Director of SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence (CoE)

The SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence (CoE or Centre) in Lithuania is looking for a highly dedicated, qualified, and experienced Director to oversee all Centre operations, functions and activities. The Director will play a critical role in ensuring the success of the CoE by providing operational leadership, driving the implementation of the Centre’s priorities, and delivering results in line with “Centre of Excellence of AI for Sustainable Living and Working (SustAInLivWork)” Project requirements (SustAInLivWork aims at creating a Centre of Excellence in Lithuania for Sustainable Living and Working, specialized in the development and application of R&I solutions based on Artificial Intelligence in the manufacturing, energy, health and transport sectors). The CoE will act as a lighthouse with far reaching impact strengthening R&I in the national and international scope, nurturing from a cooperation between key national partners – the four leading universities of the country – Kauno technologijos universitetas (KTU), Vilniaus Gedimino technikos universitetas (VILNIUS TECH), Vytauto Didžiojo universitetas (VMU), Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitetas (LSMU) and advanced international partners Tampere University (TAU) and Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), that will contribute with their knowledge to boost value creation from advanced technologies.) objectives. This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader to guide the Centre of Excellence towards innovation and success in the field of artificial intelligence research, with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration with business entities as well as public authorities, etc.

 

Purpose of the Position

The primary purpose of the Director’s role is to provide strategic and operational leadership to the CoE, positioning it as a leader in the Baltic Sea Region and beyond in AI research and application. The Director will ensure that research meets the highest academic standards and contribute to societal impact while also focusing on innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Management portfolio

• An impeccable reputation as foreseen in the Law on higher education and research of the Republic of Lithuania.
• At least 5 (five) years of managerial and leadership experience in research, academia or industry/ business environment.
• Thorough understanding of diverse business functions and principles (e.g. finance, stakeholders, customers, etc.).
• Background in AI and data science.
• Experienced in participating in at least 5 AI-related research projects (research, studies, or infrastructure) as a project manager, researcher, or expert.
• Prior experience participating in and leading projects of programs like European research funding frameworks Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe.
• Knowledge of AI applications in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, or transport.
• A visionary mindset, capable of identifying emerging trends in AI and guiding the Centre’s research priorities accordingly.
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
• Experience in managing and leading interdisciplinary teams, overseeing research, innovation, and administrative operations.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills to effectively promote the organization’s objectives in national and international forums.

Education

• A PhD in Computer Science or a related field.
• Additional qualifications in leadership, management, or strategic planning.

Languages

• Proficiency in Lithuanian (at least C1 level) and English (at least C1 level); if the language is not the Applicant’s native language, certificates are required as proof of language proficiency.
• Proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

• Develop and implement strategies aiming at the promotion of the Centre’s mission and objectives.
• Make key decisions for operational activities and set strategic goals.
• Create comprehensive plans for the development of the Centre.
• Manage and supervise staff, fostering an environment that encourages professional growth and retention.
• Lead the AI Research HUB.
• Manage relationships/ partnerships with stakeholders and the public.
• Provide performance data to the Governance Board, including implementation progress of key performance indicators.
• Prepare and submit annual reports and operational plans for the Governance Board’s approval.
• Represent the Centre and participate in events, public meetings, and networking opportunities.
• Oversee the Centre’s financial performance, investments and other business ventures.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders to enhance collaborative opportunities.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and training sessions to promote knowledge and technology sharing, and capacity building in AI for sustainability.
• Monitor compliance with legal regulations and maintain high-quality research and services.
• Implement effective communication strategies to keep stakeholders and the wide public informed about the Centre’s activities, achievements, and challenges.

Type of Contract: Full-time, an open-ended contract

Remuneration package: Salary is based upon Applicant experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

5700 – 6500 Eur *

Gross income (in Lithuanian, BRUTO) is the amount of salary or wages paid to an individual by an employer before any deductions are taken.

Date and place of the Governance Board meeting*

June 27, 2025

Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania

* The Candidates must participate in person at this Governance Board meeting.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Flexible working hours.
• Social guarantees (vacation, sick leave, and parental leave) and additional social benefits.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for networking and collaboration with leading experts in AI and sustainability.
• Additional motivational incentives in accordance with the University’s applicable remuneration policy.

1) A completed and signed application form for participation in the open contest for the position of the Director of the CoE and consent to the use of the information provided (Appendix 1).

2) The Applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV) in free format, which must include details of the managerial and leadership experience in research, academia or industry/business.

3) The Applicant‘s vision on how he/she will achieve the goals and objectives of the CoE (up to 3 pages).

4) A completed and signed Declaration of the Applicant regarding an impeccable reputation and disclosure of the conflict of interests (Appendix 2).

5) A copy of the document certifying the Applicant’s higher education.

6) A copy of a document certifying the award of a Ph.D.

7) Any other supporting documentation the Applicant considers relevant.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

• Please submit all the required documents in person at the address K. Donelaičio st. 73, room 324, 44249 Kaunas or by email cv@ktu.lt.
• Applications must be submitted by June 9, 2025.
• The contact person who will provide information about the open contest procedure Recruitment Project Manager Sandra Stanevičė, e-mail cv@ktu.lt

*Here are the Requirements for the Candidate for the Director’s position and the procedure for the open competition for the selection of the Director of the SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence, where you will find all relevant information and samples of the required document annexes that must be submitted.