Bruno Kessler Foundation (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 eleven totals. Information regarding the research centres, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers .
The Digital Industry Center is one of the Centers of FBK. It focuses its research on digital technologies for the various domains in industry (e.g., manufacturing, aerospace, railway, automotive, energy, agriculture, manufacturing) by creating applications for critical systems, adaptive and autonomous systems, advanced perception, diagnostics, quality control, and prediction systems. Further research areas include precision farming, robotics, metrology, cultural heritage, and geomatics.
The Data Science for Industry and Physics ( DSIP ) Research Unit focuses on applying Data Science methodologies and approaches to develop predictive machine-learning models from heterogeneous data. DSIP is actively collaborating with industrial partners and research organizations. DSIP is involved in developing Deep Learning solutions for time-series analysis and forecasting in the context of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance for industrial process forecasting and control. In the earth and climate sector, DSIP is involved in projects ranging from machine learning applied to spatiotemporal data for weather nowcasting and forecasting, Earth System Modeling, statistical downscaling, data quality, and anomaly detection of observations. As for applications in physics, DSIP is developing Deep Learning solutions for data analysis in high-energy physics experiments and in space physics.

Job Description

The purpose of FBK’s Tenure Track program is to offer high-level professionals the opportunity to pursue a structured career path to become tenured researchers contributing to the organization's long-term strategy.
Within this program, FBK is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated researcher to fill the position in the DSIP Unit of the Digital Industry Center.
This position provides the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative AI-based methodologies for weather and climate modeling, with a focus on deep learning models for statistical downscaling, regional climate projections, and Earth system data analysis.
The candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research activities in accordance with the objectives of the research unit and participate in and guide the writing of scientific papers. The successful candidate is expected to:

• Perform scientific research in the area of AI for weather and climate modeling, with emphasis on statistical and dynamical downscaling techniques;
• Contribute to the development of deep learning models for high-resolution regional forecasting, climate projections and reanalysis;
• Contribute to the economic sustainability of the DSIP research unit through funded research activities;
• Collaborate with national and international partners in the context of research projects;
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and PhD students.

The candidate will work closely with other members of the DSIP unit and partners involved in research and industrial projects. The candidate is also expected to contribute to proposals for funded activities, including reporting and dissemination of results.

FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality.

Job requirements

• PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Physics, or equivalent degree;
• At least 3 years of postdoc research experience in Artificial Intelligence applied to weather and climate modeling, with proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals;
• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning techniques for spatiotemporal data analysis, including statistical downscaling and high-resolution climate modeling;
• Good experience in the analysis and processing of meteorological and climate data, including reanalysis products (e.g., ERA5) and regional climate model outputs;
• Strong programming skills in Python for data science and deep learning (PyTorch, Lightning);
• Practical knowledge of common GIS tools for geospatial data visualization and analysis (e.g., QGIS);
• Experience in leveraging HPC solutions for model training;
• Proficiency in the English language;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively present research results at scientific conferences.

Additional requirements:

• Good team working attitude;
• Good self-organization and autonomous operation;
• Experience in the preparation and management of research and industrial project proposals;
• Experience in working on research and industrial projects with national and international partners;
• Experience in science communication and outreach activities at public venues.

Employment

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

Duration : The duration of the Tenure Track contract will be determined by the Committee based on the assigned KPIs (at least one year, which may be reduced in accordance with the Committee assessment on the candidate's abilities and skills). If the final assessment of the Tenure Track experience is positive, the selected candidate for the tenure track position will be offered a permanent R3 contract.

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

Gross annual salary : 44.500 € (plus objectives achievement bonus).

Start date : May 2026

Workplace : Povo, Trento (Italy).

Benefits : flexi-time, company subsidised cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health found, training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language courses fees. Further details 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, each participant will be engaged in a tailored experiential journey designed to enhance skills, attitudes, and aspirations. Concrete tools for professional growth will be available, including personalized assessments to understand and develop individual potential, structured career paths to help shape the future, and development strategies within a dynamic and innovative scientific environment.

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form ( https://jobs.fbk.eu/ ). Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

• Detailed CV;
• Motivational letter
• Statement of Research Interests

For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the Human Resources Service at tenuretrack@fbk.eu .