HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE?

The LIST AI Initiative, supported by the LIST Board of Directors, aims to expand LIST’s AI capabilities and maximise the impact of AI innovation both within LIST (AI applied to scientific research in all LIST RDI units and AI applied to improve the performance of LIST corporate support functions) and outside LIST (AI applied to improve products, services and processes of private and public organisations through collaborative projects and/or contract research).
One of the key areas of interest in the LIST AI initiative is that of Frugal AI, understood in a very broad sense: from the analysis of “frugality” of current AI models to the selection/adaptation of models to be deployed in constrained resources (in terms of energy, memory…) depending on the client requirements as part of the design process of a new software system with sustainability concerns.
In this context, LIST is seeking to recruit an AI experienced researcher with a strong specialization and interest in the field of Frugal AI (and similar terms: green AI, low-resource AI, constrained AI, …).
You will join the LIST AI Initiative team as a member of the SWRDI research group and collaborate with peers in a dynamic and evolving research environment within the SWRDI group, the HANDS unit and, in general, with other LIST units requiring expertise in the Frugal AI field.
The SWRDI team specializes in the design and development of smart (i.e. AI-enhanced) software systems. We believe energy concerns should be part of the software design from its early stages and therefore, we believe there is the need to specify resource requirements as part of the requirements engineering phase. These requirements will be then analysed against the energy/memory requirements of AI models to optimize the system behaviour while minimizing the resources consumed by the AI components in it.

We’ll expect from you to lead research and innovation (RDI) activities in Frugal AI. As an experienced researcher, you will take the lead in:

• Delivering Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) activities.
• Developing and coaching the LIST RDI teams in this topic; and
• Maximising the impact of Frugal AI initiatives through externally funded projects with public or private organisations.

Your role will include:

• Lead the research, development and innovation (RDI) activities on the Frugal AI topic, defining and shaping research directions in line with LIST’s strategic objectives.
• Drive the development of innovative Frugal AI technologies and methodologies.
• Develop and manage RDI project proposals, ensuring alignment with strategic research objectives at the group and unit level. Identify funding and grant opportunities; prepare and submit proposals to secure financial support for RDI activities.
• Oversee the execution of RDI projects with external partners, ensuring that they meet their objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Align with ongoing standards around Frugal AI and Green AI and explore opportunities and collaborations with the consortia behind those standards.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with industrial partners, public organisations, research institutes and universities to enhance research impact and technology transfer.

• Actively participate in EU and (inter)national consortia and contribute to collaborative research projects.Increase LIST’s visibility in the AI field through publications, presentations and participation in relevant forums and conferences.

Deep scientific and technical expertise, demonstrated by publications and successful RDI projects, in at least some of these topics is required:

• Frugal AI / Green AI and, in general, the design and deployment of AI models in low-resource environments.
• Generative AI, including large language models (LLMs), multimodal foundation models, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), fine-tuning and optimisation techniques for LLMs.
• Use of AI to improve sustainability aspects of AI and non-AI systems based on an analysis of their current architecture and operational data.
• Machine learning and neural network architectures, including convolutional, recurrent and transformer networks.
• MLOps and model management to streamline ML development.
• Multimodal input and how multimodality impacts frugality.
• Data management, data valorisation and data processing techniques, including data sandboxes, data spaces, data synthesis and data augmentation.
• AI evaluation, assessment, testing and benchmarking, including AI sandbox.
• Knowledge of the latest trends and developments in AI, with the ability to apply these advances to practical, real-world challenges.
• Experience working with business domain experts to apply the above AI innovation capabilities in at least one vertical domain in the private and/or public sector, such as finance, space, cybersecurity, energy, mobility and logistics, defence, manufacturing, education, health, central or local government, etc.
• Sustainable practices and global initiatives in the area (UNESCO sustainable development goals, digital product passport initiatives, product circularity data sheets…) that may have influence in the evolution and growing interest in Frugal AI.
• Software engineering and, in particular, low-code technologies. This includes some knowledge of low-code and no-code AI approaches.

In addition, we would appreciate proven experience in the following soft skills:

• Passion for AI research and technology with a relentless drive for innovation.
• Proven experience in leading and managing RDI projects in AI/ML with a track record of successful project delivery and innovation.
• Experience of building and maintaining collaborative networks with academic, industrial and research partners, with excellent networking skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-expert audiences.
• Experience in organising workshops, seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings and promote community engagement.
• Ability to identify emerging research areas and technology trends and set the direction for future research efforts and technological advances.

EDUCATION

• PhD + at least 2 years of experience in advanced AI RDI activities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Fluent English is a requirement. French, German or Luxembourgish is an advantage.

• Lead the research, development and innovation (RDI) activities on the Frugal AI topic, defining and shaping research directions in line with LIST’s strategic objectives.
• Drive the development of innovative Frugal AI technologies and methodologies.
• Develop and manage RDI project proposals, ensuring alignment with strategic research objectives at the group and unit level. Identify funding and grant opportunities; prepare and submit proposals to secure financial support for RDI activities.
• Oversee the execution of RDI projects with external partners, ensuring that they meet their objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Align with ongoing standards around Frugal AI and Green AI and explore opportunities and collaborations with the consortia behind those standards.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with industrial partners, public organisations, research institutes and universities to enhance research impact and technology transfer.
• Actively participate in EU and (inter)national consortia and contribute to collaborative research projects.Increase LIST’s visibility in the AI field through publications, presentations and participation in relevant forums and conferences