Research Assistant - Seafood sustainability, welfare, and aquaculture training

Job Details

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time, fixed term position as a Research Assistant with Civil Engineering and Zoology at the University of Galway, Ireland.

This position is funded by Interreg Atlantic Area, Smart4sea and DigiATLA, and the TRACE project (funded by Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)), which is available from 12/7/26 to the contract end date of 30/06/29.

Project Description SMART4SEA is a European project that enhances environmental traceability and sustainability across the Atlantic seafood sector. By combining digital technologies, Life Cycle Assessment and circular economy strategies, the project develops an innovative system to track the environmental performance of seafood products from sea to plate. SMART4SEA also addresses social challenges, marine waste and microplastics, while providing transparent and trustworthy information to support more sustainable choices by industry, policymakers and consumers.

DigiATLA drives digital transformation in Atlantic aquaculture by fostering capacity building in sustainable aquaculture and precision nutrition technologies. It tackles key challenges, such as limited digital integration, inefficiencies, and environmental impacts, that hinder the sector's resilience and competitiveness. By promoting the adoption of Industry 4.0, DIGIATLA enhances digital capacity, equipping the professionals with tools and knowledge to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and boost sustainability. Key outputs include digital training programs with an online repository, pilot demonstrations and awareness initiatives on Industry 4.0 adoption. Beneficiaries are aquaculture professionals, researchers and educational communities. Through a transnational approach DigiATLA merges expertise from multiple regions to align strategies, share best practices and develop scalable, impactful and broad solutions for a sustainable and competitive Atlantic aquaculture sector.

TRACE aims to establish a cross‑border innovation hub to modernise the agri‑food sector in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), with a focus on Products of Animal Origin (POAO). The project seeks to improve efficiency, product quality, and environmental performance across the POAO supply chain, which is economically critical to both regions. The agri‑food sector contributes around £5 billion annually to the NI economy and supports over 113,000 jobs. However, challenges such as Brexit, COVID‑19, new regulatory requirements, and the carbon footprint of POAO supply chains highlight the need for improved resilience and sustainability.

TRACE will deploy advanced technologies, including computer vision, hyperspectral imaging, IoT sensors, and blockchain, to monitor key quality and environmental parameters in real time and ensure secure, transparent cross‑border trade. These technologies will be demonstrated and supported through a dedicated Cross‑Border POAO Innovation Hub, which will offer online tools, case studies, best‑practice guidance, and targeted workshops for SMEs.

The hub will bring together SMEs, researchers, and government agencies to co‑develop solutions, support innovation, and strengthen cross‑border collaboration. Data generated from pilot sites will be analysed using AI and machine learning to produce actionable recommendations that reduce waste, prevent spoilage, and enhance product quality. Overall, TRACE will drive sustainable growth, improve supply‑chain resilience, and align with wider regional development initiatives such as the Shared Island Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund.

Requirements

Essential Requirements: • Hold a BSc (Level 8) in marine biology or equivalent • Experience in life cycle analysis tools • Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders in a multidisciplinary setting • Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team • Proficient in report writing and data handling • Knowledge of fish farming, aquaculture, and fisheries • Evidence of meeting research deadlines • Holds a valid Irish/EU/UK driving licence (applicants must clearly state this in the coverletter)

esirable Requirements: • Possess a Master’s degree (Level 9) in aquatic biology, aquaculture, or a relevant discipline • Previous experience and research in life cycle techniques and their application to seafood and related industries (aquaculture, fisheries etc.). • Working knowledge of LCA software and databases (e.g. SimaPro ecoinvent, Agrifootprint, Agribalyse, NEEDS) • Excellent analytical and data management skills for seafood industry datasets.

Contact Information

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 12th June 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.