Director of SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence

The SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Director to lead its operations, strategy, and development. The Centre is focused on advancing research and innovation based on artificial intelligence (AI) to support sustainable living and working across key sectors – manufacturing, energy, health, and transport.

The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership, oversee interdisciplinary teams, and represent the Centre nationally and internationally. This position offers the opportunity to play a critical role in the success of a collaborative national and international initiative with wide-reaching societal impact.

The official announcement has been published on the website of Kaunas University of Technology, the coordinating institution of the SustAInLivWork.


Key Responsibilities

  • Set and implement strategic and operational goals of the Centre
  • Manage and supervise interdisciplinary teams
  • Lead the AI Research HUB and ensure progress on key performance indicators
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with public, private, and academic stakeholders
  • Oversee financial performance, investments, and planning
  • Coordinate reporting to the Governance Board
  • Represent the Centre in professional events, media, and stakeholder meetings
  • Promote innovation, research quality, and public engagement in AI for sustainability
  • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards
  • Organise workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing events

Essential qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science or a related field
  • Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in research, academia, or business
  • Impeccable reputation as defined by the Law on Higher Education and Research of the Republic of Lithuania
  • Background in AI and data science
  • Proven involvement in at least 5 AI-related research projects
  • Experience with Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe programmes
  • Understanding of AI applications in healthcare, energy, transport, or manufacturing
  • Visionary mindset and strategic leadership skills
  • Strong communication and public engagement abilities
  • Proficiency in Lithuanian and English at C1 level (certification required if not native speaker)
  • Advantageous qualifications
  • Additional certifications in leadership, strategic planning, or management

The full list of requirements can be found in the document below titled ‘Job Announcement‘.


Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and education
  • Flexible working hours
  • Full social guarantees (sick leave, vacation, parental leave)
  • Additional social and motivational incentives
  • Access to high-end research infrastructure
  • National and international collaboration opportunities in AI and sustainability

Job title: Director of SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence (CoE)
Location: Kaunas, Lithuania (Kaunas University of Technology)
Work environment: Office setting; occasional travel may be required for meetings or events
Contract type: Full-time, open-ended
Gross monthly salary: €5700–€6500 (based on experience and qualifications)
Reports to: Governance Board
Application start date: 8 May 2025
Application deadline: 9 June 2025
Selection meeting date: 27 June 2025 (in person at KTU)


Applications must be submitted by 9 June 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Candidates may submit their documents in one of the following ways:

  • By email: cv@ktu.lt
  • In person: K. Donelaičio st. 73, room 324, 44249 Kaunas, Lithuania

The application must include the following documents:

  1. A completed and signed application form (Appendix 1)
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including details of managerial and leadership experience in research, academia, or business
  3. A vision statement (up to 3 pages) outlining how the applicant will achieve the Centre’s goals and objectives
  4. A signed declaration confirming impeccable reputation and disclosing any conflicts of interest (Appendix 2)
  5. A copy of the document certifying higher education
  6. A copy of the PhD certificate
  7. Any other supporting documents the applicant considers relevant

Contact

For inquiries about the application process:
Sandra Stanevičė
Recruitment Project Manager
Email: cv@ktu.lt
Phone: +370 684 54038

The project is co-funded under the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No. 101059903 and under the European Union Funds’ Investments 2021-2027 (project No. 10-042-P-0001).