Research director, Artificial Intelligence Research Center (AIRC)

LUT University and Virnex are establishing the Artificial Intelligence Research Center (AIRC) and are seeking a research director to lead its development. The AIRC provides a new platform for close collaboration between academia and industry, enabling interdisciplinary research on artificial intelligence and data management.

Virnex and LUT Universitys Artificial Intelligence Research Center (AIRC) is set to open on the LUT campus in Lahti, Finland, in the summer of 2026. The center will strengthen interdisciplinary research on artificial intelligence and data management and develop education that meets the evolving needs of businesses. The center reflects Virnexs longstanding commitment to working closely with students and educational institutions as well as LUT Universitys tradition of research collaboration with leading industrial companies.

As the director of the AIRC, you will be employed jointly by Virnex (80%) and LUT University (20%) and will report to the AIRC Steering Committee, which includes members from both organizations. Administrative supervisors will be appointed from both organizations.

The AIRC represents the LUT Company Platforms model, a new framework for universityindustry collaboration. The center connects Virnex professionals with the full range of expertise at LUT Universities (LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences), advancing research and education as businesses adapt to AI. The AIRC will fund and organize research and development projects and invite proposals from interdisciplinary groups at LUT and its stakeholders.

What your work will be like

The research director leads the AIRCs research and development activities in close collaboration with partners. The role requires regular communication with various departments at LUT Universities (LUT & LAB) and at Virnex and calls for a proactive approach to developing the centers concept and operational practices from the ground up. You will work closely with professors and other scientists, research directors, LUTs chief growth officers office, and relevant support functions, combining technological and business perspectives.

You define and implement the AIRC research strategy and ensure its execution through high-quality, project-based initiatives, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams, oversight of research project development, and service as member and executive secretary of the AIRC Steering Committee. The role advances the AIRCs research opportunities within LUT and LAB to foster new interdisciplinary initiatives, ensures adherence to rigorous ethical research practices, and contributes to the centers societal impact through responsible conduct. Participation in strategic events, research workshops, and capability-building activities is also part of the role.

What we expect from you

You are expected to have at least five years of experience in a relevant business environment, excellent knowledge of collaboration between universities and industry, and a doctoral degree with a solid understanding of the academic world and its processes. You are well familiar with public funding instruments.

You have curiosity to quickly develop research and collaboration opportunities in AI-enabled solutions and data management, and you bring proactive experience in both strategic and operational leadership roles. You also have experience working with a variety of stakeholders and strong skills in relationship and network building, communication, and facilitation, enabling effective collaboration in cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams.

As the role involves close interaction in an international and multi-stakeholder environment, excellent written and spoken English skills are required to ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication across all parties involved. A collaborative mindset and a clear ambition to develop and scale up AIRC are essential for success in this role.

What we offer you

At LUT, you will do work that matters and contribute to research with a tangible impact on society, business, and the environment.

We embrace a hybrid, multi-location approach to work, but this role requires regular presence in Lahti to build networks and engage directly with researchers and industry partners.

Our flexible system of 1,612 annual working hours for teaching and research staff gives you the freedom to plan your schedule.

The position will be filled as soon as possible, and work can start immediately. The work will start with a six-month trial period.

The salary is based on the Finnish university pay system's scale for teaching and research staff (requirement level 7). The starting gross salary is approximately €6,0007,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications, and includes an individual performance-based component. The salary is paid in proportion to the agreed allocation of working time between LUT University (20%) and Virnex (80%).

If you are motivated to lead a new interdisciplinary research initiative in artificial intelligence with strong societal and industrial relevance, we encourage you to apply.

Interested? Please submit your application through the link below by 17 May 2026 at 23:59, Finnish local time (UTC +3). We will review applications on a rolling basis. Applications will be processed by both LUT University and Virnex.

For further information, please contact Chief Growth Officer Petri Ajo, LUT University, +358 50 473 6668, on 29 April, 30 April, 6 May, 7 May, and 13 May, between 12:00 and 14:00 (UTC+3), or CEO Jarkko Multanen, Virnex Oy, +358 40 764 3274.

LUT University | LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en

Virnex | Virnex is a Finnish technology company focused on digitalization and artificial intelligence, helping organizations develop their business based on data. The company offers services such as AI strategy, software development, and integration solutions, as well as its own SaaS products. Virnex act