PostDoc Researcher at the Environment and Climate Department

Ref No.: ERA-PD-ECD-212

ONE (1) POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER 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) Post Doctoral Researcher position 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 candidate 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, AfroGrow, and Nostradamus).

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 more than 17-years 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.

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.

Nemesis is a forward-looking European initiative tackling the accelerating threats of desertification and soil degradation across the Mediterranean. The project brings together science, policy, and society by establishing five autonomous yet interconnected Soil Health Living Labs in Cyprus, France, Italy, North Africa, and Spain. These Living Labs operate as dynamic innovation ecosystems where real-world experimentation, community engagement, and data-driven insights converge. Nemesis integrates multiscale soil health data, local knowledge, and advanced monitoring methods to co-design sustainable land management practices tailored to each region’s environmental and socio-economic context. By empowering local communities and emphasizing the needs of future generations, the Living Labs evolve into demonstration sites for resilient and regenerative soil restoration solutions. The project advances evidence-based decision-making by establishing robust mechanisms to translate field insights into policy-relevant knowledge, supporting EU soil legislation and contributing to broader Mediterranean resilience strategies. Through capacity building, inclusive participation, and cross-border collaboration, Nemesis strengthens stewardship of soil resources and accelerates the transition toward healthy, productive, and climate-resilient landscapes across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Description of the Position

The Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence seeks one highly motivated PostDoc Researcher to join our team specializing in Earth Observation (EO), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Land Use Planning and Management, Soil Science and/or Ecosystem Services. The primary focus will be on assessing and monitoring land use change and management, soil health risk assessment and soil ecosystem services on various spatio-temporal scales. As Researcher in the Land Cluster, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing AI and machine learning (ML) techniques to derive information products for Land Use and Land Cover, as well as for Soil Health Descriptors as defined by the Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience, utilizing existing databases, and Earth Observation and in-situ data. Additionally, the successful candidate will need to assess soil health-related ecosystem services and evaluate how soil health can support the achievement of land use neutrality. This position is suitable for a researcher with a PhD, who will manage and/or coordinate projects within the Environment and Climate Department, as well as prepare and submit project deliverables, scientific publications, reports, and other related outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be placed in the Environment & Climate Department of ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, and is expected to contribute towards shaping and advancing its research and innovation agenda by: 

• Understanding ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence operations;
• Participating in the preparation and submission of project deliverables;
• Managing and / or coordinating funded projects within the Land cluster and Environment & Climate Department;
• Leading initiatives concerning Soil science and health, Ecosystem restoration, Landscape ecology, or relevant topics;
• Conduct research on soil health risk assessment using remote sensing data from satellite and airborne sensors and stay informed about advancements in AI/ML and remote sensing applications relevant to soil health risk assessment;
• Develop and implement algorithms to analyze remote sensing data for key soil health descriptors;
• Develop and implement AI/ML models that integrate EO data, in-situ measurements, and databases to analyze land-use patterns, trends, and drivers, while projecting future scenarios to assess policy and management impacts on LULUCF;
• Evaluate ecosystem services, focusing on the impact and interactions with soil health;
• Conduct studies on ecosystem service impact and land ecology assessment in connection with soil health using remote sensing techniques;
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate remote sensing data with field observations and other datasets;
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals to secure funding and resources from national, regional, and international schemes for advancing future research initiatives;
• Disseminating and communicating project results through journal / conference publications, participation in conferences, information days, and other relevant events;
• 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;
• Mentor and guide graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research activities;
• Provide technical expertise and support to internal and external stakeholders, including training and capacity-building activities;
• Organize and lead regular project team meetings to discuss project progress, assign tasks, and address any issues or concerns;
• Travel to present research findings at scientific conferences or to support research projects/activities of the Land Cluster;
• Participating in meetings at the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence;
• Working towards fulfilling ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence mission goals;
• Any other relevant duties deemed useful and necessary.

Qualifications

• PhD in Remote Sensing/Earth Observation and Soil Science or Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated and strong expertise in remote sensing technologies, with a proven track record in the processing and analysis of satellite data specifically for soil health assessment and monitoring.
• Solid background in AI/ML applications, preferably applied to environmental or agricultural datasets.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB, including experience working with large geospatial and Earth Observation datasets.
• Strong knowledge of soil science, including methods for their assessment.
• Hands-on experience with remote sensing software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS Imagine) and GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), including raster/vector processing, geostatistics, and spatial analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and produce actionable insights.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Experience in preparing scientific proposals for national or international research funding is considered an advantage.
• Experience in coordinating or managing research project activities, including planning, reporting, and follow-up of milestones.
• Ability to monitor project progress, identify risks or issues, and support the team in developing corrective actions.
• Experience in managing project documentation with accuracy, structure, and consistency.
• Proven experience in documenting scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technical reports, is considered an advantage.
• Excellent command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of Greek is considered an advantage.
• A publication record in peer-reviewed journals, particularly in remote sensing, soil health, Earth Observation, or environmental modelling, is mandatory.

Minimum Requirements for the post of PostDoc Researcher

The minimum requirement for the position of PostDoc Researcher is a Doctoral 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 €36,732.10 to €52,908.42, depending on qualifications. It is noted that there is provision for 13^th salary (the cost of the 13^th salary is proportionally incorporated in the monthly remuneration).
 
Interested candidates must submit their application comprising of all documents listed below not later than 24 June 2026 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 them to the "Resume" section.

Apply here: https://eratosthenes.peopleforce.io/careers/v/210047-postdoc-researcher-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.