Assistant Professor – Agri‑Food Systems Data Science (Ad Astra Fellow)

About the role

The Ad Astra Fellow – Assistant Professor of Agri‑Food Systems Data Science will join the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science. The role leads research and teaching on AI‑driven analysis of complex agri‑food datasets, supporting sustainable food systems at national and global levels.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and lead a vibrant research agenda in agri‑food systems modelling.
• Secure external research funding and publish high‑impact results.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in data science, AI and related topics.
• Supervise and mentor MSc/PhD students.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the university and external partners.
• Contribute to UCD’s Strategy to 2030, especially the pillars of research, innovation and sustainability.

Required profile

• PhD in data science, computer science, agricultural science or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research excellence applying AI/ML to agri‑food systems.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and ability to attract research funding.
• Commitment to high‑quality teaching and student mentorship.

Required skills

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis

What we offer

• Permanent academic contract on the €65,401‑€103,564 salary scale.
• Access to world‑class research facilities and interdisciplinary networks.
• Support for professional development and research funding initiatives.
• Opportunity to shape sustainable food system research at a leading university.