Research Associate – HealthXR MRG

Position: Research Associate 

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

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus 

Application Deadline: Remain open until the positions are filled  

No. Of Positions: 1 

Salary: €19,200-€24,000 

About the position   

User Experience Researcher (UX); Researcher with a background in UX Design, HCI, Psychology, and Social Sciences. 

The position is under the HealthXR: Smart, Ubiquitous and Participatory Technologies for Healthcare Innovation MRG, and focuses on researching virtual and augmented reality, as well as human-computer interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. The research will be applied to create psychophysiological interventions for patients with cancer and dementia.  

The ideal candidate should be able to conduct fundamental and applied research in the aforementioned areas. Additionally, the candidate should be responsible for systematic literature reviews, data collection, generating ethical documents and reports for the National Bioethics Committee, and preparing project reports and deliverables.  

The successful candidate will also be encouraged to co-author several publications in prestigious international conferences and journals. 

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Constantinos Pattichis, MRG Leader, and Dr. Maria Matsangidou, Senior Research Fellow, HealthXR: Smart, Ubiquitous and Participatory Technologies for Healthcare Innovation. 

Responsibilities of Research Associate:  

1. Conduct fundamental and applied research in virtual and augmented reality, human-computer interactions, and psychophysiological interventions for patients with cancer and dementia. 

2. Conduct systematic literature reviews to gather relevant information and insights to inisiate new projects. 

3. Collect data through various research methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and usability testing. 

4. Generate ethical documents and reports for submission to the National Bioethics Committee, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulations. 

5. Prepare project reports and deliverables, including progress reports, research findings, and recommendations for implementation. 

6. Collaborate with the research team to develop innovative solutions and interventions using smart, ubiquitous, and participatory technologies for healthcare innovation. 

7. Co-author publications in prestigious international conferences and journals, contributing to the dissemination of research findings and advancing the field of UX design and healthcare innovation. 

8. Work closely with Prof. Constantinos Pattichis, MRG Leader, and Dr. Maria Matsangidou, Senior Research Fellow, to ensure alignment with project goals and objectives. 

9. Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in UX design, HCI, psychology, and social sciences, and integrate relevant insights into research activities. 

10. Adhere to project timelines and milestones, ensuring timely completion of research tasks and deliverables. 

11. Participate actively in project meetings (travelling may require), discussions, and presentations, contributing valuable insights and expertise to the research team. 

General qualifications and requirements 

1. University Degree (Master’s Degree or Degree of a level equivalent to Master’s Degree) or Diploma or Certificate or other study title or qualifications in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Social Sciences, or a related area. (Candidates with other backgrounds but an otherwise solid profile may also be considered).   

2. Data collection experience; Having experience with patients and/or a license to collect medical data will be considered an advantage.  

3. Independence in creating study protocols and ethical documents for the National Bioethics Committee.  

4. Previous research experience and publishing high-impact research papers will be an advantage. 

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

6. 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 – HealthXR”: 

Process for Research Associates:  

1. A cover letter which clearly specifies 1) contact details, 2) employment availability date, 3) part-time or full-time availability 

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.