Director Research and Development, Innovation

Position Summary The Director – Research and Development, Innovation (AI/ML) will lead the strategic vision, development, and execution of research and innovation initiatives in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and allied emerging technologies. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing a robust research ecosystem, driving institutional innovation, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, and positioning Accurate Group of Institutions as a hub for technological advancement and applied research excellence. Key Responsibilities: 1. Strategic Leadership - Develop and implement a long-term roadmap for AI/ML-focused research and innovation. - Establish and manage the AI and Innovation Research Centre at the institution. - Promote a culture of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship among faculty and students. - Define research priorities aligned with national and global technology trends. 2. Research & Development - Identify, initiate, and oversee cutting-edge research projects in AI, ML, Data Science, and related fields. - Facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations between departments. - Guide faculty and students in developing research proposals, publishing in reputed journals, and filing patents. - Manage sponsored and consultancy projects, ensuring quality outputs and deliverables. - Pursue national and international funding opportunities (DST, AICTE, MSME, DRDO, etc.). 3. Innovation & Industry Collaboration - Build partnerships with industry leaders, R&D organizations, and startups for collaborative projects, technology transfers, and internships. - Encourage innovation through hackathons, ideation challenges, and incubation programs. - Drive institutional participation in AI/ML-focused innovation forums, conferences, and exhibitions. - Establish frameworks for intellectual property management and commercialization of institutional research outputs. 4. Academic Integration & Capacity Building - Support curriculum enhancement by integrating AI/ML-based learning, certifications, and projects. - Organize workshops, FDPs, and training sessions to upskill faculty and students in emerging technologies. - Mentor research scholars and student innovators to undertake socially and industrially relevant AI/ML projects. - Collaborate with academic leadership to align R&D goals with institutional vision and accreditation requirements. 5. Administration & Reporting - Monitor progress and outcomes of ongoing research projects and innovation initiatives. - Prepare reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. - Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and ethical research standards. - Represent the institution at academic and industry forums, conferences, and policy dialogues. Qualifications & Experience: - Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field. - Minimum 5 years of experience in AI/ML, research, innovation, or academic leadership roles. - Proven track record of publications, patents, funded projects, or product innovations in AI/ML. - Demonstrated experience in leading R&D initiatives, securing research funding, and managing cross-functional teams. - Strong industry-academia network and understanding of emerging AI/ML applications. Skills & Competencies: - Expertise in AI/ML frameworks and technologies (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc.) - Strong research methodology and project management skills - Strategic vision with innovation-driven mindset - Excellent communication, mentoring, and leadership capabilities - Ability to foster collaborations and partnerships at national and international levels