Funded by
The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), in collaboration with Bocconi University

Supervisors
Dr. Tamer Mour (AI4I)
Co-advisor from Bocconi University (to be defined upon agreement)

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Position Description
The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry (AI4I), in collaboration with Bocconi University, invites applications for a PhD position at its upcoming Crypto4AI lab.
The Crypto4AI Lab, scheduled to launch in March 2026, will conduct cutting-edge research grounded in computer science theory and mathematics, aiming to establish solid foundations for next-generation cryptographic solutions tailored to artificial intelligence systems. Research topics include, but are not limited to:

• Private inference
• Model integrity
• Watermarking

The research activity will span:

• Cryptographic design
• Cryptanalysis (analytical and experimental)
• Mathematical foundations of cryptography
• Experimentation with machine learning models
• Protocol implementation and optimization across different hardware architectures

The PhD position is hosted within the Bocconi University PhD program, with research activities jointly supervised and co-developed with AI4I.
AI4I provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment with strong institutional support, including access to dedicated software engineers, high-performance computing resources, and close interaction with industrial partners.

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Required Qualifications

• MSc (or equivalent) in computer science, mathematics or adjacent areas.
• Strong background in at least one of the following areas or closely related disciplines:

• • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Cryptography (theoretical and/or applied)
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Statistical Physics

• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• A team player but also can work autonomously.

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Start Date

The beginning of the 2026/27 academic year.

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What We Offer

• A stimulating, ambitious and collaborative research environment within AI4I’s and Bocconi University international, interdisciplinary ecosystem.
• Access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources and advanced research infrastructure.
• The opportunity to co-author high-impact publications.
• Joint supervision between AI4I and Bocconi University
• Financial support for participation in international conferences, workshops, and Winter/Summer schools.

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How to Apply

Please submit your application through the online form with the following documents:

• CV (including publications, if applicable)
• Cover Letter( max.1 page)
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
• Contact information of three references

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Important:

Candidates must also apply in parallel to the Bocconi University PhD program at https://www.unibocconi.it/en/programs/phd/admissions and must meet its eligibility requirements.

 

About Us

The Italian Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) was founded as a research institute to perform transformative, application-oriented research in Artificial Intelligence, driving innovation and industrial progress. The Institute is designed to engage and empower gifted, entrepreneurial, and ambitious researchers who are committed to generating real-world impact at the intersection of science, technology, and industrial transformation.

Competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, access to dedicated high-performance computing resources, state-of-the-art laboratories, and strong industrial collaborations are among the distinctive features that define AI4I. The Institute fosters a dynamic international environment and an ecosystem that supports the creation and growth of innovative startups.

AI4I’s mission is to advance scientific research, technology transfer, and, more broadly, Italy’s innovation capacity, promoting positive impact across industry, services, and public administration. To achieve this, the Institute contributes to building a research and innovation infrastructure that leverages AI methods, with a special focus on manufacturing processes and the broader Industry 4.0 value chain.

AI4I also maintains strategic relationships with leading organizations in Italy and abroad, including Competence Centers and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), positioning itself as an attractive destination for researchers, companies, and startups seeking collaboration and impact.