Title: Special Scientist for Research (Research Engineer or Research Associate)
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 for Research (Research Engineer or Research Associate) position, for full-time employment. The successful candidate will conduct research and development of end-to-end applied cybersecurity solutions.
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. Currently, the Center employs more than 200 people who are supported by externally funded 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 ERC Grants from the European Council, an 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.
Why work at KIOS:
You will contribute to high-profile projects, both locally and globally, with opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and conferences, grow professionally, and take ownership in a dynamic, intellectually rigorous environment. You will collaborate closely with leading academics and multidisciplinary teams, advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world deployments across critical infrastructure systems, while seeing your work delivering tangible impact on today’s most important challenges. We offer a flexible and supportive environment, along with opportunities for continuous training and professional development.
Job Details
The successful candidate is expected to:
• Conduct and oversee the research and development activities and deliverables of related EU-funded Research Innovation Action (RIA) projects, focusing on applied post quantum cryptography in programmable networked systems over resource-constrained setups.
• Steer applied research directions in the areas of applied cryptosystems, trusted execution environments, programmable security, and network function virtualization for security.
• Produce, publish and present research results in high quality conferences and journals.
• Prepare reports and project deliverables.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.
Profile of the ideal candidate:
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Team-player
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Flexible and eager to learn
• Able to adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Have good communication, organizational and self-management skills
• Excellent knowledge of the English language
The required skills and expertise for the announced position include the following:
• Networked systems security
• Operating Systems (OS) security
• Applied cryptosystems
• Computer Networks
• Systems programming
The desired skills and expertise for the announced position include the following:
• Software Defined Networking
• Programmable Networks
• Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS)
• Secure software execution and verification
• Trusted Execution Environments
• Operational Technology (OT) security
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s or/and Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Doctorate degree or equivalent in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution (necessary for the Research Associate position while in the case of the Research Engineer position will be considered as an advantage).
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 €1900 – €2700 for Research Engineer, and between €2300 – €3500 for Research Associate. 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/PhD 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)
• Contact details of 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].
