THE PRESIDENT
Hereby announces
Art. 1 Premise
Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) - www.fbk.eu - is a leading non-profit, public research institution with an international profile, recognized for the quality of its research in science, technology, and social and human sciences, as well as for its high economic and social impact. FBK is renowned for its focus on interdisciplinarity and complexity, and it is organized into various research centers, hosting researchers from over 70 countries.
The goals pursued by Fondazione Bruno Kessler can be summarized as follows: broadening the horizon of its research and social responsibility, enhancing the integration of its research and innovation activities, increasing its appeal especially to young researchers, working towards a new generational and gender balance, and shifting the skills of scientific management towards a "people-oriented" managerial approach.
With its state-of-the-art facilities spanning 3,500 square meters of laboratories and scientific infrastructures, and a vibrant community of over 700 researchers, 200 doctoral students, and 200 visiting fellows and doctoral candidates, Fondazione Bruno Kessler acts as a scientific and technological hub, its premises and platforms hosting a lively ecosystem of co-located ventures, spin-offs, projects, and training.
Art. 2 Context
Over the course of nearly four decades, FBK has consistently maintained a leading position in the global landscape of AI research, encompassing areas such as Machine Learning, Automated Reasoning, Natural Language Processing, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Vision, Speech Recognition, Agentic AI and Automated Planning. Furthermore, FBK is actively involved in implementing AI systems and technologies through numerous go-to-market projects across domains such as Health and Well-being, Digital Society, Digital Industry, and Digital Agriculture. These initiatives entail the development of AI-based applications benefiting tens of thousands of citizens.
Art. 3 Goals
Within this context, the establishment of the new Center for Machine Intelligence (MI) represents a strategic step for Fondazione Bruno Kessler in addressing the scientific challenge of the next generation of intelligent systems and agents capable of perceiving, analyzing, predicting, and acting within complex and dynamic physical environments. It enables this challenge to be addressed in a structured way by bringing together complementary expertise in perception, learning, and reasoning, along with capabilities in orchestrating distributed systems and intelligent infrastructures.
Within the Center’s strategic vision, Machine Intelligence for complex physical systems is grounded in the integration of perception capabilities (2D/3D), predictive analytics, IoT architectures, and interconnected autonomous systems. This creates a framework for developing AI solutions able to understand the physical environment, anticipate its evolution, and support autonomous decision-making in complex systems, while adapting to the heterogeneity of real-world operational contexts.
In this context, well-established application areas include the processing and enhancement of data collected from aerial and satellite sensors, as well as from industrial systems and intelligent agricultural machinery, alongside AI applications in weather and energy. In these domains, artificial intelligence is measured not only by the quality of data analysis but also by its ability to manage complex dynamics in real time.
Within this broader picture, robotics represents a key area for long-term exploration and experimentation, a field that is gaining increasing relevance in the international landscape of research and technological innovation.
Art 4. Role overview
The Research Center for Machine Intelligence (MI) will comprise FBK research groups already well established within the 3D Optical Metrology (3DOM), Data Science for Industry and Physics (DSIP), Open Platforms and Enabling Technologies for the Internet of Things (OpenIoT), and Technologies of Vision (TeV) units.
The Center will benefit from the experience and scientific excellence of approximately 90 researchers and technologists, including senior researchers, emerging talents, and doctoral students affiliated with the FBK research groups.
Art 5. Position and Requirements
FBK is seeking a Director for the Research Center for Machine Intelligence (MI).
The Director will provide both scientific and managerial leadership within a high-value, collaborative team environment. We invite applications from scientists with a strong and recognized scientific reputation, as well as demonstrated managerial skills and strategic vision.
The ideal candidate will be able to manage research and innovation aimed at developing next-generation intelligent systems and agents for complex physical environments. This role involves guiding developments across the Center’s units to deliver high-impact AI solutions in perception, learning, and reasoning for industrial systems, digital agriculture, aerospace sensing and energy applications, while driving long-term strategic exploration in robotics.
Candidates should have proven managerial qualifications, significant national and international experience, and a well-established network within their scientific and professional communities.
Art. 6 Applications
Applications for the position of Director must be submitted by 30 July 2026 (12.00 p.m. noon GMT+2) via https://jobs.fbk.eu/. Applications must include a Curriculum Vitae (including relevant publications, R&D products, the candidate’s scientific and managerial experience; and his/her network within the scientific relevant community) and a one-page Motivation Letter (1 page).
Until the closing date for submissions, candidates may arrange a personal meeting with the Secretary General Staff in order to acquaint themselves with the Foundation and its research and study areas.
Art. 7 Terms of engagement
The position of Director is a three-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal. FBK reserves the right to determine the contractual arrangement, in terms of both working time commitment and compensation, that best suits the profile to be selected.
Provided there is no conflict of interest, the Director may engage in other external professional activities.
Art. 8 Selection process
Applications meeting the above requirements will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The Evaluation Committee will be composed of experts of proven scientific experience and representatives of governance.
In compliance with the Foundation’s Gender Equality Plan and the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, the Committee shall ensure gender balance in its composition.
The Evaluation Committee’s assessment will consist of separate scores for: 1) the written application; 2) the publications and/or products of research and innovation 3) previously held scientific and/or managerial positions as well as professional networks within the scientific communities related to the areas concerned; 4) a final interview (only for short-listed candidates).
After reviewing the various assessment scores, the Evaluation Committee will interview the highest-ranked shortlisted candidates.
In full compliance with data protection regulations, candidates admitted to the final interview will be asked to complete a personality test/assessment designed to evaluate their professional suitability for the role sought.
The candidates’ presentations prior to the final interview may be streamed and viewed by the Foundation’s personnel.
The final breakdown of assessment scores and a report on the procedure will be submitted to the Board of Directors, which will make the final decision.
THE PRESIDENT
Prof. Ferruccio Resta
Trento, 26 May 2026
Please read the “Guidelines for Director selection” before completing your application.
For further information or to request a preliminary interview or to receive technical support with your application, please contact: [email protected]
