Deadline for applications: 16/03/2025

Application process open *

The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a European non-profit, Science- and Technology-oriented Educational and Research Institution, based in Cyprus and governed by an acclaimed Board of Directors. The research agenda of the CyI is pursued at its five Research Centres, namely:

1. The Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC)
2. The Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC)
3. The Energy Environment Water Research Centre (EEWRC)
4. The Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C)
5. The Science and Technology Driven Policy and Innovation Research Centre (STeDI-RC)

Considerable cross-centre interaction is a characteristic of the Institute’s scientific ethos.

The Cyprus Institute invites applications for highly qualified and motivated professionals to join the Institute’s CARE-C Centre of Excellence, USRL facility on a full-time basis (100% FTE) for its premises at Athalassa and Orounda Campuses.

The Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL; http://usrl.cyi.ac.cy), a flagship facility of the Cyprus Institute (CyI) develops and operates state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in various fields of research, including atmospheric sciences, environmental monitoring, including image-based earth observations.

Due to the increasing demand in flying operations mostly related to environmental monitoring and more specifically to preventive forest surveillance for the identification of fires at early stage, The Cyprus Institute is seeking two (2) UAS/UAV Pilots (in the rank of Technical Research Assistant) to actively contribute in flying operations as well as maintenance and further development of the UAS for various purposes. The successful candidates are also expected to contribute with the maintenance and repairs on the UAS and support scientists and engineers of the team to integrate new instruments on board the UAVs.

Position Specific Responsibilities/activities:

1. Participating in Forest Surveillance operations
2. Coordinating and actively participating in ground and flight operation efforts including mission planning and inspections
3. Developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency in the operations of the UAVs
4. Responsible for maintaining the airworthiness of the USRL UAV fleet to be available at any time
5. Responsible for safeguarding flight operations
6. Contributing to the development of UAS (Platforms, Systems and Ground Control Station)
7. Conducting scheduled Test Flights for the purpose of the development and optimization of the platforms and the avionic/navigation systems
8. Ensuring compliance with service guidance, Cyprus Institute’s policy and procedures
9. Comply with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and European Union, Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.
10. Participating in national and field deployment and demonstrations of UAVs.
11. Remaining current on UAS and associated technology and make appropriate recommendations to their supervisors.

Position Specific Required Qualifications:

• Flight experience in unmanned aircraft is required either as a recreational, sport, private, or commercial pilot
• Knowledge of basic Aerodynamics and flight theory
• Good experience in building and maintaining advanced RC models (fixed-wing and/or multi-rotors)
• Knowledge and experience in general aviation and UAS
• First Person View flying experience
• At least 1 year of flight experience in unmanned aircraft is required either as a recreational or sport, private, or commercial pilot

Position Preferred Qualifications:

• EASA certification for A1/A2/A3 (this certification it will be an advantage to have it prior employment but not an exclusion criterion for the position. It can be obtained with start of employment at CyI)

Please click here for the position’s detailed job description, including general responsibilities, requirements and other details related to the position.

Duration of appointment:

The initial period of the appointment will be for a duration of 12 months with the possibility of renewal, depending on performance and availability of funds.

Remuneration details:

Salary Band: CYI(1-13)

Position’s Starting Salary: CYI2.1 - €24851.71

Benefits:

Among other benefits, the Cyprus Institute offers flexible and remote work, additional paid leave for supporting staff work-life balance, provident fund membership and group medical and life insurance membership.

Application

Applications can be submitted through The Cyprus Institute Exelsys Platform (https://bit.ly/3HDLRTw), by following the instructions provided. Applicants should submit:

1. A curriculum vitae, including a short letter of interest/vision statement,
2. List of two (2) referees (including contact information)

All documentation should be in English and in PDF format.

For further information, please contact Prof Jean Sciare (j.sciare@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 adhering to the European Commission’s “Charter & Code”, principles for recruitment and selection.

Contact person: Prof Jean Sciare

Reference number: CARE-C_UAVP_25_04