Research Assistant

Descrizione

Research Assistant Sintesi in italiano (traduzione automatica): L'European University Cyprus cerca un Ricercatore post-dottorato in Fitocognosia e Fitocimica per il progetto 'GoldenOak', che si svolgerà da settembre 2026 ad aprile 2027. Il candidato selezionato sarà responsabile della pianificazione e dell'esecuzione di analisi sulla caratterizzazione fitochimica degli estratti di Quercus alnifolia, un'albero endemico di Cipro. Le mansioni includono la preparazione di estratti, l'analisi dei dati sperimentali e la redazione di rapporti scientifici. È richiesta una laurea di dottorato in Chimica, Scienze Biologiche, Scienze Farmaceutiche o un campo correlato, insieme a esperienza pratica nella preparazione di estratti vegetali e nell'uso di strumentazione analitica. Il lavoro richiede anche collaborazione con un team di ricerca interdisciplinare e rispetto delle procedure di sicurezza di laboratorio. 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: I dentify, map, and collect Quercus 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 profiling and 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 experiment Annuncio in inglese. Fonte: Euraxess (Commissione europea).