Assistant Director of Scientific AI Research

Kitware is seeking an accomplished and visionary scientist or engineer to spearhead the creation of a new team dedicated to AI-driven scientific discovery. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a cutting-edge research group at the intersection of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), and large-scale scientific experimentation.
In this role, you will leverage Kitware’s deep expertise in computer vision, AI, HPC, medical imaging, and scientific software development to drive innovative research programs. You will be responsible for securing funding from government agencies and private sector partners to advance AI-enhanced methodologies that accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

In This Position You Will:

• Team Formation & Leadership: Build and lead a high-impact, interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers focused on AI-driven scientific discovery.
• Research & Development: Design and implement novel AI-based approaches to solve complex scientific challenges, with applications in materials science, energy technologies, large-scale experimental facilities, and HPC-based simulations.
• Collaboration & Integration: Collaborate with Kitware’s existing experts in C++, Python, CMake, VTK, ParaView, and Trame to develop state-of-the-art computational modeling, data analysis, and visualization workflows.
• Funding & Partnerships: Secure research funding through grant proposals and industry partnerships, driving the team’s growth and expanding Kitware’s impact in AI-enabled scientific discovery.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics) with a strong track record of AI-driven scientific research.
• Proven ability to obtain research funding and manage large-scale, grant-funded projects.
• A demonstrated track record of leading federal and/or commercial business development activities and securing R&D funding for a team of 6-12 people.
• Experience leading or collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with HPC environments and large-scale simulations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
• Due to contractual requirements, this position requires US Citizenship and a willingness and ability to obtain, use, and maintain a security clearance.

Why Join Kitware:

• Innovative Environment: Work with a team of experts committed to open science and cutting-edge technological advancement.
• Impactful Research: Lead projects with the potential to transform scientific discovery through AI-driven methods.
• Collaborative Culture: Partner with industry-leading scientists and engineers in a flexible and collaborative work environment.

Company Description:Kitware is a research and development software solutions provider with a mission to advance science, make a positive impact, and share our results all within a collaborative, employee-focused work environment that is friendly, fair, and flexible. Our work is improving healthcare outcomes, increasing national security, and advancing our national computing infrastructure. Our customers and collaborators include top universities from around the world, government organizations, national research labs, medical device manufacturers, car manufacturers, financial institutions, and many others.  
Kitware is proud to be 100% employee-owned, and Great Place to Work-Certified™.  
Additional Information:Our team members enjoy a small company environment, flexibility in work assignments, and high levels of independence and responsibility. Besides a great work environment, our comprehensive benefits package includes a competitive compensation plan, tuition reimbursement program, flexible working hours, six weeks paid time off, 401(k), health insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, bonus plan, and free coffee, drinks, and snacks. 
For more information on our benefit offerings please visit: https://www.kitware.com/careers/.
Kitware actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. 
Any unsolicited resume sent to Kitware, including to Kitware's mailing addresses, fax machines or email addresses, whether directly to Kitware employees or to Kitware's applicant tracking system, will be considered Kitware property.  Kitware will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume, and will consider any candidate submitted by a recruitment agency without a fully executed contract with Kitware to have been referred free of any charges or fees.
If you need assistance with applying or interviewing for a role due to a disability or special need, please reach out directly to our HR team at hr@kitware.com at any time during the hiring process.