Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs

Deadline January 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CET Location Hybrid Work Flexible arrangements can be negotiated. About Our R&D Labs R&D Labs are the cornerstone of the Institute’s organizational structure. Each Lab focuses on either foundational AI methods or application-driven domains and expands well beyond its core endowment by attracting industrial collaborations and competitive research funding. What We Offer Renewable 4-year appointment with a pathway to a permanent position based on performance (KPIs and Targets). Internationally competitive compensation package enhanced by substantial incentive schemes. Start-up grant comparable in scale to an ERC Starting Grant, directly managed by the Lab Head. Tax exemption of up to 90% for eligible researchers relocating to Italy. Relocation package for national and international candidates. Your Role: Head of R&D Lab As the Head of an R&D Lab you will design, establish, and lead one of the Institute’s core research laboratories. You will be responsible for defining the R&D plan for your lab: setting a long-term vision and short- and long-term goals; attracting world-class talent, delivering scientific and technological breakthroughs; and positioning the Institute as one of the world’s leading centers for AI research and innovation. Responsibilities Scientific and Strategic Leadership: Design cutting-edge AI R&D programs, monitor AI advancements, and identify high-impact innovation opportunities. 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 and influence. Revenue Generation: Attract external funding from private and public sources to support the growth of your lab, including EU programs and strategic industry partnerships. Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, establish schedules, and resolve bottlenecks to ensure smooth execution. AI Assets Development: Oversee the creation and maintenance of reusable frameworks, libraries, and APIs aligned with industry needs. Key Success Metrics Scientific Production: Deliver high-quality, peer-reviewed research with international visibility and impact. 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 a 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. How to Apply Submit your application exclusively through the online form by January 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CET. CV 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 core value proposition, measurable targets, composition of the lab, estimated costs, expected sources and amount of revenue or funding over the next 4 years, contact information of three references, optional patents or publications. Diversity & Equal Opportunity AI4I is committed to building diverse, inclusive teams and is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from underrepresented 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 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 The Italian Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) 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. Competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, access to dedicated high-performance computing resources, state-of-the-art laboratories, and strong industrial collaborations are among the distinctive features that define AI4I. The Institute fosters a dynamic international environment and an ecosystem that supports the creation and growth of innovative startups. AI4I’s mission is to advance scientific research, technology