Research Assistant (AI & Machine Learning Researcher) – Agri-Immanence, 1 FTE, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 011998

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Assistant in the AgriBiosciences, Food Security & Climate Change research group at the University of Galway, Ireland.

This position is funded by Research Ireland and is available from 1st January 2027 to contract end date of 31st December 2027.

The research group conducts interdisciplinary research and innovation activities in AgriBiosciences, Food Security & Climate Resilience, combining scientific expertise and emerging technologies to support sustainable agricultural production. The Agri-Immanence Project is developing an AI-powered prediction and decision-support platform for greenhouse growers, integrating agricultural and environmental data, machine learning and digital twin technologies to improve resource efficiency, production management and sustainability.

Salary: Research Assistant salary scale €34,129 - €44,311 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.

(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 12th November 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement

Research Assistant (AI & Machine Learning Researcher) – Agri-Immanence Ryan Institute & School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Ref. No. 011998

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Assistant in the AgriBiosciences, Food Security & Climate Change research group at the University of Galway, Ireland.

This position is funded by Research Ireland and is available from 1st January 2027 to contract end date of 31st December 2027.

The research group conducts interdisciplinary research and innovation activities in AgriBiosciences, Food Security & Climate Resilience, combining scientific expertise and emerging technologies to support sustainable agricultural production. The Agri-Immanence Project is developing an AI-powered prediction and decision -support platform for greenhouse growers, integrating agricultural and environmental data, machine learning and digital twin technologies to improve resource efficiency, production management and sustainability.

Salary: Research Assistant salary scale €34,129 - €44,311 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where eviden ce of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale. (Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 12th November 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description: The successful candidate will contribute to the development, refinement and validation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models for the Agri -Immanence project. The role will involve working with agricultural and environmental datasets, developing predictive and optimisation models, and supporting the integration of these models into an AI -powered decision-support platform for greenhouse production.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Project Lead, Dr Felipe Quiroz, and other members of the multidisciplinary research team, contributing to both the technical development and practical validation of the platform.

Duties: • Actively participate in the AgriBiosciences, Food Security & Climate Change research group, collaborating with other researchers and contributing to interdisciplinary research activities and projects. • Contribute to the development and testing of AI and machine learning models for greenhouse production and resource optimisation. • Collect, process and analyse agricultural and environmental datasets for AI applications. • Support the development and refinement of predictive models and regional digital twin components. • Develop and prepare machine learning models for integration into the platform's AI-powered recommendation system. • Evaluate model performance, accuracy and reliability using real-world greenhouse data. • Document research activities, computational methods and results, and present progress to the project team. • Participate in prototype testing and field validation activities, which may include travel. • Participate in relevant training, professional development and research commercialisation activities. • Comply with relevant University policies and procedures, including research ethics, data protection, intellectual property and health and safety. • Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Essential Requirements: • Bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computational Science, Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline. • Strong programming skills in Python, including experience with relevant data analysis and machine learning libraries. • Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and validating machine learning models using real-world datasets. • Experience with data integration, databases (e.g., SQL) and version control tools (e.g., Git). • Proficiency in data processing, statistical analysis and data visualisation, including experience in dataset cleaning and preparation. • Understanding of artificial intelligence, predictive modelling and machine learning techniques. • Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, including the ability to communicate technical findings clearly.

Desirable Requirements: • Master's degree in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science or a related discipline. • Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., Scikit -learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), predictive modelling and optimisation. • Experience with generative AI, LLMs, agentic AI or multi-agent systems. • Experience developing AI -based decision -support tools, particularly for agriculture or environmental applications. • Knowledge of digital twins, simulation modelling or time-series analysis. • Fluency in written and spoken Spanish (C1 level or equivalent).

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Continuing Professional Development/Training: Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing emplo yment - see HERE for further information.

FURTHER INFORMATION/LINKS

• TO APPLY: Search Current University of Galway vacancies. Applications must be submitted online. o How to apply guide

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Felipe Quiroz, Principal Investigator, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Science and Engineering , Email [email protected]

• University's Strategic Plan

• Working in Research at University of Galway

• Moving to Ireland (Euraxess)

• Applicant Information

• We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

• University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

• All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.