Dear DSSAT members,

If you could circulate the following research vacancy to any potential candidates it would be much appreciated.

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Research Assistant - TAPAS (Geospatial Analytics of Agricultural Systems), Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre, Ryan Institute, NUI Galway (NUIG RES 106-22)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Assistant with the Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre, Ryan Institute at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

This position is funded by the SFI Challenge TAPAS and is available from earliest possible start date May 2022 to contract end date of 19 September 2023.

Job Description:

The Research Assistant will be a member of the project team for the SFI Challenge funded TAPAS project Which is developing systems for tracking Adaptation Progress in Agriculture and Food Security Using an AI-powered Satellite Remote Sensing Platform (TAPAS). The TAPAS project is focussed on the challenge of enabling countries to develop evidence-based means of measuring, reporting and verifying climate change adaptation in the agri-food sector. The TAPAS team are developing an AI-based approach that enables the agri-food sector to assess measure climate adaptation. The TAPAS technology will be scalable for implementation globally to allow measurement of adaptation in agricultural systems at multiple scales. Based at NUI Galway, the Research Assistant will work closely with the Prof. Charles Spillane and Dr. Aaron Golden who lead the project, in collaboration with Dr. Andy Jarvis and collaborators at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). 

Duties:

• Work with TAPAS research team on the overall TAPAS mission to develop an AI enabled satellite remote sensing system for tracking adaptation progress in agriculture (TAPAS).
• Investigate resilience and adaptation concepts that can be translated into practical benefits for farmers and rural communities.
• Identify how to measure resilience and adaptation concepts that can be translated into practical benefits for farmers and rural communities.
• Determine what parameters of relevance to farmer-level and landscape-level decision-making can be derived from remote sensing satellite data.
• Investigate alternate models for delivery of TAPAS (with and without AI) as counterfactuals to assess the added value of AI.
• Develop a draft composite climate adaptation index (CAI) that can be deployed at field, farm, landscape and national levels.
• Develop multi-author TAPAS research paper manuscripts and TAPAS research communication materials.
• Work with the TAPAS team on development of TAPAS as a social enterprise company.
• To be actively engaged in communication/research with Project collaborators.
• To work closely with students assigned to the Project, and assist in daily supervision of their research activities.
• To keep appropriate records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy
• To contribute to work of the College/School/Research Unit, through activities such as student Open Days and tutorials for undergrad and postgrad students.
• To work closely with other members of Professor Spillane’s research team on an on-going basis to support the efficient functioning of the project through providing continuous contributions to the technical program, including aiding in the preparation of grant reporting and follow-on research and innovation financing leverage.

The Research Assistant will be supervised by Professor Spillane and Dr. Aaron Golden and senior research members of Professor Spillane’s team, where Research Assistant will be required to engage in weekly lab meetings and presentations.

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

• MSc in Climate Change, Geospatial Analysis or equivalent research experience, with demonstrated research and technical expertise in geospatial data and analytics.

• Understanding of types of climate change impacts on agricultural systems and measurement systems.
• Knowledge of GIS-based and remote sensing data integration approaches.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc.)
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation)

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of geospatial and remote sensing analytical techniques as applied to research challenges in vegetation mapping, agricultural systems or land-use mapping.
• Prior experience of working with satellite-based remote sensing, especially use of NDVI datasets.
• Experience of adaptation and resilience strengthening projects and programmes for agricultural systems, including smallholders in developing countries.
• Strongly self-motivated and organised approach.
• Ability to self organise research workflows and activities.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post

Salary: €27,380 – €36,786 per annum pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

Start date: Position is available from earliest possible start date May 2022

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. NUI 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 employment - see www.nuigalway.ie/rdc for further information.

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Further information about Ryan Institute is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/ryaninstitute/

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Professor Charles Spillane [log in to unmask]

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Professor Charles Spillane [log in to unmask].

Please put reference number NUIG RES 106-22 in subject line of e-mail application (only applications with this in subject line will be considered).

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Thursday, 19^th May 2022

Due to the University closure related to COVID-19, interviews may have to take place virtually and start dates may need to be delayed

NUI Galway reserve the right to readvertise or extend the closing date for this post.

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

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

https://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/

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Prof. Charles Spillane,

Director of Ryan Institute

National University of Ireland Galway

University Road, Galway H91 REW4 

Ireland

Tel: +353-86-7963624

Web: www.RyanInstitute.ie

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Follow the Ryan Institute on Twitter: @RyanInstitute