The Head of R&D will be responsible for defining the company's scientific and technological roadmap, coordinating multidisciplinary research teams, driving the development of next-generation sensing technologies, and transforming innovative scientific concepts into commercial products.

This position requires a visionary researcher with strong leadership capabilities, capable of generating original ideas, developing new scientific theories, managing complex research activities, and fostering a culture of innovation across the organization.

The role carries a high level of responsibility, autonomy, and strategic decision-making, directly influencing the future technological direction of the company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for the R&D function, defining and executing the company’s innovation roadmap.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across physics, electronics, software, data science, and product development, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
• Drive the creation of innovative scientific concepts, theoretical models, and technologies, translating research into commercially viable products and competitive advantages.
• Oversee the full product development lifecycle, from fundamental research and proof-of-concept through validation, industrialization, and market readiness.
• Identify emerging scientific trends, disruptive technologies, and new application areas to strengthen the company’s long-term positioning.
• Ensure the successful delivery of complex R&D programs, balancing scientific rigor, technical feasibility, timelines, and business objectives.
• Build and maintain strategic collaborations with universities, research institutes, industrial partners, and international organizations.
• Promote scientific visibility and thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, patents, and participation in the global scientific community.
• Lead and support the preparation of national and European funded research projects and innovation proposals.
• Mentor researchers and engineers, supporting professional growth and developing high-performing teams.
• Act as the key interface between R&D, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment between innovation priorities and company growth objectives.

Requirements:

• PhD or Master's Degree in Physics (Physics degree required).
• 10+ years of experience leading scientific research and/or industrial R&D organizations.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex innovation programs.
• Strong scientific background with a demonstrated ability to generate original research ideas and innovative technological solutions.
• Track record of translating research activities into industrial applications, commercial products, or scalable technologies.
• Experience in neutron detection technologies, radiation detectors, particle detectors, nuclear instrumentation, detector physics, or experimental physics.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals and experience presenting at international scientific conferences.
• Experience developing and managing collaborative research projects with academic, industrial, and international partners.
• Knowledge of European research funding programs and innovation frameworks.
• Visionary and strategic thinker, with the ability to anticipate scientific and technological trends and convert them into impactful innovation initiatives.
• Proven leadership and people management capabilities, with the ability to inspire, engage, and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and autonomy, with a results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex and fast-evolving environments.
• Ability to combine long-term strategic vision with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to execution.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-impact priorities while maintaining focus on quality and outcomes.
• Passion for scientific innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Salary range: €60.000 - €70.000 + bonus

Location: Padua, Italy