FBK is looking for a Researcher in the field of Digital Identity (Digital Wallet Ecosystems and European Data Spaces Security) for the Cybersecurity Centre. This position is partially funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)

Funding reference 

Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza – Next Generation EU (DL 77/2021)
Missione - componente - misura: PIANO NAZIONALE RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) - Missione 1 Componente 1 - Investimento 1.3 - Sub-investimento 1.3.1 “Piattaforma Digitale Nazionale Dati’”- Intervento “Sistema di portafoglio digitale italiano - Sistema IT-Wallet”
CUP: B87H24003650006

Responsabile del Procedimento: Alessandro Dalla Torre
 

FBK is looking for a Researcher in the field of Digital Identity (Digital Wallet Ecosystems and European Data Spaces Security) for the Cybersecurity Centre. 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 Security and Trust (ST) research Unit (https:/st.fbk.eu/) of the Center for Cyber Security aims to develop cutting-edge security solutions for identity and access management, risk management, and legal compliance for data protection. The ST unit has been and is currently being involved in several research and innovation projects with partners from Academy, Public Administration, and Industry.

Background information and description of research projects

This position is offered within the IPZS Sistema IT-Wallet project.

A trustworthy digital identity management is crucial for modern digital services, forming the basis of security in critical sectors like e-commerce, e-government, healthcare, and finance. The emerging European Digital Identity Wallet and European Business Wallet offer a significant opportunity to enhance security, privacy, interoperability between cross border services and AI safety by guaranteeing the provenance of data intended for Common European Data Spaces.

In the context of national and European projects, the ST research unit is investigating the use of the European Business Wallet to secure the sharing of corporate data (from static and untrusted PDFs to variable attestations), reduce processing time and simplify cross-boarder interactions. This position is offered within these framework of projects.

Job Description

The ST research unit of FBK-CS is seeking a motivated researcher in the field of digital identity. The selected candidate will contribute to research and development activities focused on the design of new functionalities for the wallet ecosystem, with a focus on the Business Wallet and European Data Spaces. 

The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:

  • Contribute to the design of new functionalities in the wallet ecosystem following a security and privacy by design approach;
  • Collaborate with project partners (academic and industrial) in both national and international initiatives;
  • Contribute to scientific publications, dissemination activities, and project proposals.

Depending on organizational needs, the selected candidate may also be involved in additional activities or projects within the Center.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate must have the following requirements:

  • Master degree in  Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
  • Good knowledge of cybersecurity concepts;
  • Proven experience or practical application of identity management protocols and their threat models (e.g., OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, Wallet ecosystem);
  • Knowledge of european data spaces initiatives; 
  • Hands-on experience with methodologies and tools for the design, security and risk analysis of identity management solutions;
  • 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 B2. Definitions of levels can be found at the following link https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions;
  • Strong sense of curiosity and willingness to learn and develop;
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment;
  • Good communication and relational skills;

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

  • PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields; 
  • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and standards relevant to digital identity (e.g., eIDAS 2.0);
  • Experience in international or collaborative research projects;
  • Ability to contribute to the writing of scientific articles and project proposals;
  • Knowledge of both written and spoken Italian.

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract 
Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)
Start date: Preferably July 2026
Duration: 12 months
Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) for a Fourth or a Third  level Researcher, the current gross annual remuneration ranges from 41.245 Euro to 47.182,01 Euro, depending on background and expertise in the field 
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: 17/06/2026

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 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.