FBK is looking for a Researcher in Cybersecurity. This position is partially funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)


Funding reference 

Fondo IPCEI - Intervento Infrastrutture e servizi cloud (CIS)
D.M. di attivazione 27 giugno 2022 - D.D. di apertura 23 febbraio 2024
Prog. n. IPCEI-CL_0000007 - CUP C68H24000600006
Istanza prot. n. 108417 del 14/05/2024 - Comunicazione di ammissione
Intervento del PNRR M4C2-I2.1
 

FBK is looking for a Researcher in Cybersecurity. This position is partially funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)

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. Each research area is assigned to a specific research Centre, of which there are twelve totals. Information regarding the research Centres, their activities and production are available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.

In particular, 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.

Workplace Description

The candidate will be working in the Distributed AI for dependable cyberSecuritY (DAISY) Unit, of FBK-CS, which focuses on developing novel AI-driven methods for cyber threat detection in distributed computing environments, with a particular emphasis on open-world challenges and the trade-off between minimising cybersecurity risks and preserving perceived service quality in distributed applications.

Background information and description of research projects

This position is offered within the IPCEI Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (CIS): 8ra and the FBK CAITE project. 

The 8ra Initiative is a strategic European endeavour dedicated to create a resilient and scalable digital infrastructure tailored to Europe’s needs. At its core is the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS), bringing together 12 EU member states and about 120 industrial and research partners to drive Europe’s digital sovereignty.  The main goal of IPCEI-CIS is to establish a "Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum" that operates independently of any single provider. This continuum embodies the seamless fusion of cloud and edge computing, enabling the flexible allocation of resources and applications between the cloud and the network edge. In 8RA, FBK is responsible for the project Cybersecurity & AI at the Edge (CAITE) whose aim is twofold. First, it aims to bring AI at the edge, by providing scalability and resource efficiency through the development of cooperative, distributed AI algorithms, optimising data, energy, and processing resources while adapting to the different computational environments and capabilities.  Second, the project emphasises the creation of security, privacy-enhancing, and trust-aware services to ensure resilience and compliance in distributed AI-enabled applications.  Three research centers of FBK cooperate and develop CAITE: the Augmented Intelligence Center, the Center for Cybersecurity, and the Digital Society Center.

 

Job Description

The DAISY research unit is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This position is part of an advanced research initiative aimed at developing novel AI algorithms for threat and anomaly detection in smart infrastructures and smart industry (Industry 4.0) environments.

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research that enhances the security, resilience, and trustworthiness of interconnected and intelligent systems, including industrial IoT, smart grids, autonomous manufacturing processes, and critical infrastructure.

The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:

  • Implementation of approved projects within the IPCEI-CIS framework, ensuring efficient and timely delivery in alignment with project objectives; 
  • Ensuring the effective coordination and supervision of project activities, guaranteeing compliance with objectives, timelines, and financial requirements;
  • Support the team in the planning, preparation and coordination of the submission process,  in particular of EU funding proposals;
  • Identify strategic needs and potential project concepts that can have a high success rate across the range of scientific activities carried out within the Cybersecurity Centre.
  • Collaborate in the communication and dissemination activity;
  • Contribute to research activities in line with personal expertise and the strategic direction of the DAISY research unit. 

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:

  • PhD degree, preferably in the field of information technology and communication;
  • Solid background and research experience in two or more of the following areas:
    • AI techniques to secure networked computing infrastructures;
    • Data science and statistical analysis; 
    • Security of distributed systems;
    • National and international regulations related to cybersecurity.
  • Good publication track record in the fields of software engineering, telecommunication, and cybersecurity;
  • Working experience in the context of international and collaborative research projects;
  • Ability to handle national and international projects both with academics and industrial partners;
  • Ability in teaching and dissemination activities, including:
    • academic lectures;
    • knowledge transfer to industrial partners;
    • organisation of  workshops and seminars;
    • writing guidelines or best practices documentation;
  • Very good understanding of the research sector, especially from a European perspective; 
  • Language assessment according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): level of knowledge required. Knowledge of English will be verified during the interview on a technical or scientific topic and must be equal to or exceed level C1. Definitions of levels can be found at the following link https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions;
  • Experience in working for research projects;
  • Strong intercultural communication skills;
  • Strong sense of curiosity and willingness to learn and develop;
  • Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
  • Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving.

