Deadline for applications: 13/10/2024

Application process open *

The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a European non-profit Science and Technology oriented Educational and Research Institution based in Cyprus and led by an acclaimed Board of Trustees. The research agenda of the CyI is pursued at its five Research Centres: The Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC), the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC), the Energy Environment Water Research Centre (EEWRC), the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C), and the Science and Technology Driven Policy and Innovation Research Centre (STeDI-RC). Considerable cross-centre interaction is a characteristic of the Institute’s culture.

The Cyprus Institute invites applications for a highly qualified and motivated individual to join the Institute as a Research Assistant in Sample Preparation in the STARC. The successful candidate will support archaeological sample preparation for chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural analyses, with emphasis on the preparation of ceramic samples into polished blocks and thin sections, and routine analysis and sample documentation using instrumental analysis methods (OM, SEM-EDS, hhXRF).

The Assistant will be supporting laboratory and research staff with the primary goal of efficient lab procedures and producing consistent results, both from sample preparation and from instrumental analysis. The successful candidate will need to be thorough when carrying out their duties, successfully maintain records of laboratory processes and equipment, and generate reliable reports. On-the-job training will be provided at the beginning of employment.

This is for a part-time appointment (50%) and the initial period of the appointment will be for a duration of 8 months with the possibility of renewal, depending on performance and availability of funds. An internationally competitive remuneration package will be offered, which is commensurate with the level of experience of the successful candidate.

Responsibilities/activities to be involved in:

1. Collecting, receiving, labelling, documenting and registering samples or substances;
2. Sample preparation, with emphasis on ceramic thin sections and metal, slags, ceramics, and glass polished blocks;
3. Supporting research activities, including museum and fieldwork, sample analysis and documentation by OM, SEM-EDS and hhXRF, and data collection;
4. Recording all experimental data and test results accurately and in the specified format (written and/or electronic);
5. Ensuring that safety guidelines are adhered to at all times within the laboratory;
6. Maintaining daily logs and equipment record books;
7. Cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining laboratory equipment;
8. Providing other technical support, when necessary

Required Qualifications

• A Βachelor’s degree in any field, with a degree in Archaeology, Geology, Material Sciences, or cognate subjects as an advantage.
• Excellent knowledge of the English language, both verbal and writing
• Demonstrated development ability, outstanding organizational, analytical, problem solving and communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to a multicultural/multinational environment

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Archaeology, Geology, Material Sciences, or cognate subjects will be considered a competitive advantage;
• Prior familiarity with lab processes will be considered as a competitive advantage

Application

For full consideration, interested applicants should process their application at The Cyprus Institute Exelsys Platform (https://bit.ly/3HDLRTw) based on the instructions given. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae including a short letter of interest, and a list of two (2) referees (including contact information) (all documentation should be in English and in PDF Format). For further information, please contact Prof Thilo Rehren (th.rehren@cyi.ac.cy). Please note that applications which do not fulfill the required qualifications and do not follow the announcement’s guidelines will not be considered.

*Recruitment will continue until the application process is marked as closed

The Cyprus Institute is an Equal Opportunities Employer certified from the Cypriot Ministry of Labor and also an HRS4R accredited Institution that adheres to the European Commission’s “Charter & Code” principles for recruitment and selection.

Contact person: Prof Thilo Rehren

Reference number: STARC_LA_24_05