Research Assistant in AI-based Image Analysis

Responsibilities

Department: Research / DeepCamera

No. Of Positions: 1

Reporting Line: Research Team Leader 

Contract Type: An initial one-year fixed term employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal. Full Time basis.

Duration of project: 36 months (September 2026 – August 2029)

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range: €18,000 – €23,000 The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. 

Preferred Start Date: July 2026, or as soon as possible.

Application Deadline: 19^th of June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About the project / position:

The successful candidate will work in the area of AI-based underwater image analysis and marine species detection. Marine biodiversity monitoring currently relies on large volumes of underwater video footage that must be manually analysed, a process that is time-consuming and prone to variability. Advances in artificial intelligence and computer vision provide the opportunity to automate species detection and classification, significantly improving efficiency and consistency in marine ecological assessments. In this role, the successful candidate will develop, train, and validate deep learning models for automated detection and classification of marine species from underwater imagery and video datasets. The position is part of the EU-funded ATLANTIS project (I3–ERDF), developing underwater technologies for marine monitoring and sustainable blue-economy applications.

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.

1. Perform data curation, preprocessing, and quality control of underwater imagery and video datasets, in collaboration with marine experts
2. Design, train, and evaluate deep learning models for automated detection and classification of marine species 
3. Develop computer vision pipelines for video processing and model inference 
4. Evaluate model performance using quantitative metrics 
5. Contribute to the integration of AI-based detection models into operational biodiversity monitoring workflows and data analysis pipelines 
6. Collaborate with project partners and contribute to the preparation of deliverables, technical reports, and dissemination materials 
7. Contribute to other activities of the research group and the Centre

Your profile

1. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team 
2. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills 
3. Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.  
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. A team player with an ability to work independently and under pressure. 
8. High levels of commitment, energy, and drive.
9. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

General qualifications and requirements

1. M.Sc. / Ph.D. in Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a closely related field, or in related area. 
2. 3 years of relevant experience required 
3. Demonstrated experience in applied research in artificial intelligence or computer vision 
4. Experience in experimental design, model training, and quantitative evaluation of machine learning systems 
5. Evidence of scientific writing and dissemination (e.g. peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations)
6. Strong programming skills in Python, with experience using deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch or TensorFlow) 
7. Experience in computer vision and image or video analysis 
8. Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required.  
9. For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required

1. Experience with object detection or image segmentation models (e.g. YOLO, Mask R-CNN, Detectron2, etc.) 
2. Experience working with large image or video datasets and annotation tools (e.g. CVAT) 
3. Familiarity with Linux-based computing environments and version control systems (e.g. Git) 
4. Experience with data augmentation, transfer learning, or domain adaptation techniques 
5. Prior experience with environmental monitoring, marine datasets, or remote sensing imagery
6. Previous research experience and high impact research publications on relevant topics (a requirement for PhD holders/an advantage for non-PhD holders). 

Why us?

CYENS offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of research and innovation within a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international environment. Researchers benefit from collaboration with leading academic and industry partners, participation in high-impact national and European projects, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities for professional growth and scientific excellence.

Application process

For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and clearly indicate the position title in their application:

1. Full CV (including contact details).
2. Cover letter outlining: 
   1. your suitability for the role
   2. your motivation for applying; 
   3. your earliest available start date, part-time or full-time availability
   4. Research Group (s) of interest in order of priority
   5. contact details of two referees. 
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. Two (2) representative publications (if applicable).
6. Two (2) representative innovation outcomes / products (if applicable).

Important Information

• Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
• Applicants who have previously applied for a position at CYENS are required to submit a new application. 
• All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. 
• CYENS Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates worldwide. 

Contact details

About us

CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE) is the Research and Innovation Centre on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies empowering knowledge and technology transfer in the region. CYENS CoE is supported by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and its founding Partners, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI), University College London, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Open University of Cyprus.   

The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and STEM-led innovation and entrepreneurship. 

 CYENS, as a Centre of Excellence, cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity in an inspiring environment filled with academics, researchers, creative and onward-looking people, innovators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. The Centre operates under the moto “Inspired by Humans Designed for Humans” with the vision to produce world class research that drives innovation towards social and economic benefit while conducting excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence. It sets out to meet the challenge with a total potential funding of more than 30 million Euros for the first 7 years, from a Horizon 2020 Teaming Action and multiple other sources, and a business plan for long-term sustainability and growth.