FBK is looking for a Researcher on resource-aware and dynamic neural architectures for speech a[]

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Science and Technology Hub - Trento, Italy

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239503209

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08.08.2025

22.09.2025

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Prog. n. IPCEI-CL_0000007 - CUP C68H24000600006

FBK is looking for a Researcher on resource-aware and dynamic neural architectures for speech and audio processing.; 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 Augmented Intelligence Center is a newly established FBK center aiming to bring together a plurality of scientific areas already present in FBK to open up a new frontier of research in the field of Augmented Intelligence. The key research lines in Augmented Intelligence encompass: Foundational Artificial Intelligence; Human-Artificial Intelligence Interaction; Cooperative and Social Artificial Intelligence; Proactive ethical Artificial Intelligence. The FBK Research Center in Augmented Intelligence encompasses FBK research groups working in machine learning, natural language processing, dialogue technologies, speech recognition, human-computer interaction, computer vision, multi-modal perception,neuro-symbolic techniques, data and knowledge representation and reasoning, data and process intelligence, neuroinformatics, cooperative and social Artificial Intelligence. The Center benefits from the expertise and scientific excellence of approximately 80 researchers and developers, including senior researchers, emerging talents, and doctoral students affiliated with these FBK research groups.
The SpeechTek Lab at Fondazione Bruno Kessler investigates AI-based solutions for speech technologies, addressing a variety of speech related tasks: automatic speech recognition (ASR), speech enhancement and separation, spoken language understanding, speaker identification, automatic language learning and other speech and audio applications. The group is particularly interested in the application of AI topical research directions to the speech context, such as: continual learning, large-scale models, self-supervised adaptation, edge processing. These are key features towards an effective and efficient deployment of speech technologies in real-life conditions and are being investigated also in multi-modal (audio-visual) scenarios. Finally, the group has also a long-lasting experience in customization of ASR services.

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 in dependently of any single provider. This co ntinuum 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

The SpeechTek Lab is looking to hire a Researcher on novel solutions for efficient and dynamic neural architectures for speech and audio processing. The candidate will develop advanced scalable, adaptive AI techniques, focusing on resource efficiency and awareness. Towards this goal, the selected candidate will explore architectures and learning paradigms which are efficient in terms of data, energy and resources and are adaptable to the varying operational conditions. Priority will be given to speech processing tasks (ASR) and related models, but a broad range of applications can be considered.
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:

• advancing the state-of-the-art in the field;
• disseminating the results to top international conferences and journals of the speech processing and artificial intelligence communities;
• following and supporting the coordination and collaboration with the other partners.

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:

• Master’s degree in data science, computer science, engineering or related fields (the degree must be obtained by the start date of the FBK contract);
• Experience in AI solutions for speech recognition and speech processing;
• Familiarity with most models and neural architectures for speech and audio processing;
• Fluent in Python and in the ML packages and modules (pytorch);
• Publication track record in areas related to scientific domain;
• 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.

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

• Phd in fields related to this call (computer science, engineering, data science,...);
• Previous experience in supervising interns, master students and PhD students;
• Capability of leading and coordinating the group activities in European projects;
• Knowledge of both written and spoken Italian.

Employment

Type of contract : fixed-term contract

Working hours: full time ( 38 hours per week)

Duration: 36 months

Contract type : CCPL Research Foundation Personnel ( ) 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 Researcher

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.

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 CVs 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 (emailprotected) .