Technologist in Non-Electrolytic H2 Production Processes

FBK is a research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and it is 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, and there are twelve in total. Information regarding the research Centers, their activities and production are available at http:/www.fbk.eu/research-centers The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. This will be done in the perspective of energy sustainability, of systems and solutions that respect the environment and the quality of life, of solutions with a lower impact on health and on environmental pollution levels.

The ground for the Centre on "Sustainable Energy" is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will demand for more flexibility of the energy system, through new gas and power grids and using energy vectors and storage solutions, as enablers for the wide penetration of renewables. The HYdrogen Technologies and Resilient Energy Systems (HyRES) Unit is dedicated to research and development, and it is at the forefront of promoting hydrogen technology and resilient energy systems. With a primary focus on hydrogen, the unit works diligently to innovate the future energy grid, making it more intelligent and capable of integrating renewable sources. Ensuring energy resilience and security is a central goal, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners.

The research encompasses numerous aspects, including hydrogen production, storage and final uses, all with the overarching aim of reducing the carbon footprint of energy systems and positively impacting the energy market, making it more sustainable and secure for the future. 

About the role

Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is looking for a Technologist in Non-Electrolytic H2 Production Processes this position is partially funded by National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). This position will be included in the framework of IPCEI Hy2Tech in FBK. FBK is involved in all the specific technical fields (TF) of IPCEI Hy2Tech , with the final scope to support the European H2 value chain and industry from TRL 3 to TRL7-8. 

The main activities involve:

• Co-design and co-engineering of technologies;
• (joint) Laboratory facilities, enabling validation and testing of technologies components, blocks, materials and strategies for multiscale power and several conditions; 
• Safety and controls: introducing proper design for safe technologies in the hydrogen sector, with digital tools at the support of new products and/or new processes;
• Control development based on dynamic simulation;
• Verified with SiL (Software In the Loop) and Hil (Hardware In the Loop) approach, and Territorial implementation for technologies and different end uses in industry, mobility, and territorial ecosystem.

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

The HyRES unit is looking for a technologist with competence and knowledge in non-electrolytic H2 production, through plasma or thermo-catalytic processes.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the design, procurement, and installation of test benches and reactors for testing and validation;
• Managing equipment related to non-electrolytic hydrogen production processes, including maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of setups and relevant instruments; 
• Supporting research teams in the design and execution of experiments; Data analysis of experimental campaigns;
• Producing reports, project deliverables, and technical evaluations; Contributing to the preparation of project proposals.

Job Requirements 

The Ideal Candidate should have:

• Master's degree in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or similar;
• Know-how in non-electrolytic hydrogen production processes, plasma processes, and reactor design for pyrolysis, methane cracking or gasification;
• Familiarity with hydrogen production equipment, safety protocols in gas handling, and validation techniques;
• Experience in designing and conducting experiments, managing laboratory facilities, validating technologies in industrial settings, and troubleshooting technical issues;
• Familiarity with lab procedures and chemical hazards;
• Proven experience in R&D or engineering activities in the H2 sector;
• Experience in working for research projects;
• 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: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions ;
• Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
• Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving.

Furthermore, the following element will be positively evaluated:

• PhD in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Hydrogen Technologies or similar or equivalent experience. 

FBK offers  

• Fixed-term contract 
• Full-time (38 h per week)
• Start date December 2025
• Duration 24 months 
• Contract type : CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https:/ trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) the current gross annual remuneration is between Euro 38.539,67 and 44.087,26 depending on knowledge and expertise, and corresponding to a Fourth or Third level Technologist.
• 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: https:/www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form: https:/hr.fbk.eu/en/jobs .

Applications must include (in pdf format):

• Detailed CV;
• Cover letter indicating why the candidate is suitable for this position.

Application deadline: 20th October 2025

Workplace

Povo (Trento) and Rovereto

Codice offerta: 3173/2025