Ad Astra Fellow - Lecturer/Assistant Professor in AI and Data Science in Economics

Applications are sought for Ad Astra Fellow - Lecturer/Assistant Professor in AI and Data Science in Economics within the College of Social Sciences and Law.

The successful candidate is expected to have a strong research agenda at the intersection of economics, AI, and data science. They will apply cutting-edge AI and machine learning methods (e.g., causal inference, predictive modelling, natural language processing) to address policy-relevant topics in economics. Examples of research topics include the evaluation of economic policies, understanding the societal impact of AI and digital technologies, the relationship between AI, growth, jobs, and inequality, measuring market activity with new data and methods, studying labour markets with big data, regulatory responses to changes brought on by AI, uncovering economic trends using innovative data, and the effects of AI on the way economic research is conducted.

This position will enhance UCD’s position as an international leader in AI, digital technologies, and data science while strengthening the university’s research and impact in economics. The successful candidate will collaborate with research groups across UCD—such as the newly created AI and Digital Technologies Institute, the Centre for Digital Policy, the Geary Institute for Public Policy, and the ADAPT Centre for AI-driven Content Technology—to contribute to large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives. These collaborations will support applications for major national and European funding calls (e.g., Horizon Europe, ERC, SFI) and advance innovative research at the frontier of economics and AI.

The successful candidate will deliver impact through research, teaching, outreach, and community engagement. They will contribute innovative new modules to the teaching portfolio of the School of Economics and the College of Social Sciences and Law. Examples include an interdisciplinary module AI in Economics at the undergraduate level and an MSc-level module on AI-based Methods for Policy Evaluation. These modules will equip students with advanced analytical tools and broaden UCD’s research-led teaching portfolio, particularly in programmes like Economics, Mathematics and Statistics (EMS), Computational Social Science, and data-focused MSc pathways. The role will also advance lifelong learning through micro-credentials and executive training courses in AI and economic data analysis building on the School of Economics’ existing collaborations with the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service and the Central Bank of Ireland.

Moreover, the candidate will disseminate their research widely and deliver impact through engagement with government, industry, and the wider community. They will establish partnerships with government agencies such as Eurofound, as well as with Dublin’s thriving tech, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors. These collaborations will facilitate knowledge transfer, access to unique datasets, funding opportunities, and student placements. The candidate will also develop accessible teaching materials and outreach initiatives to make AI-based methods and insights available to policymakers, industry professionals, and the public.

95 Lecturer/Asst Professor Above the Bar (7943) Salary Scale: €62,855 - €99,533 Per Annum

Appointment will be made on scale and in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines.

Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on the 21st February 2025. 

Applications must be submitted (via the ‘Apply’ button above) by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

Please note: the eRecruitment system only requests the names of two referees. The full list of 3 referees should be included in the text of your application.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CVs submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Note: Hours of work for academic staff are those as prescribed under Public Service Agreements. For further information please follow the link; https://www.ucd.ie/hr/t4media/Academic%20Contract.pdf