Funding reference
Fondo Italiano per la Scienza 2022 - 2023 (FIS 2)
Legge 23 luglio 2021, nr. 106 art. 61 che istituisce il FIS
Prog. n. FIS-2023-02909 CUP C53C25000710001
Background information and description of research project
These positions are offered within the project Travellers’ interactions in early modern Italy (TRAVEL), funded by a Consolidator Grant from the Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS-2023-02909) (PI: Sandra Toffolo).
This three-year project focuses on interpersonal encounters involving travellers in the Italian peninsula (1400-1600). It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the practical aspects of interactions involving a wide range of people on the move and, in doing so, to address more general issues concerning early modern mobility. The members of the research team will each focus on a specific geographical area, examining different aspects of encounters involving travellers: legislation, the use of urban space, communication, and material culture. Sources produced both by the travellers and by the individuals and authorities they interacted with will be used. The TRAVEL project aims to create a dynamic and collaborative research environment bringing together historians working on different aspects of mobility and encounter in early modern Italy. Intellectual exchange within the team will be fostered through regular meetings, scientific events, and collaborative publications.
Three full-time postdoctoral positions are currently available, focusing on the following geographical areas:
- Encounters involving travellers in Genoa and Livorno (Profile 1)
- Encounters involving travellers in Bologna, Macerata, and Pavia (Profile 2)
- Encounters involving travellers in Naples (Profile 3)
These three postdoctoral researchers will join a larger research team led by the PI. Additional team members are expected to be recruited in subsequent calls.
Job description
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Conduct research on interpersonal encounters involving travellers in the indicated geographical area
- Publish in international peer-reviewed outlets
- Present research at international conferences
- Participate in regular team meetings
- Take part in collective activities of the TRAVEL team, such as conference co-organisation, co-editing of volumes, and participation in seminars
- Contribute actively to the intellectual life of the TRAVEL team and of the Italian-German Historical Institute in general
- Participate in public engagement activities
- Collaborate with a researcher specialised in Digital Humanities who will create digital maps of urban spaces of encounter
Workplace description
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 at the forefront of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific Research Center, of which there are twelve in total. Information regarding the Research Centers, their activities and research output is available at: http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
The candidates will be working at the Italian-German Historical Institute (ISIG) of FBK. This is a Research Center that promotes historical studies in the field of early modern and contemporary history. Research activities are highly interdisciplinary and transnational. The study activities promoted by ISIG are in constant dialogue with the most recent international historiographic trends. In line with the aims of all FBK Research Centers, 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/
Job requirements
The ideal candidates must have the following requirements:
- PhD in early modern history
- Professional and thorough knowledge of early modern history
- Research experience related to the history of mobility
- Experience working with early printed and archival sources
- Knowledge of English and Italian at level B2 or higher (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR). Definitions of levels can be found at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions
- Good knowledge of Latin
- Good knowledge of other languages relevant to the position
- Good communication and relational skills
- Strong organisational skills, flexibility, and aptitude for problem-solving
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment and to contribute actively to collective research objectives
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:
- International research experience
- Experience working in a collaborative research project
- Experience conducting research in archives and libraries relevant to the project
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)
Start date: September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
End Date: 31 July 2029
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 44.528,13.
Workplace: Trento (Italy)
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for finding 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 ensure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):
- Detailed CV
- Cover letter indicating why you are suitable for the position. Please indicate clearly for which of the three positions you are applying. Applicants may apply for one, two, or all three positions:
- Profile 1: Encounters involving travellers in Genoa and Livorno;
- Profile 2: Encounters involving travellers in Bologna, Macerata, and Pavia;
- Profile 3: Encounters involving travellers in Naples
Application deadline: 08/05/2026
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 research experience, 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 does not accept the job offer.
The details of the selection process and the final results will be published at the website https://jobs.fbk.eu/, in the "Selection results" section.
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 vitae 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.