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

  • Strong and proven experience in proposal and grant writing ;

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract 

Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)

Start date: Preferably October 2025

Duration: 36 months

Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) for a third  level researcher, the current gross annual remuneration is Euro 44.087,26. 

Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy)

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, supplementary pension (Resaver, Laborfonds) and health fund (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 (in pdf format):

  • detailed CV;
  • cover letter indicating why the candidate is suitable for this position.

Application deadline: 09/07/2025

Selection process and assessment criteria

The Evaluating Committee will be appointed by the People Innovation for Research Director  at the end of the application deadline. 

The recruiting process will be handled in accordance with the “Gender and generational equal opportunities, as well as the employment inclusion of people with disabilities in public contracts financed with the resources of the PNRR and PNC” guidelines  and with the Foundation's Gender Equality Plan.

The Committee may compile the short-list of the candidates admitted to the interview, remotely or in presence. The short-list shall be compiled based on the requirements set out in the call (contained in the requirements of the job description), with the support of the screening of CVs and any other required documents.  

Candidates with a minimum score will be admitted to the interview phase. Shortlisted candidates must do at least one interview with the Committee. 

In case of specific need, the Selection Committee can also meet remotely, by teleconference or

videoconference, provided that all members can be identified and that they are able to follow and intervene in the discussion, as well as to receive, transmit and view documents.

During the evaluation step, evaluation support tools such as tests or questionnaires may be used. Furthermore, group tests and/or practical tests may be administered.

Evaluation criteria 

The selection process includes two evaluation moments led by the Commission: the screening and the interview phase.

The screening process will be based on the evaluation of the qualifications and expertise that the candidate expresses on the resume. A maximum of 40 points will be allocated to this assessment phase and only candidates obtaining at least 25 points will be admitted to the interview. 

The interview scores will be assigned to candidates by the Commission according to the following criteria: the presentation of their personal research profile; the knowledge about the scientific domain, the experience in working for research projects and the language skills.

A maximum of 60 points will be allocated to this assessment phase. The interview is considered as “passed” if the applicant obtains at least 45 points.

The final score will be used to generate the final suitability list for each job position.

Results of the selection process

All candidates will be notified via email once the selection process has been completed.

The suitability list may be used to fill the position in case the successful candidate doesn’t accept the job offer.  

At the website https://jobs.fbk.eu/ in the "Selection results" section, will be published the details of the selection process and the final results. 

Diversity & Inclusion policy 

FBK actively seeks diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace. The main aims of the FBK Diversity & Inclusion policy are to:

  • promote gender equality across the research domains and on all levels by encouraging qualified female candidates to apply for job positions and by implementing specific improvements and measures as stated in the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) 
  • foster young talents development by offering opportunities to grow
  • become a disability-inclusive organization by encouraging applications from candidates with a disability (Law 68/99). We provide special assistance to applicants during the recruitment procedure and reasonable arrangements for disabled staff 
  • promote a healthy work-life balance by offering a package of flexible working arrangements and facilities (telework, individual working time, parental leave, etc).

The FBK operates in compliance with current legislation concerning fixed-term contracts. Candidates with disabilities are invited to state whether they belong to the categories referred to in Law 68/99, and to indicate this in the curriculum vita sent in application for recruitment.

Processing of personal data

Pursuant to art. 13 of EU Regulation No. 2016/679 (GDPR), we inform you that your personal data shall be processed for the management of the selection process and of the obligations connected to it, through manual, electronic and informatic means and will be guaranteed within privacy and security standards as indicated in the full privacy policy.

In order to ensure and respect the principles of publicity, transparency and impartiality, the name of the successful candidate and the names of suitable candidates will be published on the FBK website following acceptance of the position.

For further information, please contact the People Innovation for Research Department at jobs@fbk.eu.