Research Scientist (Group Leader) Positions in Foundational Machine Learning and AI for Sustainability at Idiap Research Institute (Postdoc/Group Leader)
The Idiap Research Institute in Martigny, Switzerland, is seeking to hire two Research Scientists (Group Leaders) in the fields of Foundational Machine Learning and AI for Sustainability. These permanent, full-time positions offer the opportunity to lead independent research groups and contribute to Idiap’s core research programs, including Human-AI Teaming, AI for Life, Sustainable and Resilient Societies, and AI for Everyone. The Foundational Machine Learning position focuses on advancing core machine learning methods and their application across diverse data modalities such as language, vision, audio, video, graphs, and time-series. The AI for Sustainability position emphasizes leveraging AI in the context of sustainability, particularly within the Swiss alpine region, with potential applications in energy, agriculture, and environmental science.
Successful candidates will be responsible for creating and leading research groups, securing external funding, supervising doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, publishing in high-quality venues, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field, have a strong publication record, and demonstrate the ability to conduct impactful, independent research. Advanced proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of a Swiss national language is a plus.
Idiap offers a dynamic, multicultural environment with competitive salaries and excellent quality of life in the scenic Valais region. The institute values diversity, creativity, and innovation, and is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity. The application deadline for full consideration is March 31, 2026, with screening beginning in April. Applicants should submit a CV, research statement, and contact details for three referees via the Idiap career portal. For more information and to apply, visit the provided links.
Keywords: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Foundational Machine Learning, AI for Sustainability, Group Leader, Research Scientist, Swiss AI, Multimodal Data, Alpine Environments.