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 University’s 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 Virnex’s longstanding commitment to working closely with students and educational institutions as well as LUT University’s 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 university–industry 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 AIRC’s 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 center’s concept and operational practices from the ground up. You will work closely with professors an