Call Founding Heads of R&D Labs

Join to apply for the Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs role at AI4I

Arrangements for hybrid work can be negotiated.

AI4I (The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence) seeks talented and ambitious Heads of R&D Laboratories to lead the next generation of AI research and development in AI-driven industries.

We welcome applications from researchers working across a wide range of AI domains – including Symbolic Generative, Agentic, and Physical AI – as well as frontier research areas such as causality, neuro-symbolic AI, self-supervised learning, and AI for scientific discovery.

• A renewable 4‑year appointment, with a pathway to a permanent position based on performance (KPIs and Targets).
• An internationally competitive compensation package, enhanced by substantial incentive schemes.
• A 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 support available for successful candidates.

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.

• Scientific and Strategic Leadership:
  Design cutting‑edge AI research & development programs and solutions.
• 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, expanding 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, establishing schedules, and resolving bottlenecks to ensure smooth execution.
• AI Assets Development:
  Oversee the creation and maintenance of reusable frameworks, libraries, and APIs aligned with industry needs.

• Scientific Production:
  Deliver high‑quality, peer‑reviewed research with international visibility and impact across AI and its industrial applications.
• 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.

• 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 in applying AI in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, human‑machine interaction, or software development.

• A 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.

Submit your application exclusively through the online form by February 28, 2026, 11:59 PM CET
:

• CV
• Scientific and Technological Plan for the Lab (max. 2,000 words) including: proposed name, scientific focus, objectives, core competencies, composition, cost estimates, projected revenue/funding, references, and optional patents/publications/code.

AI4I is committed to building diverse, inclusive teams and is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.