 In February 2004 he took up the role of Associate Professor of Economic Sciences at the University of Thessaly, continuing until September 2004, when he became a member of the teaching staff at the Hellenic Open University.In July 2006, Staikouras was made an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Athens University of Economics and Business, ending his role at the Hellenic Open University in August 2007.In September 2007, he went on extended leave after his election as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament.