Internship Opportunity: Human-Centered Evaluation and Design of an AI Fairness Tool


Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is a leading research and innovation organization based in Trento, Italy. With over 450 researchers across 12 Research Centers, FBK operates in diverse scientific and technological fields, organized into two main clusters: Technology & Innovation and Humanities & Social Sciences. More information: https://www.fbk.eu/en/about-us/.
The MoDiS (MOtivational DIgital Systems) Research Unit, part of the Digital Society Center, focuses on advanced techniques and methodologies to support motivation, engagement, and behavior change in users. MoDiS develops personalized digital systems using game-based and persuasive strategies, applied in various domains such as education, sustainability, and well-being. More information: https://modis.fbk.eu/
The Digital Society Center aims to address the key challenges of our digital future by conducting interdisciplinary research on integrative AI, intelligence at the edge, and socio-technical systems. The center actively collaborates with public institutions, companies, and universities to develop practical and impactful digital solutions.
This project also involves collaboration with the SWEN research center at the University of L'Aquila.

Planned Activities
The intern will spearhead the evolution of the platform through the following pillars:
  • Design and execute a research plan (including heuristic evaluations, semi-structured interviews, and usability testing) to pinpoint where the current tool fails to support user goals.
  • Translate research findings into actionable design requirements. You will create high-fidelity prototypes that adhere to modern HCI standards and cognitive load principles.
  • Conduct rapid validation of new designs to ensure the proposed interface solves the previously identified shortcomings.
  • Contribute to the authorship of scientific papers.

Requirements
  • At least a Bachelor's degree (or near completion) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Psychology, HCI, or related fields;
  • Good knowledge of User Research principles and methods;
  • Good knowledge of prototyping tools;
  • Interest in behavioral data, human-computer interaction, and user research;
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a research setting;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English (minimum B2 level).

Internship Information
  • Type: Curricular internship (no allowance);
  • Duration: 3 to 6 months, depending on the candidate’s needs and experience;
  • Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person at Povo (Trento, Italy).
  • Other benefits:
    • Access to the internal canteen (except for UniTN students);
    • Opportunity to work on co-authored scientific publications;
    • Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and other FBK research units;
    • Support for the search for accommodation at the affiliated structures (no allowance). Additional Opportunities: This internship may be extended into a full research thesis for interested candidates.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should fill out the online form in the “Internship Opportunities” section, attaching the following documents in PDF format:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Motivation letter

For any information, contact Simone Bassanelli (sbassanelli@fbk.eu)