Tenure-Track Role in Cyber Security for Resource-Efficient Orchestration of AI-Based Security.

Overview

Tenure-Track Role in Cyber Security for Resource-Efficient Orchestration of AI-Based Security.

This position is partially funded by the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) initiative.

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 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 (to develop highly innovative security solutions) as well as trust management techniques (to improve interaction between people and technology). The Center’s mission is to make these techniques available to a wide range of organizations, including SMEs, which account for a substantial part of the EU economy but lack cybersecurity expertise. Integrating automated cyber risk assessment support with trust management to assist ICT solutions designers, developers and administrators is critical.

Workplace Description

The candidate will be working in the Distributed AI for dependable cyberSecuritY (DAISY) Unit of FBK-CS, which focuses on developing AI-driven methods for cyber threat detection in distributed computing environments, with emphasis on open-world challenges and balancing cybersecurity risk with service quality in distributed applications.

Job Description

The purpose of FBK’s Tenure Track program is to offer high level professionals the opportunity of pursuing a structured career path to become a tenured researcher contributing to the long-term strategy of the organization.

FBK-CS seeks a dynamic researcher in Cyber Security with a focus on management and orchestration of resource-efficient security services for distributed infrastructures. The position involves design, implementation, and validation of approaches that balance strong security guarantees with the performance requirements of AI services in cloud-to-edge environments. Research will include orchestration, resource management, and scalability of security functions in distributed systems, and development of AI-based security services optimized for resource efficiency while avoiding side channel attacks including those measuring GPU power consumption in data centers.

As part of the tenure-track path, the candidate is expected to assume leadership responsibilities, supervise PhD students, and contribute to shaping the long-term research agenda of the center. The candidate will join the DAISY unit and work with partners involved in industrial collaborations or national and international research and innovation projects.

Job responsibilities

• Conduct research and innovative activities in Cyber Security with a focus on resource-efficient AI-based security algorithms and orchestration strategies for AI services in cloud-to-edge environments.
• Participate in research and innovation projects, including those in the context of national or international collaborations.
• Contribute to the center's publications with autonomy, proposing innovative topics at the group level.
• Contribute to the sustainability of the center by acquiring project funding and fostering collaborations.
• Contribute to communication and dissemination of research outputs by engaging at national and international events.
• Co-advise students at Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

• PhD in Information Technology or related fields
• A relevant record of publications in high-impact journals and top-level conferences
• Research experience in: System and network security; Intrusion detection and prevention systems; Security automation and orchestration; Resource management and orchestration in distributed infrastructures
• Intellectual autonomy, strong commitment to objectives, and applying research results in real-world applications
• Experience in working for research projects
• CEFR level English equal to or exceeding B2; knowledge verified during interview
• Teamwork, good communication and relational skills
• Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and problem-solving aptitude

The Bruno Kessler Foundation invests in people’s growth and promotes a stimulating environment that values talent. Through the Talent Development Program, participants engage in a tailored experiential journey designed to enhance skills, attitudes, and aspirations, with tools for professional growth, personalized assessments, structured career paths, and development strategies within a dynamic scientific environment.

Employment

Type of contract: Tenure Track contract, leading to an FBK 3rd Level Researcher (R3) permanent contract

Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)

Start date: January 2026

Duration: The duration of the Tenure Track contract will be determined by the Committee based on scientific objectives and KPIs (at least one year, possibly reduced by the Committee). Objectives linked to IPCEI ME/CT project objectives. If final assessment is positive, the candidate will be offered a permanent R3 contract.

Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni)

Current gross annual remuneration: Euro 44.087,26 corresponding to a Third level Researcher. Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy)

Benefits: flexi-time, subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, visa and accommodation support, supplementary pension (Resaver, Laborfonds) and health fund (Sanifonds), family-work balance, free training, bank account support, public transport and sport discounts, language course fees, counseling and psychological support. More info 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, participants engage in a tailored experiential journey designed to enhance skills and aspirations.

Application

Interested candidates should submit their application by completing the online form (https://jobs.fbk.eu/). Attachments (in pdf):

• detailed CV with publications;
• cover letter explaining motivation for this position;
• statement of Research Interests.

Application deadline: 28 October 2025

For further information, contact the People Innovation for Research Department at jobs@fbk.eu.