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, ItalyHybrid work – flexible arrangements can be negotiatedDeadline January 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CETKey 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 ModelsAlgorithmicMachine and Deep LearningComputer VisionEdge AI, TinyML, and Embedded AIExplainable AISafe AIFederated, Parallel & Distributed Computing/LearningControl SystemsOptimizationPlanning and SchedulingHuman‑Machine InteractionSoftware DevelopmentAI AgentsPhysics‑informed Machine LearningDiffusion ModelsSynthetic DataDigital TwinsApplication Domains Predictive MaintenanceAutonomous SystemsDecision SystemsIndustrial Automation and RoboticsIndustrial SimulationQuality and Process ControlSoftware Development for Industrial ApplicationsLogistics and Supply ChainComplex SystemsCybersecurity and Business Continuity for Industrial ApplicationsAerospace SystemsProduct and process Design (digital thread)Advanced Materials: AI‑driven materials design and discoveryScientific Discovery – automated experimentation and inverse designTechnology 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.CVMotivation letter (max. 800 words)Scientific and Technological Plan for the Lab (max. 2,000 words) including: Proposed name for the labScientific and technical focusScientific and applied objectivesCore competencies and value proposition with measurable targetsComposition of the lab (human resources and other assets), with estimated costsExpected sources and amount of revenue or funding over the next 4 years, beyond the initial budgetContact information for three academic or professional referencesOptional: 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