Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is a private research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and designated to the role of keeping the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. The Foundation’s research activities are structured into twelve research centers, each dedicated to a specific area. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
Workplace
The FBK Cyber Security Centre (CS) develops digital technology and cyber security to foster collaboration between the various stakeholders through a combination of IT risk management techniques (in order to develop highly innovative security solutions that will mitigate vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of attacks) as well as trust management techniques (to improve the interaction between people and technology). As part of the FBK mission, which aims to achieve results of scientific excellence and to produce an impact on society, the Center's mission is to make these techniques available to the largest number of organizations, including SMEs, which account for a substantial part of the EU economy but lack cybersecurity expertise. To this end, integrating automated cyber risk assessment support with trust management that will have the ability to produce operational suggestions to assist ICT solutions designers, developers and administrators in their daily activities is critical.
The available position in the FIABLE (Fair and Intelligent AI-enaBLed trustworthy systEms) joint laboratory established between FBK and Synapsed.ai. Synapsed empowers organizations to design, test, and monitor compliant AI solutions. With expertise in AI trustworthy testing, risk assessment, and architectural design, Synapsed ensures alignment with emerging regulatory and international standards.
FIABLE is focused on research and innovation in data and data-flow security, with emphasis on AI pipelines and the integration of AI techniques into complex digital systems for healthcare.
FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality. To promote the inclusion of disabled staff as per law 68/99, the Foundation is available and interested in evaluating the applications received for technical-scientific domains that do not correspond exactly to this call.
Job Description
The SaFEWaRe (Secure Code Lifecycle for Applications and Networking) Unit, of FBK Cyber Security Center, is seeking a motivated Researcher at the intersection of the fields of Secure Software Engineering, Trustworthiness of AI Systems, and Regulatory Compliance.
The selected candidate, in the context of a healthcare project where security and privacy are particularly critical, will contribute to activities aimed at securing AI models, defining the requirements (and designing/implementing related solutions/tools) for AI software that guarantee compliance with the applicable regulations. Strong focus will be put to system security (AI Act), and trustworthiness ISO Standard (ISO/IEC 42001:2023) and frameworks (i.e. NIST AI Risk Management Framework).
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:
- Carry out applied research on Secure Software Engineering and Software Regulatory Compliance;
- Securing AI models and related infrastructure, solutions/techniques, and supporting processes;
- Collaborate with project partners (academic and industrial) in local, national, and international initiatives;
- Contribute to scientific publications, dissemination activities, and project proposals;
- Supervise and mentor students during internships and thesis projects.
The selected candidate may also be involved in additional activities or projects within the Centre, depending on organizational needs.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate must have the following requirements:
- MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, AI, or related fields or equivalent experience;
- Experience in the elicitation and analysis of system requirements (and designing/implementing related solutions/tools);
- Practical experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts, algorithms, and frameworks; Hands-on experience with popular ML libraries and tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn);
- Knowledge of secure coding practices and principles (e.g., OWASP Top 10);
- Knowledge of system trustworthiness and the factors that ensure secure and reliable system behavior with particular attention to AI systems;
- Familiarity with software engineering techniques (e.g., secure software development lifecycle, SDLC);
- Ability to contribute to the writing of scientific articles and project proposals;
- Excellent English, written and spoken (At least B2);
- Excellent Italian, written and spoken (At least C1);
- Strong sense of curiosity and willingness to learn and develop new ideas;
- Ability to work both independently and in team;
- Good communication and relational skills;
- Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving.
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:
- Experience on operational fulfilment (with automated and semi-automated tools and techniques) of cybersecurity requirements deriving from regulations;
- Knowledge with regulatory frameworks and standards relevant to software development (e.g., Eu-AI-Act, NIS2, GDPR); experience in software regulation compliance;
- Knowledge of security and trustworthiness of AI models.
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: Full time (38 h per week)
Start date: Preferably May 2026
Duration: 18 months, with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding
Workplace: Povo, Trento
Gross annual salary: about € 38.900, plus objectives achievements bonus
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, social security (SANIFONDS), family-work balance, free training courses, support on bank account opening, discount on public transport, sport, language course fees, counseling and psychological support service. More info at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/
Application
Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form (https://jobs.fbk.eu/). Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments:
- Detailed CV including relevant past experiences (as an attached document in PDF format);
- Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position).
Application deadline: 02/04/2026
Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.
For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the People Innovation for Research Department at jobs@fbk.eu.
