Chief Research Scientist

Chief Research Scientist – Advanced Computing Systems

We are partnering with a world-class global technology research lab to appoint a Chief Research Scientist to lead next-generation computing architecture research.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of AI-centric computing systems at scale, combining long-term scientific vision with real-world system impact.

The Opportunity

Our client operates one of Europe’s largest and most influential computing systems research labs, with deep investment in chip architecture, AI accelerators, system and interconnect design, memory subsystems, and full-stack hardware–software co-design.

The lab brings together 70+ senior researchers (50+ PhDs), maintains an exceptional publication record at top-tier conferences, and runs large, well-funded research programs with direct influence on next-generation products and platforms.

The Chief Research Scientist will provide scientific leadership, define long-term architectural research direction, and lead path-finding exploration in advanced computing systems for emerging AI workloads.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the evolution roadmap for next-generation computing architectures, spanning AI accelerators and general-purpose processors.
• Lead frontier research in system architecture, memory and interconnect, performance modeling, and large-scale AI systems.
• Guide development of advanced architecture design and performance analysis capabilities, including workload modeling, mapping, and design space exploration.
• Champion original, differentiated technical approaches beyond mainstream industry and academic solutions.
• Influence broader system architecture direction through close collaboration with global R&D stakeholders.
• Act as the scientific spokesperson for the lab at leading academic and industry forums.
• Build and maintain deep partnerships with top universities, research institutes, and industry collaborators worldwide.
• Ensure sustained delivery of high-impact research outcomes, including influential publications, patents, and architectural breakthroughs.

Candidate Profile

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 15+ years of research experience in computing architecture and systems, with significant leadership responsibility.
• Recognised authority in areas such as AI accelerators, CPU architecture, memory systems, interconnect, or full-stack system design.
• Strong publication record in top-tier venues (h-index ~30+ or equivalent scientific impact).
• Proven ability to lead and inspire senior researchers in a high-performance research environment.
• Excellent communication skills and international academic or industry visibility.

Why This Role

• True scientific ownership and long-term research mandate.
• Ability to shape architectures that move from research into real systems.
• Significant funding, scale, and freedom to explore bold ideas.
• Based in Zurich, one of Europe’s strongest technology and research hubs.