Research Chair: Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape seeks a Research Chair for a DAAD-funded project on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems. This role involves leading the Centre of Excellence, enhancing research profiles and collaboration, while mentoring students and developing innovative courses.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant fields with expertise in Data Science applications.
• Teaching experience in data science courses at a German University.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Establish and advance an independent research agenda aligned with the Centre’s themes.
• Enhance the research profile through participation, supervision, publications.
• Facilitate learning events related to resilient food systems and data sciences.

Skills

Leadership skills

Research Data Management

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Food Systems/Agriculture

Job description

In the framework of a DAAD-funded project focused on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science, the University of the Western Cape (Cape Town, South Africa) is seeking to appoint a Research Chair at the level of Associate Professor/Professor, starting from 1 September 2025.

A key component of this project is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of the Western Cape, dedicated to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, as well as applied agricultural, food, and nutritional data science. The centre’s primary objective is to develop the expertise of doctoral students, early-career researchers, and university lecturers through application-oriented and transdisciplinary research in agri-food systems and applied data science. It also aims to enhance teaching methodologies and mentorship programs within these fields.

The Centre is established within a German-African university consortium, co-led by the University of Hohenheim and the University of the Western Cape, with the University of Pretoria and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources as core partners, and the University of Mpumalanga as an associate partner.

Within the Centre, a Research Chair is created to advance the linkage between agri-food systems research and data science. The Research Chair will lead and coordinate the Centre's activities, serve as a liaison between the Centre and research groups at partnering institutions, and develop an independent research agenda aligned with the Centre’s themes. The position is funded by the DAAD and is tied to the project’s duration until December 2029.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Establishing and advancing an independent research agenda aligned with the Centre’s themes;
• Enhancing the research profile through participation, supervision, publications, and innovative contributions;
• Facilitating learning events related to resilient food systems and data sciences;
• Strengthening collaborations with partner institutions and exploring new funding opportunities;
• Collaborating on Research Data Management and High Performance Computing issues;
• Facilitating research grants and academic exchanges;
• Organizing webinars and seminars;
• Developing strategies for the Centre’s long-term sustainability;
• Working with departments to establish short courses for industry.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of an EU member state.
• Have resided in Germany for the last two years prior to applying, with close contact with a German university.
• Possess a Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Food Systems/Agriculture with expertise in Data Science applications.
• Have teaching experience in data science courses at a German University.
• Have a record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
• Have supervised postgraduate students in Data Science or Food Systems.
• Have an international research presence in data science.
• Demonstrate leadership skills and experience working in multicultural environments.

The application must include:

• A cover letter expressing your interest.
• A research vision statement for the Centre of Excellence.
• A curriculum vitae with publication list.
• Contact details for three referees.
• A brief teaching dossier, including evaluations, especially in data science and food systems modules.