The position is funded by the Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF) and will start on September 2025, as part of the CLEAR project. The CLEAR project aims to improve food and water biosafety in Cyprus, by focusing on the detection, monitoring and control of waterborne and foodborne parasites, particularly Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia duodenalis (C & G), in leafy greens and water resources, with the goal of safeguarding both public health and the environment. The project addresses major challenges in environmental health and disease prevention using One Health Concept, which is consistent with Cyprus's Smart Specialization Strategy (S3Cy-7.4.2). The overall goal is to improve food and water safety, through novel diagnostic technology and cross-sector collaboration to increase Cyprus' capability for parasite monitoring and prevention, while lowering health risks (diarrheal diseases) associated with contaminated food and water (foodborne and waterborne outbreaks).
Prof. Panagiotis Karanis, the project coordinator (PC) of the CLEAR project, is an internationally recognised expert in Parasitology. He is also Cyprus' National Representative (management committee) for 'One Health Drugs Against Parasitic Vector-Borne Diseases in Europe and beyond (OneHealthConcept), demonstrating his strong commitment to global health initiatives. His research profile is dedicated to developing diagnostic methods for controlling emerging, re-emerging, and neglected parasitic waterborne, food-borne, and vector-borne diseases. This includes the creation of diagnostic tools for such parasitic illnesses, as well as addressing climate and demographic changes. Prof. Karanis's commitment to engaging in worldwide interdisciplinary collaborations is a testament to his dedication to the 'One World – One Health' concept.
You can expect an interesting and challenging field of work as well as excellent working conditions in a dynamic and multinational team that works closely with national and international partners at universities and in industry.
The position will be based in Nicosia. This job is a fixed-term, paid position for 24 months (2years) and the third year is for the papers and PhD draft preparation.
The PhD research outcomes will raise awareness of Cryptosporidium & Giardia environmental contamination, with a specific focus on the necessity of LAMP assay for threat diagnosis.
The research and training activities of this position are fully aligned with the PhD Programme in Medical Sciences of the Medical School, ensuring compliance with academic regulations, structured doctoral supervision, and fulfillment of all programme requirements.
Your tasks:
General Laboratory Responsibilities
- Organize, process, and document water and vegetable samples, ensuring precise labelling, storage, and traceability.
- Prepare, process, and monitor samples, including proper storage and continuation of research material.
- Support daily laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment oversight, and adherence to safety standards.
- Conduct precise molecular biology reactions and maintain detailed digital documentation of experimental results.
- Perform genotyping assays and contribute to the interpretation of molecular data.
- Ensure compliance with sustainability practices, safety protocols, and laboratory quality standards.
- Collaborate with the Project Coordinator (PhD Supervisor), Senior Scientists, Laboratory staff and external service providers, fostering effective teamwork and communication.
PhD-Specific Research Tasks
Artificial Contamination of C & G:
- Samples preparation & standardization: Preparing various samples with types of water and food items, and developing standardized definitions for the volume/mass/number.
- Purchasing C & G samples and preparing concentrations for artificial contamination.
- Standardization of steps in detection procedure: "elution or filtration/concentration/detection".
Development of a Water Molecular Diagnostic Assay for C and G:
- DNA extraction of concentrated (oo)cysts and PCR amplification.
- Preparation of LAMP assays' primers and application of LAMP assay to amplify different species of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis on artificially contaminated samples.
- Optimisation of LAMP reaction conditions.
- Verification of LAMP detection specificity by sequencing the product.
- Coordinate statistical analysis across prepare data for comparison to PCR outcomes "PCR will be used as a gold standard", considering quality control.
Food Detection Approach for C and G:
- Development of procedural stages for extracting oocysts from various leafy green food items.
- Standardisation of different elution methods, concentration techniques according to each food item.
- Implementation of the novel LAMP assay to the (oo)cysts collected and disturbed pellet.
- Verification of LAMP detection specificity by sequencing the product.
Field Validation of Molecular Assay in the Environment:
- Application of LAMP assay on different water sources, including hotels, swimming pools, and leafy green food items from the Cyprus market.
- Validation of LAMP as an accurate, specific, sensitive and reliable molecular tool in the diagnosis of C & G from environmental samples.
Scientific dissemination & Academic development
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to project meetings, workshops, and reporting deliverables.
- Engage actively in the academic community as part of the PhD training programme.
- Ensure that all research and training activities are fully aligned with the PhD Programme in Medical Sciences of the Medical School, meeting programme regulations and academic standards.
Your profile:
Education & Qualifications
- MSc degree (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
- Completed vocational training in a relevant laboratory discipline (medical, biological, chemical, environmental, or technical field) is considered an asset.
Job-Specific Skills
- Proven experience in microbiological and molecular biological work, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and related assays.
- Familiarity with sample processing, handling of environmental matrices (water, food), and contamination prevention measures.
- Experience with digital tools (e.g., laboratory databases, Excel, waste disposal forms, internal ordering systems).
- Strong organizational skills with an independent, structured, and reliable working style.
- Ability to manage complex molecular workflows with precision and attention to detail.
- Proactive problem-solving approach in daily work and the implementation of practical solutions.
Soft Skills & Competencies
- Team orientation and excellent communication skills when working with laboratory staff and external service providers.
- Commitment to safety, order, and sustainability in the laboratory environment.
- Flexibility in adapting to new methods, tasks, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken); Greek language skills are an advantage.
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office and Office 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, TeamSite).
What we offer:
- Outstanding working conditions with access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and resources.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and exchange at the highest scientific level.
- Attractive employment package, including competitive compensation aligned with qualifications and experience.
- Flexible working hours to accommodate personal and professional needs.
- Family-friendly environment that values diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
- Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and active participation in scientific meetings.
Information and Application
For a formal application, please submit your CV through our online recruitment system.
For further information regarding the position please contact:
Prof. Panagiotis Karanis: [email protected]
For any clarifications regarding the application procedure please contact the HR Department at 22841533 or 22841535.
Application deadline 30/09/2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.