Scientific Director

Call for Applications

Scientific Director — Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy

The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) invites applications from outstanding scientists for the position of Scientific Director, with an anticipated start date of September 2027.

The Institute

Established 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.

The 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.

IIT's research is organised around four strategic domains:

• Robotics: advanced hardware and software for humanoid platforms, prosthetics, surgical robotics, and industrial automation.
• Nanomaterials: sustainable and biodegradable materials, and two-dimensional nanodevices.
• Computational Sciences: large-scale physical simulation and AI-driven data analysis applied to healthcare and environmental challenges.
• Life Technologies: research and technologies spanning the life sciences, including the biological and RNA-based mechanisms underlying brain function, neurotechnologies and human diseases.

The Opportunity

The 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic vision: define 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.
• Resource management: oversee the Institute's budget, research infrastructure, and human capital to ensure the successful delivery of its scientific and technology-transfer goals.
• Science and society: promote interdisciplinary research that translates scientific discoveries into societal impact, industrial innovation, and evidence-informed public policy.
• Governance: serve 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.

Candidate Profile

We seek an internationally recognised scientist preferably with expertise in deep technologies, who possesses:

• a distinguished record of multidisciplinary scientific leadership;
• substantial experience at leading international research institutions;
• proven leadership and people management skills;
• significant experience in managing major research laboratories and research organisations operating in technology-intensive fields;
• a demonstrated track record in securing competitive research funding and strategic partnerships;
• proven experience in technology transfer and innovation.

The Scientific Director is expected to be based in Genoa, where IIT’s headquarters are located.

Terms of Appointment

The position is offered on a four-year, fixed-term contract, renewable for additional four-year terms, with an internationally competitive European compensation package.

Application

Materials Candidates should submit a complete application dossier including:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a list of selected publications;
• a vision statement outlining the candidate's perspective on the future development of the Institute;
• contact details for up to four professional referees familiar with the candidate's scientific achievements and leadership experience.

All application materials must be submitted as a single PDF file not exceeding 35MB.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted by email to the address Visualizzare la mail su nature.com , no later than 23:59 CEST on October 19, 2026 .

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Candidates will be evaluated by an international search committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.

Equal Opportunity

IIT 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.