FBK is looking for a Researcher in Cybersecurity. This position is partially funded by the Nati[...]

Organisation/Company Fondazione Bruno Kessler Department Unità People Innovation Research Field Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 9 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 4 May 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? NextGenerationEU Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Workplace Description

The candidate will be working in the Distributed AI for dependable cyberSecuritY (DAISY) Unit, of FBK-CS, which focuses on developing novel AI-driven methods for cyber threat detection in distributed computing environments, with a particular emphasis on open-world challenges and the trade-off between minimising cybersecurity risks and preserving perceived service quality in distributed applications.

Background information and description of research projects

This position is offered within the IPCEI Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (CIS): 8ra and the FBK CAITE project.

The 8ra Initiative is a strategic European endeavour dedicated to create a resilient and scalable digital infrastructure tailored to Europe’s needs. At its core is the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS) , bringing together 12 EU member states and about 120 industrial and research partners to drive Europe’s digital sovereignty. The main goal of IPCEI-CIS is to establish a "Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum" that operates independently of any single provider. This continuum embodies the seamless fusion of cloud and edge computing, enabling the flexible allocation of resources and applications between the cloud and the network edge. In 8RA, FBK is responsible for the project Cybersecurity & AI at the Edge (CAITE) whose aim is twofold. First, it aims to bring AI at the edge, by providing scalability and resource efficiency through the development of cooperative, distributed AI algorithms, optimising data, energy, and processing resources while adapting to the different computational environments and capabilities. Second, the project emphasises the creation of security, privacy-enhancing, and trust-aware services to ensure resilience and compliance in distributed AI-enabled applications. Three research centers of FBK cooperate and develop CAITE: the Augmented Intelligence Center , the Center for Cybersecurity, and the Digital Society Center .

Job Description

The DAISY research unit is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This position is part of an advanced research initiative aimed at developing novel AI algorithms for threat and anomaly detection in smart infrastructures and smart industry (Industry 4.0) environments.

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting‑edge research that enhances the security of interconnected and intelligent systems, including industrial IoT, smart grids, autonomous manufacturing processes, and critical infrastructure.

The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:

• Implementation of approved projects within the IPCEI‑CIS framework, ensuring efficient and timely delivery in alignment with project objectives;
• Ensuring the effective coordination and supervision of project activities, guaranteeing compliance with objectives, timelines, and financial requirements;
• Support the team in the planning, preparation and coordination of the submission process, in particular of EU funding proposals;
• Identify strategic needs and potential project concepts that can have a high success rate across the range of scientific activities carried out within the Cybersecurity Centre;
• Collaborate in the communication and dissemination activity;
• Contribute to research activities in line with personal expertise and the strategic direction of the DAISY research unit.

The selected candidate may also be involved in additional activities or projects within the Centre, depending on organizational needs.

The ideal candidate must have the following requirements:

• PhD degree, preferably in the field of information technology and communication;
• Solid background and research experience in two or more of the following areas:
  • AI techniques to secure networked computing infrastructures;
  • Data science and statistical analysis;
  • Security of distributed systems;
  • National and international regulations related to cybersecurity.
• Good publication track record in the fields of software engineering, telecommunication, and cybersecurity;
• Working experience in the context of international and collaborative research projects;
• Ability to handle national and international projects both with academics and industrial partners;
• Ability in teaching and dissemination activities, including:
  • academic lectures;
  • knowledge transfer to industrial partners;
  • organisation of workshops and seminars;
  • writing guidelines or best practices documentation;
• AI techniques to secure networked computing infrastructures;
• Data science and statistical analysis;
• Security of distributed systems;
• National and international regulations related to cybersecurity.
• Very good understanding of the research sector, especially from a European perspective;
• 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 C1.
• Experience in working for research projects;
• Strong sense of curiosity and willingness to learn and develop;
• Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
• Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem‑solving.

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

• Strong and proven experience in proposal and grant writing and management.

Languages

ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit your application by completing the online form ( ). 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.

Selection process

Selection process and assessment criteria

The Evaluating Committee will be appointed by the People Innovation for Research Directorat 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 in the "Selection results" section, will be published the details of the selection process and the final results.

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