AI Head of Research & Development

As the Head of an R&D Unit, adequately supported by the competent transversal structures/offices, you will establish and lead one of the Institute’s core research entities, positioning AI4I as a world-class AI research and development hub.

Responsibilities

· Strategic Leadership: Design cutting-edge AI R&D programs and solutions, meeting milestones, and achieving defined success metrics.

· Team Building: Lead a team of AI scientists, researchers, and engineers to execute advanced research and develop practical software or platforms.

· Revenue Generation: Secure external funding from private and public sources to support your unit’s growth.

· Interface Management: Translate partner/client requirements into actionable R&D initiatives.

· Project Management: Oversee multiple projects, establish schedules, and resolve bottlenecks to ensure seamless execution.

· AI Assets Development: Guide the creation of reusable frameworks, libraries, and APIs aligned with industry needs.

· Innovation and Collaboration: Monitor AI advancements, identify opportunities for impactful innovation, and collaborate with other R&D Units and partners.

· Outreach: Partner with marketing and business development teams to expand AI4I’s influence.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess a strong expertise in foundational AI methodologies and computational methods, applicable across various domains. Alternatively, they may have

deep vertical expertise in applying AI methodologies within specific application domains (e.g., manufacturing, automotive, aerospace).

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field is required, together with relevant expertise in areas related to Artificial Intelligence, such as:

· Foundational Models, Algorithmic Research

· Machine/Deep Learning

· Computer Vision

· Parallel & Distributed Computing

· Control and Optimization

· Human-Machine Interaction

· Software Development

· AI Agents

Preferred Expertise

Experience deploying AI solutions in fields such as:

· Predictive Maintenance

· Autonomous Driving

· Industrial Automation and Robotics

· Digital Twins and Industrial Simulation

· Quality and Process Control

· Software Development for Industrial Applications

· Logistics and Supply Chain

· Cybersecurity and Business Continuity for Industrial Applications

· Aerospace Systems

Preferred Qualifications

· A PhD degree

· Experience as a founder or co-founder of an innovative startup

· Previous roles in large firms or R&D centers

· Proven experience managing and leading R&D teams

· Ownership of patents or copyrights in AI or related industrial applications

Key Success Metrics

Your performance will be evaluated against annual and multi-year KPIs, including:

· Strategic Impact: Develop a robust vision aligned with AI4I’s mission and drive high-impact projects.

· Project Execution: Deliver projects on time, within budget, and with measurable industrial outcomes.

· Innovation: Drive IP creation and adopt cutting-edge AI technologies.

· Revenue Growth: Secure external funding and build strong partnerships.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Deliver solutions that align with industry needs and add tangible value.

What we Offer

· Initial 3/5-year appointment, renewable or convertible to a permanent contract upon evaluation.

· Competitive international salary[1], with relocation packages for candidates moving from abroad or other Italian regions

· Starting budget for team salaries and direct operational expenses.

· Access to state-of-the-art HPC resources featuring the latest AI accelerators.

· Collaboration with world-class scholars and fellows at the Institute for Advanced Study which AI4 is establishing in collaboration with Compagnia di San Paolo.

· Opportunities to participate in AI4I’s incubator and accelerator programs.

Application Process

Please check https://ai4i.it/work-with-us/

Note: only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered