Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs

About AI4I

The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) is a research institute focused on transformative, application‑oriented AI research. It brings together leading scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting‑edge AI methodologies and deliver industry‑relevant solutions.

Position Overview

We are seeking Founding Heads of R&D Labs to design, establish, and lead one of the Institute’s core laboratories. The role involves defining a long‑term vision, attracting world‑class talent, driving scientific breakthroughs, and positioning AI4I as a global AI leadership center.

Location & Work Arrangement

• AI4I, OGR, Turin, Italy
• Hybrid work – flexible arrangements can be negotiated

Deadline

January 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CET

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific and Strategic Leadership – design cutting‑edge AI R&D programs, meet milestones, and deliver success metrics.
• Team Building – lead a multidisciplinary team of AI researchers and engineers.
• Outreach – collaborate with marketing and business development to promote AI4I.
• Revenue Generation – attract external funding from EU programs, industry partnerships, and private sources.
• Project Management – manage multiple projects simultaneously, establish schedules, and resolve bottlenecks.
• AI Asset Development – oversee creation and maintenance of reusable frameworks, libraries, and APIs.

Key Success Metrics

• Scientific Production – deliver 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

• Strong track record in AI research and development with 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.
• Proven experience as a 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.

Benefits

• Renewable 4‑year appointment with pathway to a permanent position based on performance.
• Internationally competitive compensation package with incentive schemes.
• Start‑up grant comparable to an ERC Starting Grant, directly managed by the Lab Head.
• Tax exemption up to 90% for eligible researchers relocating to Italy.
• Relocation package for national and international candidates.

Methodological Areas

• Foundational Models
• Algorithmic
• 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
• Diffusion Models
• Synthetic Data
• Digital Twins

Application Domains

• Predictive Maintenance
• Autonomous Systems
• Decision Systems
• Industrial Automation and Robotics
• Industrial Simulation
• 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 (digital thread)
• Advanced Materials: AI‑driven materials design and discovery
• Scientific Discovery – automated experimentation and inverse design
• Technology Assessment – evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., in healthcare)

How to Apply

Submit your application exclusively through the online form by January 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CET.

• CV
• Motivation letter (max. 800 words)
• Scientific and Technological Plan for the Lab (max. 2,000 words) including:
  • Proposed name for the lab
  • Scientific and technical focus
  • Scientific and applied objectives
  • Core competencies and value proposition with measurable targets
  • Composition of the lab (human resources and other assets), with estimated costs
  • Expected sources and amount of revenue or funding over the next 4 years, beyond the initial budget
  • Contact information for three academic or professional references
• Optional: Patents, publications, or code repository (e.g., GitHub) links.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

AI4I is committed to building diverse, inclusive teams and is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

About Us

AI4I advances scientific research, technology transfer, and Italy’s innovation capacity, promoting positive impact across industry, services, and public administration. It fosters a dynamic international environment and an ecosystem that supports the creation and growth of innovative startups.