Research Assistant (Business Lead) – Agri-Immanence, 1 FTE, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 011997

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for 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 - €44,311per 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 requirements.

Research Assistant (Business Lead) – Agri-Immanence Ryan Institute & School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Ref. No. 011997

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for 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 - €44,311per 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 requirements.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description: The successful candidate(s) will have advanced computational, data analytics and AI/machine learning skills, with an interest in contributing to ongoing agrifood-related research in the group.

The individual will work closely with Project Lead, Dr. Felipe Quiroz, and other members of the team, as appropriate.

Duties: • Actively participate in the AgriBiosciences, Food Security & Climate Change research group, collaborating with other researchers and contributing to interdisciplinary research activities and projects. • Coordinate stakeholder engagement and commercial validation activities for the Agri - Immanence project. • Establish and maintain relationships with greenhouse growers, industry partners and potential customers. • Support market research, competitor analysis and customer needs assessments to support the project's commercial strategy. • Support the planning, coordination and implementation of greenhouse pilot activities in collaboration with the technical team. • Evaluate the economic and operational value of the platform, including potential resource savings and benefits for greenhouse growers. • Contribute to the development and validation of business models, pricing strategies and customer willingness to pay. • Collect and analyse customer feedback to support product development, usability improvements and commercial positioning. • Document commercial validation activities, prepare reports and present progress to the project team. • Participate in relevant training, professional development and research commercialisation activities, including field visits where required. • 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 Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, Marketing, Agrifood Sustainability, Innovation or a related discipline. • Good understanding of the agrifood sector, agricultural markets and sustainability challenges. • Knowledge of market research, competitor analysis and customer needs assessment. • Experience or demonstrated ability in stakeholder engagement, customer interviews and gathering feedback.

• Ability to coordinate pilot activities, manage stakeholder interactions and document customer feedback and commercial validation outcomes. • Understanding of business models, value propositions, pricing strategies and willingness -to- pay validation. • Ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative information and evaluate the commercial potential of new technologies. • Good organisational, analytical and problem -solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. • Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage effectively with industry stakeholders.

Desirable Requirements: • Master's degree in Agribusiness, Business Management, Agricultural Economics, Innovation or a related discipline. • Experience working with greenhouse growers, horticultural businesses or agricultural stakeholders. • Experience in business development, technology commercialisation, spin-out development or securing funding for innovation projects. • Knowledge of digital agriculture, AgriTech or AI-based decision-support tools. • Experience evaluating economic benefits, cost savings or return on investment (ROI). • 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.