Scientific Director
Pubblicato il 25-10-2026 - NBSTSA in Italia
ppstrongCall for Applications /strong /ppScientific Director — Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy /ppThe Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) invites applications from outstanding scientists for the position of Scientific Director, with an anticipated start date of September 2027. /pph3The Institute /h3 /ppEstablished 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. /ppThe 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. /ppIIT's research is organised around four strategic domains: /pullistrongRobotics: /strongadvanced hardware and software for humanoid platforms, prosthetics, surgical robotics, and industrial automation. /lilistrongNanomaterials: /strongsustainable and biodegradable materials, and two-dimensional nanodevices. /lilistrongComputational Sciences: /stronglarge-scale physical simulation and AI-driven data analysis applied to healthcare and environmental challenges. /lilistrongLife Technologies: /strongresearch and technologies spanning the life sciences, including the biological and RNA-based mechanisms underlying brain function, neurotechnologies and human diseases.
/li /ulph3The Opportunity /h3 /ppThe 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. /pph3Key Responsibilities /h3 /pullistrongStrategic vision: /strongdefine 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. /lilistrongResource management: /strongoversee the Institute's budget, research infrastructure, and human capital to ensure the successful delivery of its scientific and technology-transfer goals. /lilistrongScience and society: /strongpromote interdisciplinary research that translates scientific discoveries into societal impact, industrial innovation, and evidence-informed public policy. /lilistrongGovernance: /strongserve 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 /ulph3Candidate Profile /h3 /ppWe seek an internationally recognised scientist preferably with expertise in deep technologies, who possesses:
/pullia distinguished record of multidisciplinary scientific leadership; /lilisubstantial experience at leading international research institutions; /liliproven leadership and people management skills; /lilisignificant experience in managing major research laboratories and research organisations operating in technology-intensive fields; /lilia demonstrated track record in securing competitive research funding and strategic partnerships; /liliproven experience in technology transfer and innovation. /li /ulpThe Scientific Director is expected to be based in Genoa, where IIT’s headquarters are located. /pph3Terms of Appointment /h3 /ppThe position is offered on a four-year, fixed-term contract, renewable for additional four-year terms, with an internationally competitive European compensation package. /pph3Application Materials /h3 /ppCandidates should submit a complete application dossier including: /pullia curriculum vitae; /lilia list of selected publications; /lilia vision statement outlining the candidate's perspective on the future development of the Institute; /lilicontact details for up to four professional referees familiar with the candidate's scientific achievements and leadership experience. /li /ulpstrongAll application materials must be submitted as a single PDF file not exceeding 35MB. /strong /pph3How to Apply /h3 /ppApplications should be submitted by email to the address , no later than strong23:59 CEST on October 19, 2026 /strong. /ppAll applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Candidates will be evaluated by an international search committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. /pph3Equal Opportunity /h3 /ppIIT is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gend