Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs in London
Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs

Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cutting-edge AI research and development, managing projects and building a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join AI4I, a pioneering institute driving innovation in artificial intelligence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, tax exemptions, and flexible hybrid work options.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AI while collaborating with top researchers and industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: Strong AI research background and leadership experience in multidisciplinary R&D.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

Location: Turin, Italy (hybrid work arrangements negotiable).

Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 PM CET.

About Our R&D Labs

The Institute's R&D Labs are the cornerstone of its organizational structure, positioned at the convergence of foundational research and real‐world deployment (TRL 2‐6). Each Lab may focus on either fundamental AI methods or application‐driven domains, expanding well beyond its core endowment by attracting industrial collaborations and competitive research funding.

Labs Are at the Center of an Articulated Organization

  • Collaboration: Collaboration and cross‐fertilization between labs are strongly encouraged.
  • HPC Yang & AI Supercomputing Resources: An extensive GPU‐based accelerated computing facility and high‐performance data infrastructure is available to support lab activities.
  • Engineering Support: A dedicated Engineering unit provides on‐demand, specialised support in HPC, software engineering, data engineering, and more.
  • Institute for Advanced Study: Continuous contact with cutting‐edge AI research at leading academic and industrial organizations.
  • Academic Collaborations: A broad network of collaborations with leading research institutions and universities.
  • Entrepreneurship: A "spin‐off friendly" policy and a network of agreements with VC funds, accelerators, etc., encourage entrepreneurship.
  • Business Development: A dedicated business development unit ensures continuous exposure to numerous industrial partners.

Hybrid work: Flexible arrangements can be negotiated.

What We Offer

  • 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 Executivo.
  • Tax exemption of up to 90 % for eligible researchers relocating to Italy.
  • Relocation package for national and international candidates.

Your Role: Head of R&D Lab

  • Scientific and Strategic Leadership: Designing cutting‐edge AI Research & Development programs, setting milestones, and achieving defined success metrics.
  • Team Building: Leading a team of AI researchers and engineers to execute advanced research and develop practical software or platforms.
  • Outreach: Collaborating with marketing and business development teams to promote AI4I.
  • Revenue Generation: Attracting external funding from private and public sources, including EU programs and strategic industry partnerships.
  • Project Management: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, establishing schedules, and resolving bottlenecks.
  • AI Assets Development: Overseeing the creation and maintenance of reusable frameworks, libraries, and APIs aligned with industry needs.

Key Success Metrics

  • Scientific Production: High‐quality, peer‐reviewed research with international visibility.
  • Revenue Growth: Securing external funding and building strong industrial relationships.
  • Innovation: Driving IP creation and adoption of cutting‐edge AI solutions.
  • Managerial Proficiency: Delivering all lab projects on time, within budget, and to agreed service levels.

Qualifications We Are Looking For

  • Strong track record in AI research and development.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary R&D programs.
  • 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

  • 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.

How To Apply

Submit your application exclusively through the online form before the deadline:

  • CV
  • Scientific and Technological Plan for the Lab (max. 2,000 words) including:
  • Proposed name for the lab.
  • Scientific and technical focus.
  • Scientific and applied objectives.
  • Core competencies and core value proposition; measurable targets.
  • Composition of the lab (human resources and other assets), with estimated costs.
  • Expected sources and amount of revenue or funding over the next 4 years, beyond the initial budget.
  • Contact information of three academic or professional references.
  • Optional: 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 under‐represented groups are strongly encouraged.

Methodological Areas

  • Foundational Models
  • Algorithmic Research
  • Machine and Deep Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • Edge AI, TinyML, and Embedded AI
  • Explainable AI
  • Safe AI
  • Federated, Parallel & Distributed Computing/Learning
  • Control Systems
  • Optimization
  • Planning and Scheduling
  • Human‐Machine Interaction
  • Software Development
  • AI Agents
  • Physics‐informed Machine Learning
  • Synthetic Data
  • Digital Twins

Application Domains

  • Predictive Maintenance
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Decision Systems
  • Industrial Automation and Robotics
  • Quality and Control
  • Software Development for Industrial Applications
  • Logistics and Supply Chain
  • Complex Systems
  • Cybersecurity and Business Continuity for Industrial Applications
  • Aerospace Systems
  • Product and Process Design, including model‐based systems engineering and the digital thread
  • Advanced Materials: AI‐driven materials design and discovery
  • Scientific Discovery, leveraging AI for automated experimentation and inverse design
  • Technology Assessment, leveraging AI to evaluate emerging technologies.

About Us

The Italian Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) was founded as a research institute to perform transformative, application‐oriented research in Artificial Intelligence, driving innovation and industrial progress. The Institute is designed to engage and empower gifted, entrepreneurial, and ambitious researchers who are committed to generating real‐world impact at the intersection of science, technology, and industrial transformation.

Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs in London employer: AI4I

AI4I is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Turin, Italy, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on research and development, employees benefit from extensive resources, including high-performance computing facilities and a supportive engineering unit, fostering both personal and professional growth. The institute's commitment to entrepreneurship, competitive compensation packages, and flexible hybrid work arrangements make it an attractive choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of AI.
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Contact Detail:

AI4I Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with potential employers and fellow researchers. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for AI!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a personal website or portfolio that highlights your projects, publications, and any patents you own. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your value to prospective employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its R&D focus areas. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their innovative projects.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs in London

AI Research and Development
Team Leadership
Project Management
Collaboration
Business Development
Revenue Generation
Scientific Production
Technical Proficiency in AI Methods
Experience in Multidisciplinary R&D Programs
Knowledge of European R&D Programs
Patents or Copyrights Ownership
Communication Skills
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Adaptability to Hybrid Work Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in AI research and development, and don't forget to showcase any leadership roles you've held. Tailor it to reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description.

Nail the Scientific and Technological Plan: This is your chance to shine! Outline your vision for the lab clearly and concisely. Make sure to include measurable targets and how you plan to achieve them. Remember, we want to see your innovative ideas and how they align with our goals.

References Matter: Choose your references wisely! Pick three academic or professional contacts who can vouch for your expertise and leadership abilities. A strong reference can really boost your application, so make sure they know what you're applying for and can speak to your strengths.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our online form before the deadline! It's the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at AI4I

✨Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you have a deep understanding of your past research and how it aligns with the goals of the R&D Lab. Be ready to discuss specific projects, methodologies, and outcomes, as well as how they can contribute to AI4I's mission.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you've successfully managed complex projects, resolved conflicts, and fostered collaboration among team members to achieve common goals.

✨Demonstrate Your Funding Acumen

Be prepared to talk about your experience in securing funding for research initiatives. Highlight any successful grants or partnerships you've established, and discuss your strategies for attracting external funding in the future.

✨Engage with Their Vision

Familiarise yourself with AI4I's objectives and values. During the interview, express how your vision for the lab aligns with theirs, and be ready to propose innovative ideas that could enhance their research capabilities and industry collaborations.

Call for Founding Heads of R&D Labs in London
AI4I
Location: London

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