AI4I -Call for Head of Research and Development Unit(s)

AI4I -Call for Head of Research and Development Unit(s)

The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry (AI4I) is seeking visionary, ambitious, and talented leaders to serve as the Founding Heads of its first set of R&D Units.

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 13, 11:59 PM CEST.

About AI4I and its R&D Units

AI4I is the newly established Italian institute dedicated to implementing the national strategy in Artificial Intelligence. It was founded by the Italian Government to drive transformative, application-oriented research in Artificial Intelligence, fostering innovation, industrial transformation, and sustainable growth.

The Institute, backed with long-term national funding, is guided by a world-class Scientific Advisory Board and is part of the international consortium of European AI Factories, which allows the Institute direct access to CINECA’s computational infrastructure.

AI4I has established a strategic partnership with the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) as well as synergies with a rich scientific, industrial, and financial ecosystem. AI4I seeks to attract and empower a new generation of AI leaders through competitive and incentive-based compensation schemes.

The Institute is inviting applications for the position of Head of Research and Development (R&D) Unit.

Our R&D Units are the cornerstone of the Institute’s organizational structure. These units may focus on either foundational methods or application domains and are designed to grow beyond their starting budgets by attracting industrial contracts and competitive research grants.

Mission and Vision

The Institute’s mission is to promote innovation in the area of Artificial Intelligence and to have it integrated into processes, products, and services in the Italian industry landscape.

AI4I’s vision is to become the leading reference point for AI research and development in Italy and in Europe.

Location

AI4I is located in the stunning OGR-Tech Hub, in the heart of the city of Turin, a scenic and innovative city renowned for its scientific, industrial, and technological ecosystems, as well as for its growing number of startups, research laboratories, incubators, accelerators, venture capital funds, and corporate ventures. Turin enjoys a central location with respect to the Alpine region and to Switzerland, and it is close to Milan and to Genoa, where the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is based.

Description of the Role

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:

1. Strategic Impact: Develop a robust vision aligned with AI4I’s mission and drive high-impact projects.
2. Project Execution: Deliver projects on time, within budget, and with measurable industrial outcomes.
3. Innovation: Drive IP creation and adopt cutting-edge AI technologies.
4. Revenue Growth: Secure external funding and build strong partnerships.
5. 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

To apply, submit a single pdf file containing the following documents via the online application portal http://tenure.iit.it by April 13, 11:59 PM CEST:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Motivation letter (max. 1,000 words).
3. Strategic Plan (max. 5,000 words), including:
   • Proposed focus, structure, and strategy for your R&D Unit.
   • Outline of your revenue-generation plan in the first 3/5 years.
   • Main KPIs and yearly targets.
4. Names and Contact Information of three referees, familiar with the applicant’s research accomplishments.
5. Optional: Startup pitch deck, patents portfolio, publications, or Git repository links.

Equal Opportunity

AI4I is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Applications from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.

For more information on data protection policies, visit the AI4I Website.

We eagerly anticipate applications from outstanding candidates ready to lead AI4I to new heights of innovation and impact.

[1]Workers and researchers applying from abroad might be eligible for tax benefits (link).