Call for Director of AI4I
International selection | Turin, Italy
AI4I, the Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry, invites applications for the role of Director. We seek a leader who combines a deep understanding of AI with the ability to lead complex organisations, connect research with engineering challenges and work effectively with industry.
Location. Turin, Italy.
About AI4I
AI4I is part of a strong scientific and industrial ecosystem, connected to leading research centres, companies and innovation networks in Italy and Europe. AI4I advances AI research, development and adoption to deliver industrial impact. Supported by long-term public funding, the Institute operates through an established organisational structure and a strategic and administrative partnership with the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT). It attracts research and engineering talent through competitive, incentive-based compensation.
The role
The Director will define AI4I’s strategy for scientific and technological development and industrial impact and prepare the multi-year Strategic Plan and the Annual Plan, both for approval by the Supervisory Board. The Director will set clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) and be responsible for implementing both plans and achieving their objectives. The Director will build on the strengths of AI4I’s different units, including its research and engineering laboratories, the AI Foundry and the Academy, and coordinate their development to meet diverse industrial needs. The Director will set recruitment strategy, coordinate hiring and talent development, and manage priorities and resources. In developing and implementing the Institute’s strategy, the Director will draw on the advice of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
The Director will provide strategic direction and ongoing oversight of AI4I’s research, development and engineering activities, working with the Heads of Laboratories to ensure that each laboratory implements its business plan and achieves its objectives. These activities include work on agentic and physical AI and the development, validation and deployment of AI-based engineering solutions in areas such as advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation, energy and infrastructure. The Director will build partnerships with companies, business associations, competence centres, public institutions and national and European innovation agencies, and leverage AI4I’s SUK (System for User Knowledge) platform to build a national ecosystem for the development and adoption of AI solutions. The role also includes leading business development and technology transfer, securing additional funding and contributing to interdisciplinary education and training.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, economics or management.
Experience and capabilities
Candidates may come from research institutions, industry, consultancy, public institutions or technology-transfer organisations. Assessment will focus on the following areas:
- Proven ability to lead complex organisations, develop talent and coordinate diverse teams and capabilities, with responsibility for people, resources and results.
- Deep understanding of AI research and technology, including emerging capabilities, limitations and opportunities for industrial use, and of the ecosystem in which AI solutions are developed and adopted.
- Ability to lead and coordinate high-quality, high-impact research that addresses industrial needs and engineering challenges, and to guide the development, validation and deployment of AI solutions.
- Effective engagement with companies and experience in innovation, public-private collaboration and national or international scientific and technological networks.
- Demonstrated experience securing and managing significant funding resources, including public grants, private investments, industrial partnerships or research programmes, with accountability for budget allocation, financial sustainability and operational performance.
Terms
Renewable three-year appointment with an internationally competitive remuneration package, within the parameters set by public finance regulations.
Selection process
An independent Search Committee, including a representative of the AI4I Scentific Advisory Board, will lead the selection process, with support from an international executive search firm. The AI4I Scentific Advisory Board will provide an advisory assessment of shortlisted candidates’ scientific and technological credentials. The Search Committee will submit its final recommendations to the Supervisory Board, which will decide on the appointment.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application form by November the 15th 2026, 11:59 PM CET.
- CV describing leadership responsibilities and scientific, technological, managerial and technology-transfer achievements (maximum 10 pages).
- Motivation letter (maximum 1,000 words).
- Strategic vision for AI4I (maximum 2,500 words), covering research, organisation, industrial and public-sector adoption, partnerships, responsible AI and funding.
- Up to ten selected contributions demonstrating impact, such as publications, systems, software, datasets, patents, standards, products, deployments or spin-outs, specifying the candidate’s role.
- Names and contact details of five professional referees, who will be contacted only at the final stage and with the candidate’s prior consent.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a strategic and financial plan of up to 5,000 words, based on information provided by AI4I, and to attend one or more interviews, including an in-person meeting.
Equal opportunities
AI4I guarantees equal opportunities in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree No. 198/2006.