R&D Lead - Focale (Computer Vision Spin-Off from INAIT)

About INAIT / Focale

We are looking for a new colleague to lead our R&D efforts at Focale, a software company providing the best AI-powered visual inspection for automating the detection of complex anomalies. Our client base includes many of the most prominent brands known in the Luxury and MedTech industries.

Our fully operational product is rooted in a strong research foundation that has emerged over the past 18 months from the innovation lab of INAIT. In 2024, Focale has been incorporated as a standalone business with dedicated funding from renowned investors. We are committed to continuous investment in our core software to sustain our competitive advantage. In this dynamic market environment, your role will be critical to our continued success. At Focale, you can test and deploy the latest scientific AI and computer vision concepts directly in an applied product together with our engineering team.

Scaling a business is an exciting venture: you will become part of an eager, passionate team that enjoys shaping our company and shares all the successes and challenges that come with it. If this resonates, we would be pleased to get to know you in person.

What you’ll do

• Strategic Vision: Create and oversee a clear research and development strategy aligning with Focale’s goals in computer vision technology.
• Innovation: Drive the identification and exploration of cutting-edge computer vision techniques, tools, and methodologies to enhance our product in line with business needs.
• Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of advancements in computer vision, machine learning, and related fields, integrating new knowledge and techniques into Focale’s R&D efforts.
• Team Leadership: Lead and further build a small team of researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Prototyping and Testing: Oversee the design, development, and roll-out of pilot applications in collaboration with our application engineering to assess potential new use cases for Focale.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely together with our Engineering and Product squads to ensure alignment of R&D efforts with our product vision and company objectives.
• Intellectual Property: Identify opportunities to secure sustained technological leadership vis-à-vis our competition and define an IP protection strategy in collaboration with experts from the field.
• Quality and Compliance: Ensure adherence to industry standards, quality benchmarks, and compliance requirements in all R&D activities.
  

What you’ll bring

• Strong academic qualifications in a relevant field of Computer Vision (MSc or PhD or equivalent industry experience).
• 2+ years of project or team leadership experience (either in a corporate or research context).
• Solid programming skills in Python. C++ is a plus.
• Drive to build and lead an R&D team in the context of a young, growing company.
• Solid collaboration and communication skills in English, German and/or French is a plus.
• Passion for working in a dynamic environment and the ability to plan your and your team’s work independently.

What we offer

• A unique opportunity to join the foundational team shaping a new venture.
• Work at the forefront of technology in collaboration with the leading companies in the Watch and MedTech industries.
• Competitive compensation and benefits with equity participation plan.
• Honest respect for personal needs and emphasis on a good work-life balance. 
• Flexible working hours and hybrid workplace setting.
• Support for professional development through conference participation and similar formats.