Head of R&D Lab
Located in Turin, Italy – hybrid work arrangements can be negotiated.
About AI4I and the R&D Labs
AI4I (The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence) is a research institute dedicated to transformative, application‑oriented research in Artificial Intelligence, driving innovation and industrial progress. Its R&D Labs are the cornerstone of the Institute’s structure. Each Lab focuses either on foundational AI methods or on application‑driven domains and is designed to expand well beyond its core endowment by attracting industrial collaborations and competitive research funding.
Lab Objectives and Environment
* Converge foundational research with real‑world deployment (TRL 2 to TRL 6).
* Support short‑ and long‑term innovation across strategic application domains (manufacturing, robotics, engineering, product development, software development, autonomous systems, new material discovery, etc.).
* Operate at the frontier between fundamental AI methodologies and their rapid, scalable deployment in industry.
* Leverage cross‑disciplinary approaches (human‑centred design, decision science, behavioural insights) to ensure responsible adoption.
Supporting Resources
* High‑performance GPU‑based accelerated computing and data infrastructure.
* Dedicated Engineering unit providing on‑demand HPC, software engineering, data engineering support.
* Connections to the FCSP Institute of Advanced Study and collaborations with leading universities and research institutions.
* Spin‑off friendly policy and access to VC funds, accelerators, and a startup ecosystem.
* Business development unit to secure additional funding (European and national grants, industrial partnerships).
What We Offer
* A renewable 4‑year appointment with a pathway to a permanent position based on performance.
* Internationally competitive compensation package with incentive schemes.
* A start‑up grant comparable to an ERC Starting Grant, managed directly by the Lab Head.
* Tax exemption up to 90 % for eligible researchers relocating to Italy.
* Relocation support available for successful candidates.
Your Role: Head of R&D Lab
As the Head, you will design, establish, and lead a core research laboratory. Responsibilities include:
* Scientific and Strategic Leadership: Design cutting‑edge AI R&D programs, meet milestones, achieve success metrics, and monitor AI advancements.
* Team Building: Lead a team of AI researchers and engineers to execute advanced research and develop practical software or platforms.
* Outreach: Collaborate with marketing and business development teams to promote AI4I and expand its reach.
* Revenue Generation: Attract external funding from private and public sources, including EU programs and industry partnerships.
* Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, establish schedules, resolve bottlenecks, and act as interface between the Institute and external partners.
* AI Assets Development: Oversee creation and maintenance of reusable frameworks, libraries, and APIs aligned with industry needs.
Key Success Metrics
* Scientific Production – high‑quality, peer‑reviewed research with international visibility.
* Revenue Growth – secure external funding and build strong industrial relationships.
* Innovation – drive IP creation and adoption of cutting‑edge AI solutions.
* Managerial Proficiency – deliver all lab projects on time, within budget, and to agreed service levels.
Qualifications We Are Looking For
* Strong track record in AI research and development, deep understanding of methods and architectures.
* Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary R&D programs from design to implementation.
* Ability to interact across academic, industrial, and institutional settings.
* Experience applying AI in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, human‑machine interaction, or software development.
Preferred Qualifications
* PhD in a relevant field.
* Previous leadership roles in R&D centres.
* Experience as founder or co‑founder of an innovative startup.
* Experience in European R&D programs or public‑private consortia.
* Ownership of patents or copyrights in AI or related industrial applications.
How to Apply
Submit your application exclusively through the online form by February 28, 2026, 11:59 PM CET. Submit the following:
* CV
* Scientific and Technological Plan for the Lab (max. 2 000 words) covering:
o Proposed name for the lab.
o Scientific and technical focus.
o Scientific and applied objectives.
o Core competencies and core value proposition; measurable targets.
o Composition of the lab (human resources and other assets) with estimated costs.
o Expected sources and amount of revenue or funding over the next 4 years beyond the initial budget.
o Contact information of three academic or professional references.
o Optional: Patents, publications, or code repository links.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
AI4I is committed to building diverse, inclusive teams and is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from under‑represented groups are strongly encouraged.
Methodological Areas
* Foundational Models
* Algorithmic Research
* Machine and Deep Learning
* Computer Vision
* Edge AI, TinyML, and Embedded AI
* Explainable AI
* Safe AI
* Federated, Parallel & Distributed Computing/Learning
* Control Systems
* Optimization
* Planning and Scheduling
* Human‑Machine Interaction
* Software Development
* AI Agents
* Physics‑informed Machine Learning
* Synthetic Data
* Digital Twins
Application Domains
* Predictive Maintenance
* Autonomous Systems
* Decision Systems
* Industrial Automation and Robotics
* Quality and Process Control
* Software Development for Industrial Applications
* Logistics and Supply Chain
* Complex Systems
* Cybersecurity and Business Continuity for Industrial Applications
* Aerospace Systems
* Product and Process Design, including model‑based systems engineering and the digital thread
* Advanced Materials: AI‑driven materials design and discovery
* Scientific Discovery, leveraging AI for automated experimentation and inverse design
* Technology Assessment, leveraging AI to evaluate emerging technologies, e.g., in healthcare
About Us
AI4I (The Italian Institute for Artificial Intelligence) was founded as a research institute to perform transformative, application‑oriented research in Artificial Intelligence, driving innovation and industrial progress. The Institute is designed to engage and empower gifted, entrepreneurial, and ambitious researchers who are committed to generating real‑world impact at the intersection of science, technology, and industrial transformation.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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