Research Assistant ViWAS Project

Department: Innovation / Education and Training 

No. Of Positions: 1 Full-Time Researcher 

Reporting Line: Education and Training Manager 

Contract Type: Fixed Term project-based contract. An initial one-year employment contract will be offered with the possibility for renewal.

Duration of project: 48 months (01/05/2026 – 31/05/2030)

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range: €18000 – €30,000. The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. 

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

Application Deadline: (2 weeks) 12^th of July 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 About the project / position:

CYENS Centre of Excellence is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Education & Training team within the Virtual Worlds Academy of Skills (ViWAS), a large-scale European initiative funded by the Digital Europe Programme. PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will contribute to research and development activities at the intersection of Virtual Worlds, immersive technologies (XR), digital skills, education, and workforce development. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain and further develop research experience while actively participating in a major European project involving leading academic institutions, research centres, industry partners, and policy stakeholders across Europe.

The candidate will work closely with the ViWAS coordination team and international experts, contributing to the development of innovative frameworks, research studies, educational programmes, and evidence-based policy recommendations supporting the adoption of Virtual Worlds across multiple sectors. Candidates are expected to demonstrate research engagement appropriate to their career stage, including experience with literature reviews, research design, data collection and analysis, academic writing, project deliverables, presentations, and/or publications.

The Research Assistant will be involved in aspects of the following:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research related to digital skills, Virtual Worlds, XR technologies, education and future workforce needs.
• Contribute to the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of the ViWAS Competence and Qualification Framework (CQF).
• Perform literature reviews, and policy analyses related to skills development and emerging technologies.
• Support research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, conference papers, project deliverables, and research reports, and policy-oriented outputs.
• Participate in the design, piloting, evaluation, and continuous improvement of educational programmes, curricula and micro-credentials for Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training (VET), and lifelong learning.
• Collaborate with project partners, researchers, educational institutions, industry representatives, and policy stakeholders across Europe.
• Support dissemination, communication, and stakeholder engagement activities.

1. MSc/MA  or PhD in Education, Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, Human-Computer Interaction, or another relevant field aligned with the responsibilities and activities of the position.
2. Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
3. Ability to conduct literature reviews, collect and analyse research data, and synthesise findings.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
5. Familiarity with Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality (VR/AR/XR) technologies, applications, and devices.
6. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international and multidisciplinary environment.
7. Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required.  
8. For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required

• Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing research findings. 
• Experience presenting academic or professional work in seminars, workshops, conferences, or educational settings will be considered an advantage. 
• Evidence of interest in research related to Virtual Worlds, immersive technologies (VR/AR/XR), digital skills, educational innovation, learning technologies, or emerging technologies. 
• Experience contributing to research deliverables, reports, publications, or project outputs will be considered an advantage.
• Participation in national or European research and innovation projects is desirable but not essential.

• Experience in EU-funded projects.
• Experience in educational technology, XR technologies, digital skills development, or curriculum design.
• Experience in preparing research reports, policy briefs, project deliverables, or academic publications.
• Familiarity with European education, skills, innovation, or digital policy initiatives.
• Experience in higher education, vocational education and training (VET), or lifelong learning contexts.

CYENS offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge European research and innovation in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international environment. The successful candidate will work alongside leading academic institutions, research centres, industry partners, and policy stakeholders across Europe, contributing to the development of innovative solutions that shape the future of Virtual Worlds, digital skills, and education. The position provides valuable hands-on research experience, opportunities for professional and academic development, exposure to high-impact European projects, and access to a collaborative environment that fosters learning, innovation, and scientific excellence.

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. 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. 

Enquiries
 For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department at vacancies@cyens.org.cy.