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Research Assistant/Associate in Character Animation and Virtual Humans

Career / Research Positions / Research Personnel / Research Assistant/Associate in Character Animation and Virtual Humans

Position: Research Assistant/Associate with the potential of a PhD in Computer Animation and Virtual Humans
Category: An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and project needs.
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Preferred Start Date: April 2023 or as soon thereafter.
Application Deadline: Remain open until the positions are filled.
No. Of Positions: One position at the level of Research Assistants or Research Associate
Salary Range: €30,000 - €45,000 (depends on the applicant qualifications)


About the position  

Applications are invited from candidates who possess the necessary qualifications to fill a full-time research assistant/associate position at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, to investigate in the field of Character Animation and Virtual Humans.

The CYENS Centre of Excellence is dedicated to conducting multidisciplinary research in the broad field of interactive media and smart systems. It is a collaborative initiative between the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, Open University of Cyprus, Max Planck Institute for Informatics (Germany), and University College London (UK), with the support of the Municipality of Nicosia. The Centre was established with initial funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research in the areas of computer animation, extended reality, and artificial intelligence. This research will be carried out in collaboration with a dynamic team of researchers led by Dr. Andreas Aristidou, Dr. Panayiotis Charalambous (V-EUPNEA MRG), and Dr. Yiorgos Chrysanthou (RIPE MRG), to explore current advancements and approaches in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The objective of this research is to offer: (a) novel solutions for overcoming the current limitations in character animation, and (b) essentials for future improvements in a wide range of ambitious and challenging projects.
This project is in close collaboration with Huawei's Israeli R&D center.


Responsibilities of Research Assistant:

Position holders are expected to conduct experimental research on computer graphics/character animation/extended reality, to collect and analyze experimental results, to conduct bibliographical review of the current literature, to publish/present their research results in prestigious international conferences and journals, and potentially to participate in the preparation of research and innovation proposals. We welcome applications from talented and motivated individuals with backgrounds in related fields such as Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Robotics and Computer Science.


General qualifications and requirements:

At the rank of Research Assistant

  • Bachelor's degree and/or postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., Informatics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) from an accredited institution.
  • Strong algorithmic background and computer programming skills (e.g., C, C++, C#, Python, Java), mathematical maturity, and ability to learn quickly.
  • Experience with development in Game Engines (e.g., Unity or Unreal) will be considered an advantage.
  • Knowledge of Computer Graphics and/or Computer Animation and/or Extended Reality technologies will be considered an advantage.
  • Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, including Machine Learning and Deep Learning including the usage of relevant environments (e.g., Keras, Tensorflow, Pytorch, scikit-learn) will be considered an advantage.
  • Previous research experience and high impact research publications will be considered an advantage.
  • Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required. 
 

At the rank of Research Associate

  • MA/MSc/MEng with at least 3 years of experience or PhD holder in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) from an accredited institution.
  • Strong algorithmic background and computer programming skills (e.g., C/C++/Java/C#, Python, Matlab) are a must.
  • High-impact research publications on relevant topics (Computer Graphics, Machine Learning, Robotics, VR/AR/XR)
  • Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, including Machine Learning and Deep Learning including the usage of relevant environments (e.g., Keras, Tensorflow, Pytorch, scikit-learn) will be considered an advantage.
  • Previous grant-writing experience will be considered an advantage.
  • Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required. 
  • Interest to take a leading role by contributing to the direction of the project and co-supervising students.
 
For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required


Profile of the ideal candidate – select relevant qualities required for specific role:

  1. A team player with an ability to work independently and under pressure. 
  2. Self-motivated with the ability to take initiatives.
  3. Willing to learn.
  4. Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, having the ability to deal confidently and politely with enquiries.  
  5. Very good analytical skills coupled with attention to detail.  
  6. Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on and results driven.
  7. High levels of commitment, energy, and drive.
  8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Take advantage of this opportunity for your professional and personal development by being a part of our fast- growing Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence. A very attractive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates according to their qualifications and experience, that it ranges between €30,000-€50,000. From this amount all legal employee contributions will be deducted.


Application process

For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form: “Research Assistant/Associate in Computer Animation and Virtual Humans”


Process for Research Assistant/Associates:

  1. A cover letter which clearly specifies 1) contact details, 2) employment availability date
  2. A detailed curriculum vitae in English.
  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. Contact details of two University professors or one University professor and one industry referee who will provide the letters.
  6. Two (2) representative publications (if applicable).
  7. Two (2) representative innovation outcomes / products (if applicable).
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
In case you previously applied for a post at CYENS CoE, a new application is required.
For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department of CYENS, Centre of Excellence at vacancies@cyens.org.cy .
If applicants have any technical or research-related inquiries, they may direct them to Assistant Professor Andreas Aristidou (a.aristidou@ieee.org).


About CYENS CoE

CYENS Centre of Excellence is focusing on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies aiming to empower knowledge and technology transfer in Cyprus and wider region. It is a joint venture between the three public universities of Cyprus: the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology, and the Open University of Cyprus, the Municipality of Nicosia, and two renowned international partners, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany, and, the University College London, United Kingdom. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017 (Teaming Phase 2) under grant agreement No. 739578, as well as from the Cypriot Government, local and international partners, and other sponsors. 
  
Research in CYENS integrates the Visual Sciences, Human Factors & Design, and Communications & Artificial Intelligence, in a tight synergy that provides a unique interdisciplinary research perspective that emphasizes an “Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans” philosophy. The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research delivered by 18 high-caliber multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to act as an integrator of academic research and industrial innovation, towards the sustainable fueling of the scientific, technological, and economic growth of Cyprus and Europe. 
 
CYENS Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and the position is open to everyone, internationally.
 
All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
 
 
 
 
 


Positions: 1
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Type: An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and project needs.