading Centers of Excellence. It combines world-class academic research with real-world application through its innovation-driven environment. The Center is funded through externally supported research and innovation projects and has strong international collaborations, translating advanced research into impactful solutions. The KIOS CoE operates in a diverse environment as an equal opportunity employer.
The Center is internationally recognized, receiving significant national and international awards and distinctions such as European Research Council (ERC) Grants from the European Council, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Frank Rosenblatt Technical Field Award, Digital Water Award 2024 by Water Europe, multiple National New Researcher of the Year Awards, National Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards, and several Best Paper Awards in top-tier international conferences and journals.
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 be part of a leading research and innovation environment where technology plays a critical role in enabling work that makes a difference to society. This opportunity places you within a dynamic, impactful organization, supporting talented professionals while contributing to the smooth operation of a research center of excellence with both local and global reach. The role offers exposure to a uniquely wide range of systems and responsibilities, along with exceptional learning opportunities. You will provide IT support to a center delivering diverse research and innovation projects funded by the European Union, national funding agencies and industry, as well as access to training and professional development. KIOS fosters a multicultural, diverse and inclusive workplace in a flexible and supportive environment that values collaboration, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Job Details
The successful candidate is expected to:
1) Provide IT support to all KIOS CoE personnel:
• Provide support in daily issues that may occur including simple equipment failures, daily software, hardware, or network issues.
• Prepare equipment for new personnel including formatting the equipment and installing basic licensed software depending on the needs and current University of Cyprus policies. Installations include different Operating Systems such as Windows 11 enterprise (default) or Linux-based OS for research/technical purposes or macOS (when applicable).
• Assist in basic migrations/transitions when there is equipment replacement.
• Introduce the newcomers to IT related services offered by the University of Cyprus or specific IT systems built in KIOS, ensuring effective inductions that build the technology awareness and working practices underpinning the center’s activities.
• Set up and support webpages backbone by webserver installations of the CMS (WordPress), including troubleshooting, database creation, user account management, backups, and software installations.
2) Provide support in the maintenance of all KIOS CoE IT systems:
• Set specifications for equipment and communicate with suppliers for acquiring new equipment, following the appropriate procedures.
• Keep updated records of all the IT equipment of the Center, updating serial numbers of all the equipment and its location in existing Inventory System.
• Assist in the design or maintenance and implementation of new IT systems to support Research and Innovation Projects by installing and configuring new software or hardware on client machines and/or server depending on experience level.
• Gain the learning opportunity to be involved with the maintenance of a variety of existing servers and system architectures such as file servers, simulation servers for research, GPU/AI work stations, webservers, applications servers, and database servers.
3) Participate in identification of future needs and propose new IT technologies related to research, innovation and administrative activities of the Center.
Profile of the ideal candidate:
• Attention to detail
• Problem solver with very good troubleshooting, critical thinking and analytical skills
• Team-player
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Flexible and eager to learn
• Able to adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Very good communication, organizational, self-management and time-management skills
• Very good knowledge of the Greek and English language
Required expertise:
• Computer and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, computer hardware and software, including applications and programming, networks, operating systems and virtualization basics. Good knowledge of installing and configuring software and hardware components of a computer system (following installation steps/guides and manual hardware driver installation)
• Networks: Knowledge of local area networks, wide area networks, basic security of networks and network protocols. Basic networking understanding including different network devices, shared media, and protocols involved. Basic understanding of DHCP and DNS terms.
• Operating systems: Knowledge of Windows operating systems including set-up, configuration, installation, user and access management.
Desired expertise (will be considered an advantage):
• Operating systems: Linux or MacOS operating systems knowledge.
• Virtual environments: Knowledge of installation and configuration of back-end applications, set-up of virtual environments and virtual machines.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science or other related field from an accredited institution.
• Two or more years of experience related to first level IT support/Networks or IT system engineering tasks will be considered an advantage.
Employment Terms:
The position is on a contract basis. Initially, a two-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 €1900 – €2700. 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 (if any of your degrees were taught in English, this will be considered equivalent to 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, 15th of May 2026, at 5 pm. The evaluation of the applications will begin immediately. At least the best three candidates 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 employment of persons who have reached the age of 65 years old, at the commencement date of employment, is prohibited.
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].
