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.
The Digital Society (DIGIS) research center of FBK is committed to comprehensively exploring, understanding, and shaping the intricate interplay between digital technology and the fabric of human society, embracing the vision that digital technology can serve as a catalyst for positive societal change.
In particular, the Digital Society center conducts pioneering research focused on two crucial areas where ICT can have a profound impact on contemporary society: Digital Twins for Human Society to better understand, predict, and proactively address the multifaceted challenges facing them; and New Media and Education for a Resilient Society - exploring the dynamics of new media and developing advanced digital solutions towards a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient society.
The center is composed by a multidisciplinary team of approximately 75 researchers, technologists and managers (including PhD students) organized in 7 research units dedicated to specific research areas in the ICT domain and 2 support units focusing on project management and technology maturation.
The position is opened by the Complex Human Behaviour Lab (CHuB, https://chub.fbk.eu) of the Digital Society centre. CHuB is an interdisciplinary research unit lead by Dr. Riccardo Gallotti carrying out fundamental and applied research informed by the statistical analysis of large behavioural datasets and aimed at modelling individual behaviour and collective social phenomena using the methods of complexity science, computational social science, and network theory. The topics covered within the unit range from individual decisions, human mobility and transportation to online communication, cultural production and infodemics.
FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality.
Job Description
The purpose of FBK’s Tenure Track program is to offer high-level professionals the opportunity to pursue a structured career path to become tenured researchers contributing to the organization's long-term strategy.
Within this framework, FBK is looking to cover the position with a dynamic, highly motivated, independent researcher; the candidate will work within the CHuB research unit, reporting directly to the head of the research unit.
The successful candidate will be involved in European, national projects focused on human mobility, urban transportation systems and sustainable mobility.
The candidate is expected to support the head of the research unit in designing and implementing a research and funding strategy focused on the application of complexity science to human mobility, urban systems, and transportation, particularly in the context of multimodal transit networks and the sustainability challenges of growing urban areas. The candidate is also expected to contribute to the supervision or co-supervision of PhD students and interns
FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality.
Job requirements
- PhD in one of the following areas: Physics (Complex Systems, Network Science) or Applied Mathematics
- Research experience in statistical and computational models of urban systems, human mobility or transportation systems, complex networks or graph theory;
- Software development skills (preferably in Python);
- Working experience in the context of international and collaborative research projects;
- A relevant record of publications in high-impact interdisciplinary journals, or journals in the fields of physics, mathematics, urbanism or transportation;
- Good knowledge and proficiency in the English language.
Additional requirements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Good team working attitude;
- Good self-organization and autonomous operation.
Employment
Type of contract: Tenure Track position leading to an FBK 3rd Level Researcher (R3) 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 R3 contract.
Working hours: full time (38 h per week).
Gross annual salary: about 47.100€, plus objectives achievement bonus. Start date: January, 2027
Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy).
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health found, 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 Scientific Research 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
Candidates are required to submit their applications by filling in the webform available at https://jobs.fbk.eu/.
Please ensure that your application includes the following attachments (.pdf format):
- Detailed CV including a publications list
- Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position)
- Statement of Research Interests
Application deadline: 26th 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.