FBK is seeking a researcher for a Tenure Track position focused on automated assistants for actionable security. This opportunity is aimed at professionals interested in driving innovation at the intersection of cybersecurity, cryptographic protocols, and cloud-edge infrastructures.
What to expect
If you’re interested in advancing security and privacy in complex digital ecosystems, this role places you at the centre of cutting-edge research in automated security validation. You’ll work on tools that analyse and secure cryptographic protocols, helping organisations protect data, identities, and communications in distributed and edge-computing environments. Alongside a multidisciplinary team within FBK’s Cyber Security Center, you’ll have space to grow your expertise, explore new technologies, and contribute to research that supports both industry and public institutions.Position
In this role, you will develop automated methods to assess the security and compliance of cryptographic protocols such as TLS, QUIC, and VPNs in cloud-edge infrastructures, integrating them into real-world systems to strengthen the protection of digital identities and communications. Based in the Security & Trust Research Unit at the FBK Cyber Security Center in Povo, Trento, you will lead research projects, collaborate with industry and academic partners, publish your results, mentor students, and contribute to fundraising and strategic development. The unit focuses on automated security validation for complex digital systems—particularly cloud infrastructures, edge computing, and distributed applications—giving you the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team on projects with real-world impact.
Requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- A PhD in Cybersecurity or a related field.
- Proven experience in research related to network security, cryptographic protocols, and cloud computing;
- A strong publication record in relevant topics, particularly in high-impact journals and conferences:
- Research expertise in areas such as:
- Automated analysis of network security protocols (e.g., TLS, QUIC);
- Vulnerabilities detection and actionable mitigation in cryptographic protocols;
- Security policies and compliance assessments for cryptographic protocols;
- Trust management models and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
- Intellectual autonomy, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to real-world applications of research;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with fluency in English.
Preferred Requirements
The following qualifications are not mandatory but will be considered as added value during the selection process:
- Experience with international research projects (e.g., EU Horizon, ERC) and a track record of contributing to system design or security evaluation;
- Teaching experience in cybersecurity-related topics;
- Experience mentoring students at various levels;
- Previous experience as a speaker at national or international conferences;
- Familiarity with the design and execution of user studies and security awareness initiatives.
How to apply
Submit your application via the FBK website by December 9, 2025. Please include:
- A detailed CV (PDF), including a list of publications.
- A cover letter explaining your motivation for the position (PDF).
- A statement of research interests (PDF).
For questions, contact the HR team at jobs@fbk.eu.