Permanent contract | Belval

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Discover our IT for Innovative Services department: https://www.list.lu/en/informatics/

How will you contribute?

The LIST AI Initiative, supported by the LIST Board of Directors, aims to expand LIST's AI capabilities and maximise the impact of AI innovation both within LIST (AI applied to scientific research in all LIST RDI units and AI applied to improve the performance of LIST corporate support functions) and outside LIST (AI applied to improve products, services and processes of private and public organisations through collaborative projects and/or contract research).

In this context, LIST is seeking to recruit several AI experienced researchers.

You will join the LIST AI Initiative team and collaborate with peers in a dynamic and evolving research environment. We’ll expect from you to lead research and innovation (RDI) activities in AI and applied AI.

The LIST AI initiative includes three main research directions:

i) fundamental AI innovation, such as trustworthy AI and low-resource or frugal AI, also in collaboration with universities, other leading public research organisations and private sector innovators (big tech and AI start-ups);

ii) AI enabling innovation in transversal domains, such as AI to improve software development, cybersecurity, networking, AI-enabled digital twins, etc.

iii) AI applied to vertical domains in industry and the public sector, such as manufacturing, education, mobility, environment, healthcare, etc., that are relevant to Luxembourg's economy, society and sustainability.

As an experienced member of the LIST AI initiative, you will take the lead in:

i) delivering Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) activities;

ii) leading, developing and coaching the LIST RDI teams;

iii) and maximising the impact of applied AI through externally funded projects with public or private organisations. Specifically, you'll research, design and implement AI-based solutions (involving technologies such as LLMs, RAG, neural networks, prediction, prompt engineering, multimodal input, AI safety, AI testing and evaluation, AI sandboxes, and other related techniques) to address the needs of AI projects at national and international levels from both private and public partners.

Your role will include:

-       Lead the research, development and innovation (RDI) activities on an AI topic, defining and shaping research directions in line with LIST's strategic objectives.

-       Drive the development of innovative AI technologies and methodologies.

-       Develop and manage RDI project proposals, ensuring alignment with strategic research objectives. Identify funding and grant opportunities; prepare and submit proposals to secure financial support for RDI activities.

-       Oversee the execution of RDI projects with industrial partners, ensuring that they meet their objectives, timelines and budgets.

-       Establish and maintain collaborations with industrial partners, public organisations, research institutes and universities to enhance research impact and technology transfer.

-       Actively participate in EU and national consortia and contribute to collaborative research projects.

-       Build, lead and coach a team of researchers and technical staff. Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence.

-       Increase LIST's visibility in the AI field through publications, presentations and participation in relevant forums and conferences. Enhance the influence and positioning of LIST in the EU and globally.

-       Contribute to the strategic planning of the LIST AI initiative, ensuring the alignment of AI research, development and innovation activities with broader institutional goals.

Deep scientific and technical expertise, demonstrated by publications and successful RDI projects, in at least some of these topics is required:

-       Generative AI, including large language models (LLMs), multimodal foundation models, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), fine-tuning and optimisation techniques for LLMs.

-       Machine learning and neural network architectures, including convolutional, recurrent and transformer networks

-       Predictive modelling and analysis using supervised and unsupervised learning methods

-       MLOps and model management to streamline ML development.

-       Multimodal inputs.

-       Low-resource AI or frugal AI (AI with limited data, computing power, etc.)

-       Data management, data valorisation and data processing techniques, including data sandboxes, data spaces, data synthesis and data augmentation.

-       AI safety strategies (red teaming, blue teaming).

-       AI ethics and compliance.

-       AI evaluation, assessment, testing and benchmarking, including AI sandbox.

-       Big data technologies and tools, ability to work with large data sets to drive predictive analytics and insights.

-       Knowledge of the latest trends and developments in AI, with the ability to apply these advances to practical, real-world challenges

-       Experience working with business domain experts to apply the above AI innovation capabilities in at least one vertical domain in the private and/or public sector, such as finance, energy, defence, manufacturing, education, health, mobility and logistics, central or local government, etc.

-       Recognised expertise in at least one vertical domain with a track record of value creation through applied AI.

In addition, we would appreciate proven experience in the following soft skills:

-       Passion for AI research and technology with a relentless drive for innovation.

-       Proven experience in leading and managing RDI projects in AI/ML with a track record of successful project delivery, innovation and team leadership.

-       Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers and technical staff.

-       Experience of building and maintaining collaborative networks with academic, industrial and research partners, with excellent networking skills.

-       Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

-       Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-expert audiences.

-       Experience in organising workshops, seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings and promote community engagement.

-       Ability to identify emerging research areas and technology trends, and set the direction for future research efforts and technological advances.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

·       PhD + at least 2 years of experience in advanced AI RDI activities.

Language skills

·       Fluent English is a requirement. French, German or Luxembourgish is an advantage.

Your LIST benefits

An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

A scientific CV with contact details

List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

Contact details of 2 references

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled.

An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities.

The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.