Senior Director
Pubblicato il 24-10-2026 - Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers in Italia
ppScientific Director — Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy /p pThe Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) invites applications from outstanding scientists for the position of Scientific Director, with an anticipated start date of September 2027. /p h3The Institute /h3 pEstablished in 2003 by the Italian Government as a private research foundation, IIT is headquartered in Genoa and operates a network of 12 research centres across Italy, employing more than 2,000 staff members representing over 60 nationalities. /p pThe Institute is funded primarily through an annual grant from the Italian Government, complemented by competitive European research grants and collaborative projects with industry. IIT’s mission is to strengthen the competitiveness of Italian industry through outstanding scientific research and to translate that research into applied, human-centred technologies. IIT actively promotes patenting, licensing, joint laboratories with industrial partners, and the creation of science-based start-ups. /p pIIT's research is organised around four strategic domains: /p ul libRobotics: /badvanced hardware and software for humanoid platforms, prosthetics, surgical robotics, and industrial automation. /li libNanomaterials: /bsustainable and biodegradable materials, and two-dimensional nanodevices. /li libComputational Sciences: /blarge-scale physical simulation and AI-driven data analysis applied to healthcare and environmental challenges. /li libLife Technologies: /bresearch and technologies spanning the life sciences, including the biological and RNA-based mechanisms underlying brain function, neurotechnologies and human diseases.
/li /ul h3The Opportunity /h3 pThe Scientific Director leads the implementation of IIT's scientific strategy and oversees the Institute's day-to-day operations. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee, the Scientific Director will position IIT at the forefront of international research excellence and technology transfer. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 ul libStrategic vision: /bdefine and implement a long-term research and technology-transfer strategy aligned with major global scientific and technological trends, while strengthening IIT’s relationships with leading Italian and international research institutions and foundations. /li libResource management: /boversee the Institute's budget, research infrastructure, and human capital to ensure the successful delivery of its scientific and technology-transfer goals. /li libScience and society: /bpromote interdisciplinary research that translates scientific discoveries into societal impact, industrial innovation, and evidence-informed public policy. /li libGovernance: /bserve as a full member of the Executive Committee, and report regularly to the Board of Trustees on the implementation of the Institute’s strategy, performance, and emerging opportunities and challenges.
/li /ul h3Candidate Profile /h3 pWe seek an internationally recognised scientist preferably with expertise in deep technologies, who possesses: /p ul lia distinguished record of multidisciplinary scientific leadership; /li lisubstantial experience at leading international research institutions; /li liproven leadership and people management skills; /li lisignificant experience in managing major research laboratories and research organisations operating in technology-intensive fields; /li lia demonstrated track record in securing competitive research funding and strategic partnerships; /li liproven experience in technology transfer and innovation. /li /ul pThe Scientific Director is expected to be based in Genoa, where IIT’s headquarters are located. /p h3Terms of Appointment /h3 pThe position is offered on a four-year, fixed-term contract, renewable for additional four-year terms, with an internationally competitive European compensation package. /p h3Application Materials /h3 pCandidates should submit a complete application dossier including: /p ul lia curriculum vitae; /li lia list of selected publications; /li lia vision statement outlining the candidate's perspective on the future development of the Institute; /li licontact details for up to four professional referees familiar with the candidate's scientific achievements and leadership experience. /li /ul pbAll application materials must be submitted as a single PDF file not exceeding 35MB. /b /p h3Equal Opportunity /h3 pIIT is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, nationality, ethnicity, disability, or any other protected characteristic. /p /p