Posted 26 July, 2026
Research Assistant
University of Galway
Galway, Galway, Ireland
Full Time
Reference: 1850954653
Research Assistant - EcoFoodSystems Project, 1 FTE, Ryan Institute, 011896
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time, fix term position as a Research Assistant on the EU/IFAD-funded EcoFoodSystems project in the research group of Prof. Charles Spillane within the Agriculture, Good Systems & Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute at the University of Galway, Ireland.
This position is funded by the European Union (EU) and is available from 1st of September 2026 to contract end date of 31st of December 2027.
Overview of the Project: By 2050, more than two thirds of the world population will be living in urban areas, the majority living in cities. Food systems serve diverse farmer and consumer constituencies with differentiated impacts on sustainability, economic growth, social inclusion and nutrition. The EcoFoodSystems project (funded by the EU as part of the TRANSITIONS programme managed by IFAD) places particular emphasis on linking national to subnational food systems (including data systems for decision-support) in each of the three countries to generate data and knowledge for more effective decision-making that enables climate-resilient transitions of city regional diets that are more affordable, sustainable and healthy. The overall research and innovation goal of the EcoFoodSystems project is to conduct research to support decision making for transitions towards diets that are more sustainable, affordable and healthy in three city regions globally (Addis Ababa and Hanoi). The EcoFoodSystems project will generate research outputs (papers, tools, etc) that can be used by next-user stakeholders and partners in each of the three city regions to accelerate transitions towards diets that are more sustainable, affordable and healthy. Led by the University of Galway, with global partners Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and Rikolto, the EcoFoodSystems project builds from previous and ongoing food systems and sustainable dietary activities and processes in Ethiopia and Vietnam; see: www.ecofoodsystems.org
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 7th of August 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
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time, fix term position as a Research Assistant on the EU/IFAD-funded EcoFoodSystems project in the research group of Prof. Charles Spillane within the Agriculture, Good Systems & Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute at the University of Galway, Ireland.
This position is funded by the European Union (EU) and is available from 1st of September 2026 to contract end date of 31st of December 2027.
Overview of the Project: By 2050, more than two thirds of the world population will be living in urban areas, the majority living in cities. Food systems serve diverse farmer and consumer constituencies with differentiated impacts on sustainability, economic growth, social inclusion and nutrition. The EcoFoodSystems project (funded by the EU as part of the TRANSITIONS programme managed by IFAD) places particular emphasis on linking national to subnational food systems (including data systems for decision-support) in each of the three countries to generate data and knowledge for more effective decision-making that enables climate-resilient transitions of city regional diets that are more affordable, sustainable and healthy. The overall research and innovation goal of the EcoFoodSystems project is to conduct research to support decision making for transitions towards diets that are more sustainable, affordable and healthy in three city regions globally (Addis Ababa and Hanoi). The EcoFoodSystems project will generate research outputs (papers, tools, etc) that can be used by next-user stakeholders and partners in each of the three city regions to accelerate transitions towards diets that are more sustainable, affordable and healthy. Led by the University of Galway, with global partners Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and Rikolto, the EcoFoodSystems project builds from previous and ongoing food systems and sustainable dietary activities and processes in Ethiopia and Vietnam; see: www.ecofoodsystems.org
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 7th of August 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
