CALL - April 2026

Research Fellow – Software Engineering for Robotics (or AI-enabled Cyber-Physical Systems)

Deadline: June 30, 2026

The Italian Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) invites applications for a research fellow position in Software Engineering for Robotics (or AI-enabled Cyber-Physical Systems, AI-CPS).

The IDeaLS Lab at AI4I, Italy’s national AI center, is seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in Software Engineering, Robotics, or AI-CPS. The candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research on MLOps, intelligent software pipelines, and adaptive robotics, collaborating with AI4I research groups and international partners.

The Role

As a research Fellow, you will pursue original research at the intersection of AI, robotics, and intelligent software systems. You will gain experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating AI-enabled cyber-physical systems while contributing to publications, prototypes, and academic-industrial collaborations. For strong performers, there is the opportunity to apply for a formal PhD program, funded by AI4I and in collaboration with a prestigious Italian university.

Your Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on MLOps pipelines for autonomous systems, including UAVs and other intelligent robots.
  • Develop adaptive learning and deployment frameworks for secure, robust, and trustworthy AI in cyber-physical systems.
  • Perform simulation and real-world experiments using robotics testbeds.
  • Collaborate with software engineers, robotics experts, and industry partners.
  • Contribute to academic publications in Software Engineering and Roboticsvenues (e.g., ICSE, ASE, ICRA, IROS, TSE).
  • Support prototype development for industrial projects and research funding proposals.

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or a related field.
  • Solid programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages.
  • Familiarity with robotics, automation, or AI-enabled systems.
  • Interest in large-scale systems, MLOps, CI/CD, and empirical software engineering.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with ROS, Gazebo, AirSim, or other simulation environments.
  • Publications in Software Engineering, Robotics, or CPS are a plus.
  • Knowledge of AI safety, explainability, or dependability.
  • Experience with HPC or large-scale experimentation pipelines.

What We Offer

  • Work in a pioneering research team focused on AI, software engineering, and robotics.
  • Opportunities to publish in top-tier academic venues and contribute to national and European industrial projects.
  • Access to state-of-the-art HPC infrastructure, GPU clusters, and robotics labs.
  • Location at OGR Torino, a vibrant hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Position Details

  • Expected Start Date: As soon as possible in 2026
  • Location: Turin, Italy (on-site)
  • Supervision: Dr. Sebastiano Panichella
  • Affiliation: AI4I – IDeaLS Lab

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF containing:

  • CV with list of publications
  • Brief research statement (1–2 pages)
  • Link to GitHub or personal webpage (if available)
  • Names of two references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Apply here

About IDeaLS Lab

The IDeaLS Lab conducts research on intelligent, adaptive, and dependable large-scale software systems, with expertise in:

  • Software Engineering
  • Machine Learning & MLOps
  • Robotics & Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Cloud & HPC ecosystems
  • Interdisciplinary research

Join a rapidly growing European AI hub with exceptional opportunities for research impact, visibility, and career development.

 

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.