Research Associate/Assistant- HealthXR MRG

Position: Research Associate/Assistant  

Category: An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and project needs. 

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus 

No. Of Positions: 1 

About the position   

Cancer project proposes to design a low-cost mobile VR system to complement patients’ physiotherapy and psychotherapy. The system will be able to accurately monitor the physical training performed by the patient on a daily basis. In addition, the system will assess in real-time the patient’s performance and will provide guidance to improve the training tasks accuracy. 
The system will also serve as a virtual platform to facilitate remote psychotherapy for cancer patients and their psychotherapists. 

 
To do so, it leverages on a few state-of-the-art technologies: 

1. Virtual Reality, through the use of low-cost Head-Mounted Display (HMD) systems, which will surround the user’s vision completely. The VR-HMDs include head-tracking machinery to track the motion of the user’s head and present a 360° Virtual Environment; 

2. Interactivity Devices, to enhance the user’s engagement into the Virtual Environment and to monitor and correct the user’s movement. These interactive devices will include Arduinos, which will facilitate more natural movements and navigations in the Virtual Environment. 

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct fundamental and/or applied research in the aforementioned areas. Where applicable, candidates may also participate in the preparation of project reports and deliverables, research proposals for funding, software development, and travel abroad for dissemination activities. Furthermore, successful candidates will be encouraged to publish/present their research results in prestigious international conferences and journals. 

Responsibilities of Research Associate:  

1. Designing and developing Virtual Reality environments; 

2. Programming tracking devices (such as Arduinos), and or bio-signal devices (such as myo armband) suitable to the needs of a people with dementia and cancer patients 

3. Analysing bio-signals 

General qualifications and requirements 

1. Bachelor or master’s degree in one of the following areas or a related area: computer science, graphic design, digital arts, cognitive systems.  

2. Programming skills in C++ or C#, and familiarity with game engines such as Unity3D and Unreal Engine. Experience with VR development.  

3. Ability to create 3D models to be used in VR applications. Proficiency in 3DS Max, Maya or other 3D modeling software and Photoshop. Knowledge and ability to implement the full game asset pipeline, with experience in Substance Design a plus.  

4. Bio-signals Analysis skills, preferably in Electrocardiography (ECG), Photoplethysmogram (PPG), Electromyography (EMG), Electrodermal Activity (EDA).   

5. Computer literate. 

6. Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required.   

For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required 

Profile of the ideal candidate:  

1. Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.   

2. Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, having the ability to deal confidently and politely with enquiries.   

3. Very good analytical skills coupled with attention to detail.   

4. Dynamic, adaptable, hands-on and results driven. 

5. A team player with an ability to work independently and under pressure.  

6. High levels of commitment, energy, and drive. 

7. 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 the successful candidate according to qualifications and experience. 

Application process  

For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the: “Application for Research Associate/Assistant: 

Process for Research 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). 

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 . 

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.