Funding reference
Fondo IPCEI - Intervento Infrastruure e servizi cloud (CIS)
D.M. di attivazione 27 giugno 2022 - D.D. di apertura 23 febbraio 2024
Prog. n. IPCEI-CL_0000007 - CUP C68H24000600006
Istanza prot. n. 108417 del 14/05/2024 - Comunicazione di ammissione
Intervento del PNRR M4C2-I2.1
Responsabile del Procedimento: Alessandro Dalla Torre
FBK is looking for a Researcher in the field of applied cryptography for the Cloud-Edge Continuum. This position is partially funded by IPCEI - Intervento infrastrutture e servizi Cloud (CIS).
FBK is a private research institution based in Trento (Italy), operating in different scientific fields and disciplines. As such, it keeps the Autonomous Province of Trento within the mainstream of international research. FBK comprises 12 research centres with activities and production available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers
The Center for Cybersecurity of FBK (CS) (https://www.fbk.eu/it/cybersecurity/) 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 are critical. Workplace Description
The position is available in the ALEPH research unit of the Cyber Security Centre pursues research in the field of applied cryptography, from algorithms and protocols through implementation to real-world applications. Its activities include assessing the suitability of novel cryptographic schemes for practical purposes in digital identity and access control, and research into new protocols building on these schemes. Our scenarios of interest range from electronic identity documents and digital credential wallets, to cloud services, cryptographic access control, as well as post-quantum cryptography. More information about ALEPH research Unit is available at https://aleph.fbk.eu/
Background information and description of research projects
This position is offered within the project 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 ALEPH research unit is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated researcher to join its team in applied cryptography for the design and development of secure innovative solutions for federated and deep learning through functional and homomorphic encryption.
The research work to be conducted by the applicant will aim to carry out new research in the application of cryptographic protocols in these fields of interest, as well as continue benchmarking and development of existing libraries in C and python.
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to new and ongoing research in applied cryptography. This activity includes: Assessment and development of post-quantum cryptographic protocols for privacy-preserving federated learning, AI, identity management, and access control Benchmarking and development of libraries for applied cryptography in python, rust, C, or go. Implementation of approved activities in the scope of funding projects, ensuring efficient and timely delivery in alignment with project objectives; Communication and dissemination activities.
The candidate will have the possibility to develop their own specific research directions in accordance with the strategies of the Research Unit and the Cyber Security Centre. The candidate will work in collaboration with other researchers of the ALEPH Unit and of the Cybersecurity Center, as well as with other partners in ongoing and incoming research projects. Furthermore, we expect the successful candidate to contribute to maintain a strong role of FBK in the Italian and international targeted research communities.
The selected candidate may also be involved in additional activities or projects within the Centre, depending on organizational needs.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate should have: MSc in Mathematics, or Computer Science with strong cryptographic background, or closely related areas; a PhD in these fields would be valued but is not an essential requirement; solid background and publications in two or more of the following: post-quantum functional encryption, preferably applied to privacy-preserving federated learning; somewhat or fully homomorphic encryption, preferably applied to AI or machine learning; foundations and applications of post-quantum cryptography to digital identity, access control, or e-voting, particularly in cloud services software development experience, ideally in applied cryptography, with the following languages: C/C++, Python, rust, or go; 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. Definitions of levels can be found at the following link https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions; experience in working on research projects; teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills.
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)
Start date: September 2025
End date: 31 October 2026
Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) for a fourth level Research, the current gross annual remuneration is Euro 38.539,67
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, counselling 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: 11th August 2025
Selection process and assessment criteria
The Evaluating Committee will be appointed by the HR 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.