Research Assistant

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT-Research Assistant

Title of research project and CODE: “Pharmaceutical potential of the endemic evergreen oak species of Cyprus Quercus alnifolia, EXCELLENCE/0524/0355/GoldenOak”

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

Duration of appointment: From September 2026 – April 2027 part-time based (60% intensity)

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Pharmacognosy/ Plant Phytochemistry

EUC Representative: Chrystalla Antoniou (c.antoniou@euc.ac.cy)

Date: 30/06/2026

Background (summary of the project 1 paragraph):

GoldenOak is a research project that aims to investigate the phytochemical profile and bioactive potential of different plant organs (leaves, fruits, and bark) of Quercus alnifolia, an endemic oak species of Cyprus, collected across three altitudes and during different seasons. The project includes plant identification, mapping, harvesting, herbarium preparation, and seed germination studies, followed by the preparation of crude extracts and the evaluation of their antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition. Extracts exhibiting the most promising phytochemical profiles will be further characterized and fractionated to isolate and identify their major bioactive constituents. The resulting fractions and purified compounds will be assessed for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and biocompatibility properties to evaluate their potential as nutraceutical ingredients. Ultimately, the most promising bioactive fractions and pure compounds will be incorporated into the development of innovative natural skin care products designed to alleviate cancer treatment-associated skin conditions and promote skin health. Overall, the project is expected to reveal the untapped potential of Q. alnifolia, providing new insights into its phytochemical diversity and supporting the development of high-value nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products derived from this endemic species.

The OBJECTIVES of “TITLE” project are:

• Identify, map, and collectQuercus alnifolia populations across different altitudes and seasons, prepare herbarium specimens, and evaluate seed germination.
• Prepare and characterize crude extracts from different plant organs (leaves, fruits, and bark) and determine their phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity.
• Phytochemical profilingand fractionate the most promising extracts to isolate and identify bioactive compounds.
• Evaluate the biological activities of the obtained fractions and pure compounds by investigating their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties, together with their biocompatibility.
• Develop innovative natural skin care formulations incorporating the most promising fractions or purified compounds to address cancer treatment-associated skin conditions and promote skin health.

Overall Purpose of the Job:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for:

• Planning and performing analyses on the phytochemical characterization of extracts using spectrophotometric assays, analytical equipment (e.g., LC-MS), and spectroscopy (NMR).
• Executing liquid-to-liquid fractionations and related isolation techniques.
• Recording, organizing, and supporting the analysis and interpretation of experimental data, as well as preparing project summaries, reports, and scientific figures.
• Contributing actively to the preparation of project deliverables, progress reports, and scientific publications.
• Collaborating effectively with the interdisciplinary research team while ensuring strict compliance with institutional ethics and laboratory safety procedures.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in plant extract preparation, fractionation techniques, spectrophotometric measurements, and the operation of analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting/ publications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary, dynamic research team.
• Excellent organizational skills alongside strong written and oral communication skills in English.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Chrystalla Antoniou and Dr Constantinos Nikiforou, 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.

Additional details and qualification approvals may be required in a later phase.

Please submit your CV and cover letter by the 17th of July 2026.