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12 November 2026

Head of AI Research Strategy - Senior Scientist (m/f/d) - European Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (ELAI)

Europe is building a new AI institute, and we are looking for a Head of AI Research Strategy who wants to help shape it. The European Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (ELAI) is a major new European effort, funded under Horizon Europe. It brings together more than 40 leading universities and research institutes to advance the scientific foundations of AI. The ELLIS Institute Tübingen coordinates ELAI's research agenda and its scientific programmes.

The role
This position is for an AI researcher who wants to go beyond their own research and help shape how science is organised, prioritised and funded in Europe. You will work closely with the Managing Director of ELLIS Institute Tübingen and the Scientific Director of the ELLIS Institute and ELAI. Your responsibilities will be:

  • coordination of ELAI's research programmes across partner sites, working with the project partner, programme directors, faculty and the operations team;
  • supporting to develop and put into practice ELAI's strategic research agenda and its quality standards;
  • act as right-hand to the Scientific Director: prepare strategic decisions, represent ELAI scientifically towards partners, policymakers and funders, and co-author strategy papers and policy briefs;
  • keeping an active research profile, with dedicated time for your own research.

You bring

  • a PhD in machine learning/AI or a closely related field, several years of postdoctoral experience and a strong publication record;
  • broad scientific judgement across AI, enough to have serious scientific discussions with leading researchers;
  • a real interest in science policy and research strategy, and ideally experience with large collaborative projects;
  • excellent communication in English, diplomatic skill and the ability to make things happen across institutions.

We offer

  • a place on the founding team of a new European institute, working directly with the Managing Director and the Scientific Director;
  • high visibility in the European AI and science-policy landscape;
  • the chance to grow with the institute as it develops into a permanent institution;
  • a competitive salary based on your qualifications and experience;
  • an inspiring research environment in Tübingen, at the heart of Cyber Valley, one of Europe's leading AI ecosystems.

Key facts

  • Location: Tübingen, Germany
  • Start date: January 2027
  • Contract: fixed-term, 5 years

Your application
Please send your application by 20 December 2026  with the subject “Application – Head of AI Research Strategy - Senior Scientist” to: 
Tobias Leismann, Managing Director, ELLIS Institute Tübingen at applications@tue.ellis.eu

ELLIS Institute Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity.