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