FORESIGHT project
FORESIGHT project
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate with ICHEC at the University of Galway, Ireland.
This position is funded by Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, via the FORESIGHT project which provides policy support for national policy pertaining to sustainable land use, food production and bioeconomy expansion, with particular emphasis on climate, biodiversity and water quality objectives.
The advertised position represents an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, world-class agriculture and bioeconomy modelling team. Through the FUSION network, the successful candidate will have access to a wide range of international experts and models spanning food system sustainability and resilience, nutrition and diet change, livestock systems, forestry, life cycle assessment, land use mapping, and economics.
FORESIGHT is developing a state-of-the-art suite of biophysical models (the GOBLIN suite)(1) that integrates agriculture, land use and downstream bioeconomy flows (e.g. cascading wood value chains)(2) to explore future configurations compatible with climate neutrality and circular economy objectives(3),(4),(5). GOBLIN is being linked with economic and bioeconomy value chain models. Applying a future-orientated foresight lens, integrating GIS-mapping and prospective LCA modelling of promising value chains and technologies (e.g. carbon capture use and storage, BECCUS), FORESIGHT is pioneering the integrated modelling necessary to identify effective and robust pathways towards a climate neutral bioeconomy by 2050 (whilst improving air and water quality, and providing space for nature).
The main duties of the successful applicant will be to apply programming, data management and machine learning to: (i) develop higher spatial resolution modelling capabilities; (ii) couple or soft-link models working at different scales and/or focussed on different dimensions; (iii) manage a simplified model with user interface that enables policymakers and other stakeholders to explore synergies and trade-offs across user-defined transition pathways.
1 https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-2239-2022
2 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24084-x
3 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-022-00946-0
4 https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01275-0
5 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2024.106144
Salary: Postdoctoral Salary/Research Associate Scale €46,305 - €59,063 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) 19th February 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The successful candidate will continue development of the optiGOB model, including development of interface(s) and soft-linking with the GeoGOBLIN and SMILE models.
Duties:
• Support programming and documentation for ongoing development of the GOBLIN modelling suite.
• Participate in project meetings, collaborate with project partners and liaise with policymakers on preparation of work package deliverables.
• Explore opportunities for optimisation and machine learning, including to link models and
with ICHEC databases.
• Write up work in scientific publications and present to policy makers.
• Write up model development as scientific articles and present at international conferences.
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Essential Requirements:
• A PhD in a relevant field. Candidates who have submitted their thesis and awaiting viva prior to start date/interview will also be considered
• Proficiency in Programming in Python and experience of HPC or parallel programming
• Knowledge of AI/ML modelling
• Knowledge of data management and formats for environmental /GIS data
Desirable Requirements:
• GIS programming experience
• Expertise in climate or environmental modelling and science
• Experience in leading small, distributed development teams
• Experience in developing CI/CD pipelines for data management
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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 employment - see HERE for further information.
FURTHER INFORMATION/LINKS
• TO APPLY: Search Current University of Galway vacancies. Applications must be submitted online.
• For informal enquiries, please contact Alastair McKinstry, Environmental Activity lead, Irish Centre for High-End Computing, amckinstry@ichec.ie
• Working in Research at University of Galway
• Moving to Ireland (Euraxess)
• 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.
