Assistant Researcher A’ at the Environment and Climate Department-Cyprus University of Technology

ONE (1) ASSISTANT RESEARCHER A’ POSITION AT THE ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE DEPARTMENT

ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (www.eratosthenes.org.cy) of the Cyprus University of Technology (www.cut.ac.cy) invites applications for one (1) position at the Assistant Researcher A’ level at the Environment and Climate Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. The position is open either on a full-time (100%) or part-time employment basis. The successful candidate will conduct research under multiple Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence projects funded by the European Union and / or commenced or prone to commence services. The successful candidates will conduct research under multiple Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence projects funded by the European Union, including the flagship Excelsior H2020 Teaming project (https://excelsior2020.eu/), and other European, national, or industry-funded projects (such as LandShift and AfroGrow).

ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is an autonomous Centre of Excellence with Cyprus University of Technology as its sole stakeholder, specialising in earth observation, space technology and geospatial analysis. Cyprus University of Technology has a 16-year experience in earth observations and geospatial analysis. Through the ‘EXCELSIOR’ H2020 Teaming Project (https://excelsior2020.eu/), ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence aspires to become a Digital Innovation Hub for Earth Observation and Geospatial Information by offering knowledge, responsible research, open innovation and application services capable of sustaining Cyprus’ development. ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence aspires to actively contribute to the European Research Area (ERA) priorities in Atmosphere and Climate, Resilient Societies and Big Earth Data Analytics, as well as to become the reference Earth Observation/Geoinformation Centre for research and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa (EMMENA) region.

A core activity of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is to conduct high caliber, state-of-the-art research, both basic and applied. A central task is to acquire research funding for the Centre, to provide facilities to the researchers, and to support them to acquire funding for their research independently and via international and local collaborations. Collaborations with industrial partners are particularly encouraged and facilitated.

Appropriate measures of success will be collaboratively determined based on the Centre’s strategic growth plan and sustainability targets. These will be revised periodically by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

Description of the Position
The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to join its Environment and Climate Department as Assistant Researcher A’. The successful candidate will support research efforts within European-funded projects, including LandShift and AfroGrow Horizon Europe initiatives. The role focuses on advancing Nature-Based Solutions, with a specific emphasis on their implementation and monitoring to address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. The candidate will develop and utilize methodologies for assessing the ecosystem services and impacts of Nature-Based Solutions, and engage with stakeholders across academia, industry, governance, and civil society to co-develop solutions and ensure their practical applicability. Additionally, they will contribute to the creation of sustainability and scalability strategies for Nature-Based Solutions. Candidates with experience in agroforestry and tropical environments will have an added advantage.

LandShift is an innovative initiative addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable land management in the EU’s land-use sector. It aims to reduce biogenic emissions and enhance ecosystem resilience by utilizing Living Earths, integrating FAO LCCS with optimized Earth Observation data, and Data Cubes as centralized data hubs. LandShift focuses on planning Nature-Based Solutions aligned with the New European Bauhaus, promoting carbon sequestration, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. The project emphasizes data-driven decision-making with robust MRV systems to track progress and inform policy. Through outreach and capacity building, LandShift fosters collaboration and empowers stakeholders to advance sustainable land use practices.

AfroGrow aims to promote sustainable agroforestry across Africa by addressing climate resilience, biodiversity, soil health, and socio-economic development, while safeguarding human health. Through six Living Labs, the project will foster collaboration among communities, researchers, and policymakers to co-create solutions tailored to local contexts. These hubs will support knowledge exchange, technology transfer and capacity building, empowering stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices. AfroGrow will develop regional suitability maps for plant species and animal breeds, provide impact assessments, and offer data-driven policy recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be placed in the Environment & Climate Department of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, and is expected to contribute towards shaping and advancing its research and innovation agenda by:
1. Understanding ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence operations;
2. Participating in the preparation and submission of project deliverables;
3. Design, implement, and monitor Nature-Based Solutions, including agroforestry systems, to address environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation;
4. Develop and apply methodologies for assessing ecosystem services and the impacts of Nature-Based Solutions in diverse ecosystems, including tropical and semi-tropical environments;
5. Analyze results from diverse environments, including tropical regions, and prepare scientific reports, presentations, and publications;
6. Collaborate with stakeholders across academia, governance, civil society, and industry to co-develop practical and scalable solutions that promote biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem resilience;
7. Contribute to the creation of sustainability and scalability strategies for Nature-Based Solutions;
8. Disseminating and communicating project results through journal / conference publications, participation in conferences, information days, and other relevant events;
9. Assisting in the establishment of local, regional, and international research networks that can support the long-term research agenda and priorities of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence;
10. Assist in the preparation of grant proposals to secure funding and resources from national, regional, and international schemes for advancing future research initiatives;
11. Participate in knowledge transfer activities, including workshops, training sessions, and public engagement;
12. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align activities with project goals and advance the mission of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence;
13. Participating in meetings at the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence;
14. Working towards fulfilling ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence mission goals;
15. Undertaking any other relevant duties deemed necessary.

Qualifications
1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Science or Forestry or Agriculture or Ecology or Geography or related fields;
2. Master of Science (MSc) in disciplines such as Environmental Science or Natural Resources Management or a closely related field;
3. Demonstrated expertise in Nature-Based Solutions, particularly in their implementation and monitoring is considered an advantage;
4. Experience in agroforestry systems and tropical environments is considered an advantage;
5. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team;
7. Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and convey technical information to diverse audiences;
8. Experience in the preparation of scientific project proposals is considered an advantage;
9. Proven experience in documenting and presenting scientific results in articles and presentations is considered an advantage;
10. Excellent command of English is mandatory while knowledge of Greek or any other relevant language necessary for the position is considered an advantage;
11. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.

Minimum Requirements for the post of Assistant Researcher A’
The minimum requirement for the position of Assistant Researcher A’ is a master’s degree from a recognized university.

The appointment will be for a period of one year (12 months) with the prospect of renewal for another one year. The annual gross salary for the (full-time) position will range from €25,468.08 to €29,592.08 depending on qualifications. It is noted that there is provision for 13th salary (the cost of the 13th salary is proportionally incorporated in the monthly remuneration).

Interested candidates must submit their application comprising of all documents listed below not later than 11 February 2025 at 14.00 CYPRUS TIME, which is the deadline for the submission of the applications.

• A cover letter in English clearly specifying availability date for full time employment;
• Scanned or electronic copies of degree certificates and relevant qualifications. True copies of the originals will be requested for the shortlisted candidates;
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae in English (including contact details);
• The shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit Letters of Reference by three referees.

* Please combine all necessary documents in one PDF file and then upload on the “Resume” section.

Apply here: https://eratosthenes.peopleforce.io/careers/v/99776-assistant-researcher-a-at-the-environment-and-climate-department

If you have previously applied for any position at ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, a new application is required.

Screening of applications will begin immediately after this deadline and all applicants will be notified accordingly.

For further information visit ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence webpage at http://www.eratosthenes.org.cy.

For general inquiries, applicants may contact the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, at vacancies@eratosthenes.org.cy.

It is noted that:

– For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required;
– Applications will be treated in strict confidence. All information provided will comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union;
– The job requires that the Researcher is physically present at the Centre’s premises;
– ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is an equal opportunity employer;
– ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence does not discriminate in any way on the basis of gender, religion or belief, ethnic, national or social origin, age, physical ability, marital status and sexual orientation;
– The title of the position may be modified.