Ref No.: ERA-ARA-PD-RB-RSD-106
ONE (1) ASSISTANT RESEARCHER A’ OR POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW OR RESEARCHER B’ POSITION AT THE RESILIENT SOCIETY DEPARTMENT
ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (www.eratosthenes.org.cy) of Cyprus University of Technology (www.cut.ac.cy) invites applications for one (1) position at the Assistant Researcher A’ or Post-Doctoral Research Fellow or Researcher B’ level at the Resilient Society Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. The position is open either on a full-time (100%) or part-time employment basis. The successful candidate specializing in artificial intelligence will work under the Eratosthenes Center of Excellence at the Resilient Society department in the Marine Security & Safety cluster.
ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is an autonomous Centre of Excellence with Cyprus University of Technology as its sole stakeholder, specializing 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 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.
Description of the Position
The tasks involve conducting scientific research on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) for earth observation, as well as project work. As a specialist in Maritime Remote Sensing, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing AI and machine learning (ML) techniques to derive information products for maritime surveillance using remote sensing data. This includes SAR imagery from the Sentinel-1 satellite constellation, among others. The successful candidate’s primary responsibility will be to develop and implement AI/ML algorithms for automated detection, classification, and analysis of maritime features and activities, such as vessel detection, oil spill identification, and environmental monitoring. This position offers an exciting opportunity to leverage AI/ML technologies to enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be placed in the Resilient Society Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence at the Marine Security & Safety cluster, and is expected to contribute towards shaping and advancing its research and innovation agenda by:
1. Developing and implementing AI/ML algorithms for automated detection and classification of maritime features and activities using SAR imagery Automatic Identification System AIS data and other remote sensing data sources;
2. Developing deep learning models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and object detection algorithms (e.g., YOLO), to perform real-time analysis of maritime surveillance data;
3. Investigating techniques for feature extraction, pattern recognition, and anomaly detection in SAR imagery and auxiliary datasets;
4. Collaborating with domain experts and stakeholders to understand user requirements and develop AI/ML solutions tailored to specific maritime applications;
5. Evaluating and validate AI/ML models using ground truth data, performance metrics, and user feedback to ensure accuracy and reliability;
6. Staying informed about advancements in AI/ML, deep learning, SAR technology, and remote sensing applications relevant to maritime domain awareness;
7. Providing technical expertise and support to internal and external stakeholders, including training and capacity building activities;
8. Writing, managing and / or coordinating funded projects;
9. Contributing to the documentation and dissemination of findings, including scientific project proposals, reports, result presentations, and scientific publications;
10. Travelling in order to present research findings at scientific conferences or to serve research projects/activities of the Marine Security & Safety cluster;
11. Any other relevant duties deemed useful and necessary.
Qualifications
1. MSc or PhD degree in Computer Science; or Electrical Engineering; or Remote Sensing; or a related field;
2.Strong background in AI/ML theory and applications, with specific experience in deep learning and computer vision;
3.Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or R, and experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch);
4. Knowledge of remote sensing principles and techniques, particularly SAR remote sensing and maritime surveillance is considered an advantage;
5. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative AI/ML solutions for complex maritime challenges;
6. Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and convey technical information to diverse audiences;
7. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively;
8. Experience in maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, or related fields will be considered as an advantage;
9. Experience in the preparation of scientific project proposals is considered an advantage;
10. Proven experience in documenting and presenting scientific results in articles and presentations is considered an advantage;
11. Excellent command of English is mandatory while knowledge of Greek or any other relevant language necessary for the position is considered an advantage.
Minimum Requirements for the post of Assistant Researcher A’ or Post-Doctoral Research Fellow or Researcher B’
This position concerns researchers at the level of Assistant Researcher A’ or who hold a postgraduate (MSc) degree or Post Doc or Reseascher B’ who hold a postgraduate (PhD) degree. The appointment will be for a period of one year (12 months) with the prospect of renewal for another one year.
Assistant Researcher A’: The annual gross salary for the (full-time) position will range from €25468.08 to €29592.08.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow: The annual gross salary for the (full-time) position will range from €36732.10 to €41408.54, depending on qualifications and experience.
Researcher B’: The annual gross salary for the (full-time) position will range from €54328.16 to €61946.19, 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 Monday 16 September 2024 at 14.00 CYPRUS TIME, which is the deadline for the submission of the applications.
1. A cover letter in English clearly specifying availability date for full time employment;
2. Scanned or electronic copies of degree certificates and relevant qualifications. True copies of the originals will be requested for the shortlisted candidates;
3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (including contact details);
4. 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/77130-ass-researcher-a-or-post-doc-research-fellow-or-researcher-b-at-the-resilient-society-department
If you have previously applied for any position at ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, a new application is required.
For further information visit ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence webpage at http://www.eratosthenes.org.cy.
Screening of applications will begin immediately after this deadline and all applicants will be notified accordingly.
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 and preferably becomes a resident in the area of employment;
– 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.
