Research Assistant - Biologist

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Title of research project and CODE:  PDTenhance : Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy in Cancer Through Tumor Microenvironment Normalization “EXCELLENCE/0524/0227”

Organisation Unit (Faculty/School/Office, etc): European University Cyprus, Department of Health Sciences

Duration of appointment: Initially one (1) year, renewable up to two (2) years in total.

Job Title:  Postdoctoral Researcher in Tumor Microenvironment Biology

EUC Representative:  Andreas Stylianou (an.stylianou@euc.ac.cy)

Date:  04/03/2026

Background (summary of the project 1 paragraph):

PDTenhance is a research project focused on improving the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer by addressing key barriers created by the tumor microenvironment. The project investigates a novel combined approach that uses clinically approved agents to “normalize” and remodel tumor tissue, alongside advanced PDT light-delivery and monitoring methods, with the aim of enhancing oxygen availability, drug penetration, and overall treatment response. By integrating cancer biology with biomedical engineering tools (including fiber-optic technologies and mechanical biomarkers), the project seeks to generate strong preclinical evidence for a more effective and clinically translatable cancer treatment strategy.

The OBJECTIVES of “TITLE” project are:

• Improve Photodynamic Therapy Delivery and Monitoring
• Identify Treatment Response Biomarkers
• Develop and Evaluate a Combined Tumor Normalization and Photodynamic Therapy Strategy

Overall Purpose of the Job: 

The Postdoctoral Researcher (Biologist) will support the implementation of the PDTenhance project by conducting preclinical cancer biology experiments and evaluating treatment response in relevant tumor models. The role includes planning and executing laboratory studies, coordinating sample collection and analysis, and contributing to data interpretation, reporting, and scientific dissemination.

The employee will be responsible for:

• Plan and perform project experiments, including in vivo tumor studies and treatment protocols
• Develop and monitor murine breast cancer models (tumor growth and general study measurements)
• Collect and process tissue samples/biopsies and perform downstream laboratory analyses (e.g., histology, immunostaining)
• Record, organize, and support analysis/interpretation of experimental data and prepare project summaries/figures
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and ensure compliance with ethics, animal welfare, and lab safety procedures

Required qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in in vivo animal models (preferably murine tumor models)
• Hands-on experience with histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, and basic molecular biology techniques
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting/publications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team
• Excellent organizational skills and strong written and oral communication skills in EnglishThe successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Stylianou, who will be directly responsible for the day-to-day management leads and will ensure that all milestones and deliverables are met on time and to target.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a Research and Innovation funded project in a thriving research environment.

Please submit your CV and cover letter by the 30th of March 2026.