Research Assistant -

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: Two (2) years (Part time).

Job Title:  Researcher in Cancer Mechanobiology

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

Date:  3/3/2026

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 tumour microenvironment. The project investigates a novel combined approach that uses clinically approved agents to “normalize” and remodel tumour 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 Tumour Normalization and Photodynamic Therapy Strategy

Overall Purpose of the Job: 

The Researcher  will lead and perform atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments to characterize the mechanical properties of tumor tissues and analyze mechanobiological changes associated with treatment response..

The employee will be responsible for:

• Design and conduct atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments on tumor tissue samples
• Perform nanomechanical characterization and generate stiffness maps of biological specimens
• Optimize AFM protocols, sample preparation procedures, and data acquisition parameters
• Analyze and interpret force–distance curves and mechanical datasets using appropriate software tools
• Integrate AFM findings with biological and imaging data in collaboration with the research team
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, project reports, and dissemination of results

Required qualifications

•   MSc in Biology, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
•   Proven previous hands-on experience in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), preferably in biological or soft tissue applications
•   Experience in sample preparation and nanomechanical measurements of cells or tissues
•   Ability to analyze and interpret AFM data (force–distance curves, stiffness mapping) using relevant software tools
•   Strong analytical skills and ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary research team
•   Good written and oral communication skills in English

The 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.