Research Scientist (Group Leader) in AI for sustainability F/M

The Idiap Research Institute is looking for a Research Scientist to conduct research in AI for sustainability and leverage the potential of AI in the specific context of Valais – a Swiss alpine region known for its natural resources and local economic activity. The position has a level of responsibility of an early career independent group leader. While we envision this role to be full-time, we are open to exploring flexible working arrangements.

Duties include:

• Create and lead an independent research group, assuming leadership and conducting original research in AI for sustainability that contributes to one of the Institute’s core Research Programs: Sustainable and Resilient Societies

• Secure external funding for research projects

• Supervise group members, including doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, research associates, and research engineers

• Publish in high-quality journals and conferences and actively contribute to the scientific community

• Promote and take part in cross-disciplinary collaborations within and outside the Institute

• Identify opportunities for technology transfer and industrial collaborations

• Participate in the development of demonstrators and prototypes
• Contribute to initiatives that strengthen our institutional culture

Additional information:

Start date: July 2026 or as soon as possible.

Full consideration will be given to applications submitted before the end of March.

Screening of applications will commence in April.

Your application should include a full CV (including a list of publications and externally funded projects), a research statement, and the names and contact emails of three referees.

Your Profile

* PhD degree in a relevant field

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, innovative research with significant impact in applied AI domains, including (but not limited to) alpine environments, energy, agriculture

• Strong publication record in the specific domain of expertise
• Demonstrated ability or capacity to secure external funding

Required language(s):

The working language is English. Fluency in any of the national Swiss languages is a plus.

Idiap is a research institute of national importance that engages in fundamental research, education and technology transfer in artificial intelligence. Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions in a dynamic, multicultural environment. Idiap is located in Martigny, Valais, a scenic region in the south of Switzerland, surrounded by the highest mountains of Europe, and offering exceptional quality of life, exciting recreational activities, including hiking, climbing and skiing, as well as varied cultural activities.

At Idiap, we know that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. If you believe that you could excel in this role, but you are not sure you meet all the required criteria, we very much welcome your application.