KIOS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Special Scientist for Research – Research Engineer / Research Associate (Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience)
Title : Special Scientist for Research (Research Engineer and/or Research Associate)
No. of Positions : Two (2)
Category : Employment contract
Location : University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (
www.kios.ucy.ac.cy) at the University of Cyprus announces two (2) Special Scientist for Research (Research Associate and/or Research Engineer) positions, focusing on resilience of critical infrastructures, for full-time employment. The successful candidates will provide technical and research support in research projects funded mainly by Horizon Europe, including the project SPARROW (Solid Preparedness And Resilience for Robust Operations during disaster Wilderness), as well as national or industry-funded projects, to help the Center achieve its strategic objectives.
Who we are:
The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the largest research center at the University of Cyprus and in 2017 was upgraded to a European Research Center of Excellence through the KIOS CoE Teaming project. Currently, the Center employs more than 180 people who are supported by externally funded research and innovation projects. The KIOS CoE operates in a diverse environment as an equal opportunity employer.
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 have the opportunity to work on various high-profile projects with great impact on society and the environment, not only on a local but also on a global scale.
In KIOS we strive to create a multicultural, diverse and inclusive workplace and we strongly support the continuous personnel evolvement and development, both personally and professionally, to fulfill your long-term goals. We offer internal and external professional training, covering both technical and soft skills.
Job Details
- The successful candidates are expected to:
- Undertake research related to the interdependencies of critical infrastructures, the resilience of power and interdependent systems (including communications, water, etc.), and digital twins.
- Apply optimization algorithms for risk- and resilience-aware operational and investment planning in the critical power and interdependent infrastructures.
- Contribute towards the publication of peer-reviewed conference and journal papers.
- Work closely with other researchers and engineers in the team to develop comprehensive solutions.
- Manage the day-to-day project tasks.
- Lead the preparation of reports and project deliverables.
- Frequently attend project meetings for task coordination (physical and online).
Profile of the ideal candidate:
- Problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills
- Strong time management and prioritization skills
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Good organizational and self-management skills
- Good programming skills
- Attention to detail
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Flexible and eager to learn
- Able to adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment
- Excellent knowledge of English language
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s or/and Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Doctorate degree or equivalent (necessary for the Research Associate position while in the case of the Research Engineer position will be considered as an advantage) in the subject areas directly related to Electrical Power Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other related field from an accredited institution.
- Expertise on modelling, operating and planning power and power-telecom systems.
- Experience of interdependency modelling of system-of-systems and cascading effects, and resilience of critical infrastructure systems.
- Track record of publishing high quality research (applicable for the Research Associate position).
- Experience with real time systems/algorithms development C/C++, Python.
- Track record of being involved in project implementation and experience in preparing reports and deliverables.
- Experience with IoT platforms for data collection will be considered as advantage.
- Experience with spatiotemporal time series data processing will be considered as advantage.
Employment Terms:
The positions are 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
- Identify at least two referees that can provide reference letters
The applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than Friday, 20th of March 2026, at 5 pm. The evaluation of the applications will begin immediately. At least the best three candidates per position 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
kioshiring@ucy.ac.cy.
Employment Terms
Students will have the opportunity to be employed for an initial period of 3 months, which can be renewed for a longer period depending on the student’s performance and availability, as well as the needs of each project. This period of employment will be a trial period.
Students will be allocated space to work, and they are required to have a physical presence at KIOS CoE during their work hours. The selected candidates are expected to start their internship placement on June 1, 2026 (for those interested in a summer internship) or on September 1, 2026 (for those interested to work during the Fall Semester 2026).
The employment status will be part-time with a maximum working time of 20 hours per week during the academic year of the University of Cyprus and 35 hours per week during the holiday periods at the University of Cyprus, with gross salary 7,77 €/hour. Various contributions (social insurance, etc.) will be deducted from the gross salary, in accordance with the existing legislation.
How to apply
KIOS CoE accepts applications by undergraduate and postgraduate students of universities in Cyprus or abroad, irrespective of their area of studies.
Applications must be completed through the 
