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 center, of which there are twelve totals. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
Workplace
The Italian-German Historical Institute (ISIG) is a research center that promotes historical studies in the field of early modern and contemporary history. Research activities are highly interdisciplinary, transnational. ISIG’s researchers develop projects in collaboration with other institutions and conduct individual studies in political, religious, social, cultural, environmental, and economic history. The study activities promoted by ISIG maintain a constant dialogue with the most recent international historiographic trends.
In line with the aims of all the FBK Research Centres, ISIG pays particular attention to innovative scientific research practices with extensive bestowal of results to the community. More information about ISIG: https://isig.fbk.eu/en/
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 researcher will work within the framework of the BlackItaly Advanced Grant from the Italian Foundation for Science (FIS). One of the project's primary objectives is to examine the participation of individuals from the Italian peninsula in the Atlantic slavery and slave trade during the early modern period.
FBK is looking to cover the position with a dynamic, highly motivated, independent researcher specializing in the eighteenth-century Atlantic world, the history of Atlantic slavery and trade. The candidate will work within ISIG, reporting directly to the project’s PI and the Director of the Institute. The successful candidate will be involved in research on early modern history. She/he will also be expected to develop a working relationship with the various research activities currently being conducted at the institute.
The candidate is expected to contribute actively to the academic life of the Centre in all its aspects: to participate regularly in project meetings and training, to contribute actively to the activities of the institute, and to participate in the editorial boards of the online Journal – ARO-Reviews online. Within the framework of the BlackItaly project, he/she is expected to reconstruct the trade and social networks of Italians involved in Atlantic slavery and the slave trade, particularly during the 18th century. The candidate is also expected to participate in various project activities, such as organizing the exhibition and constructing the database. Finally, the candidate is expected to publish an article and a book chapter in the monographic issue and collective book, which are the project's scientific outputs.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- PhD or equivalent 3 years post-master experience in early modern history;
- Professional and thorough knowledge of early modern history;
- Research experience in the history of the Atlantic world and slavery;
- International research experience;
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Italian;
- Good knowledge of another European language (among French, Spanish or Portuguese);
- Good communication and relational skills;
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment, with a strong commitment to achieve assigned objectives;
- Time management, planning and organizational skills.
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:
- Involvement in international research networks;
- Experience in public engagement and promoting academic events;
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: Part-time 82% (31 h per week)
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 36 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding
Workplace: Trento
Gross annual salary: about € 44.000, plus objectives achievements bonus. Compensation to be adjusted proportionally to the hours worked.
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 (in pdf format):
- Detailed CV including relevant past experiences (as an attached document in PDF format);
- Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position).
Application deadline: 14/07/2025
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.
Candidates who pass the preliminary curricula screening will be contacted shortly afterwards for an interview.
Non selected applicants will be notified of their exclusion at the end of the selection process.
Please note that FBK may contact shortlisted candidates within a period of 12 months, for the selection processes of similar vacancies.
For reasons of professional transparency, the name of the successful candidate will be published on the FBK website following acceptance of the position, as well the list of suitable candidates