Bruno Kessler Foundation (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 eleven totals. Information regarding the research centres, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
Strategic Planning provides strategic coordination across FBK’s Governance, the Foundation’s Research Centers, and territorial, national and European innovation ecosystems. It defines and drives strategic research and innovation programmes and projects, fostering cross-Center collaboration and strengthening connections with public institutions, industry and society.
Key strategic initiatives include AIxPA, TrentinoSalute4.0, EDIH, Grids Energy, as well as FBK’s strategic engagement in major European collaborative initiatives such as IPCEI, TEF, ALT-EDIC and EDIC for AgriFood. Strategic Planning also contributes to strengthening FBK’s capacity to conduct cutting-edge research by supporting researchers in pursuing ERC Grants and promoting cross-cutting scientific missions aimed at shaping a distinctive vision for FBK’s foundational research in Artificial Intelligence.
Through the monitoring of scientific and technological trends and European research and innovation opportunities, Strategic Planning further contributes to strengthening FBK’s scientific and technological positioning and supporting the Foundation’s long-term development.
Job Description
FBK Strategic Planning is seeking an Innovation Project Manager with proven experience in developing and managing initiatives at the intersection of Research, Public Administrations, and the private sector. Acting as a key liaison across diverse organisations and industries, the ideal candidate will facilitate collaboration between FBK’s scientific community, public institutions, and commercial partners to maximize the impact of research on the territory and on the market, thus enhancing the value and impact of FBK’s research results.
The Project Manager will be responsible for implementing a series of strategic initiatives involving companies and multiple FBK Research Centres, at local, national, and international level, in collaboration with public and private partners. The role focuses on enabling businesses to bring innovative solutions to the market, while helping Public Administrations identify and articulate their innovation needs in alignment with cutting-edge technological opportunities.
The role will include:
- Developing and managing strategic collaboration initiatives involving FBK Research Centres and external partners.
- Identifying and valorising the most promising and innovative research solutions, with the aim of creating value and impact in the market.
- Managing relationships with stakeholders from different organisations, sectors, and institutional levels, ensuring alignment among objectives, needs, expectations, and priorities.
- Managing complex projects end-to-end, including scope, budget, procurement, reporting, change control, team mobilisation, and implementation planning and project closure.
- Facilitating the matching between research capabilities, market needs, and innovation demand from Public Administrations.
- Supporting strategic partnerships and initiatives that strengthen FBK’s positioning within the innovation ecosystem.
The selected candidate will work in close collaboration with FBK Research Centres and local, national, and international stakeholders, contributing to initiatives that generate value and impact for the territory, Public Administrations and the wider innovation ecosystem.
FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality.
Job Requirements
- Master’s degree in a Scientific-Technological, Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics or related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in innovation project management, with proven competence in managing research projects.
- Proven experience in managing projects in collaboration with private companies.
- Possession of a project management certification (e.g., PMI, PM², PRINCE2).
- Fluent written and spoken Italian and English proficiency at least at B2 level.
- Proven ability to build and manage strategic partnerships and relationships with stakeholders from different organisations, sectors, and institutional levels.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Additional requirements
- Previous experience in technology-driven companies, preferably in innovation and technology-intensive contexts.
- Experience in analysing European funding calls, developing and writing project proposals, and managing their submission for funding.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and result orientation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Good team working attitude.
- Good self-organization and autonomous operation.
- Additional training and professional development in soft skills.
Employment
Type of contract: Tenure Track position leading to an FBK 3rd Level Researcher (T3) permanent contract.
Duration: The duration of the Tenure Track contract will be determined by the Committee based on the assigned KPIs (at least one year, which may be reduced in accordance with the Committee assessment on the candidate's abilities and skills). If the final assessment of the Tenure Track experience is positive, the selected candidate for the tenure track position will be offered a permanent T3 contract.
Working hours: full time.
Gross annual salary: 47.100 € (plus objectives achievement bonus).
Start date: January 2027
Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy).
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidised cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health fund, training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language courses fees. Further details at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/.
The Bruno Kessler Foundation invests in people’s growth and promotes a stimulating environment that values talent. Through the Talent Development Program, each participant will be engaged in a tailored experiential journey designed to enhance skills, attitudes, and aspirations. In line with this commitment, we offer a structured Research Impact and Innovation career path specifically designed for this tenure-track position. This journey provides concrete tools for professional growth, including personalized assessments to develop individual potential and a clear evolutionary roadmap that supports the transition from independent research to scientific leadership. Within our dynamic and innovative environment, development strategies are integrated with the researcher's path to help shape the future, ensuring that academic autonomy is always paired with institutional support and opportunities for international impact.
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;
- Motivational letter
Application deadline: 19th of October,2026
Please read our Regulations “Guidelines for Tenure Track positions” before completing your application.
For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the Human Resources Service at tenuretrack@fbk.eu.