FBK is looking for a Developer in the field of Cybersecurity for supporting the design and implementation of innovative tools for the automatic validation of network security protocols

Fondo IPCEI - Intervento Infrastrutture e servizi cloud (CIS)
D. M. di attivazione 27 giugno 2022 - D. D. di apertura 23 febbraio 2024
Prog. n. IPCEI-CL_... - CUP C68H...
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 Developer in the field of Cybersecurity for supporting the design and implementation of innovative tools for the automatic validation of network security protocols; this position is partially funded by IPCEI - Intervento infrastrutture e servizi Cloud (CIS).
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 .
Workplace Description
The Center for Cybersecurity of FBK (CS) 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 SM Es, 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.
In line with the mission of FBK, which aims to achieve scientific research of excellence and have an impact on society, the Security & Trust Research Unit (ST) of the Center for Cybersecurity of FBK develops cutting-edge security solutions for identity and access management, risk management, and compliance for data protection and security protocols. The ST unit has been and is currently being involved in several research and innovation projects with partners from Academy, Public Administration, and Industry.
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
ST researchers develop innovative tools for the (automatic) validation of security protocols. One such tool is TLS Assistant, which automates the security assessment of cloud infrastructures by utilizing international technical guidelines to validate and promote a secure deployment that is free of vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that might hinder the secure use of the transport layer. TLS Assistant also generates actionable reports able to guide service providers in seamlessly securing new and existing deployments. In the context of the project IPCEI-CIS, TLS Assistant will be integrated into cloud infrastructures to secure the usage of container-to-container and cloud-native transmissions. The ST research unit of FBK-CS is looking to hire a dynamic and highly motivated developer to support the aforementioned research activity. The selected figure will support research in the design and development of tools for the automatic validation of security protocols (spanning from TLS, the de facto standard for secure data transmission over networks, SSH and QUIC). The aim is to assist users in developing correct implementations and configurations, identifying vulnerabilities, and proposing countermeasures to mitigate them. The ultimate goal is to enhance the security posture of systems used worldwide.
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks: Analysis of the current state of the art in terms of technical guidelines for proper implementation and usage of security protocols in a variety of settings, such as public administrations and banking systems; Design of innovative analysis tools able to assist users when both developing and employing security libraries that implement network protocols; Implementation of the aforementioned analysis tools by combining cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art guidelines, with a focus on the usability to help make these tools as useful and widespread as possible.
Depending on organizational needs, the selected candidate may also be involved in additional activities or projects within the Centre.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate must have the following requirements: Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines; Experience in research support activities related to network security protocols, specifically TLS, SSH, and TCP; Experience in the in-depth analysis of RF Cs, technical documentation and EU directives (e. g. , PCI-DSS, GDPR, NIS2); Good programming skills (e. g. , Python, Rust, Bash); 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 B2. Definitions of levels can be found at the following link ; Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills; Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving and initiative.
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated: Knowledge of declarative programming languages (e. g. , SQL, F#, Kaitai); Provable experience in the use and support of network security tools; Experience in network traffic analysis; Knowledge of both written and spoken Italian.

Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: part-time 20h
Start date: October 2025
Duration: 15 months
Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel ( Personale/ Contrattazione-collettiva/ Rinnovo-CCPL-delle- Fondazioni) for a full-time fourth level technician , the current gross annual remuneration is Euro 29,577. 98.
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, counseling and psychological support service. More info at

Application
Interested candidates are requested to submit their 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.
Application deadline: 15/09/2025
Selection process and assessment criteria
The Evaluating Committee will be appointed by the People Innovation for Research 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 C Vs 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 profile; the knowledge about the scientific domain, experience in the scientific domain and 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.
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.