Head of Research Digitalisation and AI

VTT; Espoo; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks of paid holidays

Access to cutting-edge research facilt

Job summary

VTT, a leading European research, development and innovation organisation, seeks a Head of Research Digitalisation & AI to lead its AI-enabled research transformation in Espoo. You will set strategy for AI-driven research, ensure access to platforms, computing, data storage and software, and build the AI Centre of Excellence across Research Areas.

You will lead a high-performing team, manage budgets and partnerships, and drive governance, security and responsible AI.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading digital or AI transformation.
• Deep understanding of digital research environments, including platforms, computing infrastructure, data storage and research software.
• Ability to translate diverse research needs into shared capabilities, priorities and scalable solutions.
• Proven ability to lead expert teams and manage complex portfolios, resources and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of responsible AI, governance, security and risk management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Relevant higher education degree; research experience considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Research Digitalisation and AI unit, including its people, capabilities, resources, budget and performance.
• Define and drive VTT’s direction and roadmap for research digitalisation and AI.
• Lead the development and adoption of shared digital research capabilities, including platforms, computing, data storage and research software.
• Lead the AI Centre of Excellence, enabling Research Areas to develop, adopt and scale high-impact AI solutions.
• Ensure appropriate governance, architecture and responsible and secure use of AI and digital technologies.
• Translate research needs and emerging technology opportunities into shared priorities, investments, and scalable solutions.
• Build strategic internal and external partnerships and contribute to the Digital Transformation leadership team and strategic planning.

Skills

Leadership

AI governance

Stakeholder management

Digital research

Portfolio management

AI platforms

Education

Higher education degree

Job description

Are you ready to lead the digital transformation of research in one of Europe’s leading research, development and innovation organisations? If you are passionate about harnessing the power of data, AI, and advanced digital technologies to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and create real-world impact, VTT could be the place for you.

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning, and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra .

We are now looking for a Head of Research Digitalisation and AI for our Digital Transformation unit!

The main purpose of this position is to lead VTT’s Research Digitalisation and AI unit and accelerate the transformation of research through data, AI, advanced computing, and shared digital capabilities. The role sets the direction for AI-driven research transformation and ensures researchers have access to the platforms, computing capacity, data storage, software, expertise, and support required for modern research. The position leads the development of common digital research enablers and the AI Centre of Excellence, while enabling Research Areas and researchers to build and apply solutions that meet their specific research needs.

The role ensures investments and development activities are strategically aligned, prioritised by research needs, and translated into scalable capabilities and measurable research impact. It also builds collaboration across Research Areas, Digital Transformation, IT operations, external technology partners, and the wider research ecosystem.

Your responsibilities as Head of Research Digitalisation & AI:

• Lead the Research Digitalisation and AI unit, including its people, capabilities, resources, budget and performance
• Define and drive VTT’s direction and roadmap for research digitalisation and AI
• Lead the development and adoption of shared digital research capabilities, including platforms, computing, data storage and research software
• Lead the AI Centre of Excellence, enabling Research Areas to develop, adopt and scale high-impact AI solutions
• Ensure appropriate governance, architecture and responsible and secure use of AI and digital technologies
• Translate research needs and emerging technology opportunities into shared priorities, investments, and scalable solutions
• Build strategic internal and external partnerships and contribute to the Digital Transformation leadership team and strategic planning

Requirements:

• Proven experience in leading complex digital, AI or technology-driven transformation
• Strong understanding of digital research environments, including platforms, computing infrastructure, data storage and research software
• Ability to translate diverse research needs into shared capabilities, priorities and scalable solutions
• Proven ability to lead expert teams and manage complex portfolios, resources and partnerships
• Strong understanding of responsible AI, governance, security and risk management
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and collaboration skills across organisational boundaries
• Relevant higher education degree, equivalent research experience is considered an advantage

We are looking for a leader who can inspire and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning. You can align people, capabilities and investments across the organisation, build strong partnerships with Research Areas and functions, and champion shared ways of working that support VTT’s strategy and values.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of research and innovation at VTT. In this role, you will be at the forefront of applying AI, data and advanced computing to accelerate scientific discovery and societal impact.

With VTT, you’llenjoy:

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering, from next-generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems, and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating a real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – Chain reaction for growth .
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment.Our researchers get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects locally and internationally. At VTT, you'll have state-of-the-art research facilities, such as Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano-, and quantum technologies.
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us for over ten years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. Read more about our organisational culture as we build the world's most meaningful place to work.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture excellent team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work-life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays annually (after one year of work), we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and other versatile services aiming to support your occupational wellbeing.

A security clearance procedure will be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to hear more?

For further information, please contact EVP, Tua Huomo, [e-mail] .

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have over 75 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT´s turnover and other operating income is 258 M€. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together. VTT – beyond the obvious.

Location: Tekniikantie 21, Espoo