Call Founding Heads of R&D Labs

Head of R&D Lab

Located in Turin, Italy – hybrid work arrangements can be negotiated.

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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Submit your application exclusively through the online form…