Research Assistant (Technology Development Lead) – Agri-Immanence, 1 FTE, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 011994

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 (Technology Development Lead) – Agri-Immanence Ryan Institute & School of Biological & Chemical Sciences Ref. No. 011994

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 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description: The successful candidate will contribute to the technical development, integration and deployment of the Agri-Immanence AI-powered decision-support platform for greenhouse production. The role will focus on software development, system architecture, data inte gration and the implementation of user-facing applications, ensuring the platform operates reliably in real -world greenhouse environments.

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 the technical development , integration and testing of the Agri -Immanence software platform. • Develop and maintain frontend and backend components, including user interfaces, databases and application programming interfaces (APIs). • Integrate AI and machine learning models, data processing workflows and digital twin components into the platform. • Integrate the AI -powered chatbot and natural -language recommendation system into the platform's user-facing applications. • Support the deployment, maintenance and optimisation of the platform, ensuring system reliability, security and usability. • Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to implement improvements based on technical requirements and feedback from greenhouse growers. • Document software development activities, technical specifications 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 with this level of post.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Essential Requirements: • Bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or a related discipline. • Excellent programming skills in languages relevant to software development, particularly Python or JavaScript/TypeScript. • Experience developing frontend or backend applications, with an understanding of web-based software development. • Familiarity with databases (e.g., SQL), APIs and data integration. • Experience with software testing, debugging and version control tools (e.g., Git). • Understanding of software architecture, cloud-based applications and data security. • 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 information clearly.

Desirable Requirements: • Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline. • Experience with full-stack development and web frameworks (e.g., React, Node.js, Django or FastAPI). • Experience integrating AI, machine learning models or LLM -based applications into software platforms. • Experience with cloud infrastructure and deployment tools (e.g., AWS, Azure, Docker). • Experience in UI/UX design and developing user-friendly applications. • Experience developing software for agriculture, environmental monitoring, IoT or decision - support systems. • 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.