Within Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) initiative FBK is looking for two research positions in the field of statistical and mathematical modelling of infectious diseases transmission.

FBK is a 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 Centers, their activities and production are available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
The Health Emergencies Centre is one of the Centers of the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK).
In line with FBK’s mission, which is to achieve results of scientific excellence and to produce an impact on society, the Health Emergencies center aims to develop basic epidemiological research to increase knowledge on the main factors that regulate the transmission of infectious diseases. It develops methods – mainly based on statistical, mathematical and computational modeling – to provide guidance to decision makers in order to improve preparedness, prevention and response to health emergencies caused by communicable diseases

Workplace Description
The FBK Health Emergencies Centre has an extensive range of scientific expertise in computational modelling of infectious diseases and epidemiology. Its main focuses are:

• mathematical modelling of infectious diseases transmission;
• epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases;
• evaluation of mitigation/containment policies;
• effect of population heterogeneity, contact patterns and human mobility on the spread of infectious diseases;
• effect of demographic changes and vaccination choices on the transmissibility of vaccine preventable diseases;
• vector-borne diseases epidemiology and control.

Background information and description of research projects

These positions are offered within Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) initiative, and specifically within the “One Health Basic and Translational Research Actions addressing Unmet Needs on Emerging Infectious Diseases” (INF-ACT) project, Node 4 (Epidemiology, monitoring and modelling), co-lead by FBK.

The mission of the project is to:

• fill gaps in knowledge of the biological characteristics on highly diffusible pathogens with a “built-in” multidisciplinary approach;
• enhance the level of basic knowledge on highly diffusible pathogens and, in case of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), their arthropod vectors.
• create a framework and infrastructure for centralized systematic monitoring of the genomic characteristics and evolution of multiple pathogens with epidemic potential circulating in humans, animals and in the environment;
• study the circulation of pathogenic microorganisms at the human-animal interface (both domestic and wild) and the risk of spill-over events;
• define shared protocols for the implementation of monitoring and contrast measures through the application of innovative tools;
• set up a network and infrastructure for the centralized systematic monitoring clinical markers comprising clinical severity in adults and children, immune responses, as well as gender based differences;
• overcome the limits of preclinical/clinical development procedures, and production of new drugs with new technological solutions
• establish effective multidisciplinary skill networks and resources;
• advance tools optimizing the use of data from multiple sources for One Health early warning, risk assessment and for the prioritization of public
  health interventions to improve the country's overall preparedness towards potential emerging (and even re-emerging) infectious threats to public health.

Job Description

The Ideal Candidate should have:

PhD in one of the following areas: mathematics, physics, population biology, infectious disease epidemiology, or a similarly quantitative discipline.
Research experience in statistical and mathematical models of human infectious diseases.
A relevant record of publications in the domain of statistical and mathematical models of human infectious diseases.
Ability to collate and analyse data, interpret and present results to a high standard using a range of specialised research techniques.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently but also as part of a research team
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
Experience in working for research projects.

Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract

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

Start date: February 2023

Duration: 36 months

Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) for a third level Researcher, the current gross annual remuneration is Euro 39,539.31.

Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy)

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://jobs.fbk.eu/). 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.

Application deadline: 27th December 2022

Selection process and assessment criteria

The Evaluating Committee will be appointed by the HR 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 recruitment process will be based on the total points obtained by the evaluation of the qualifications/ expertise and the evaluation of the interview.
A maximum of 40 points will be allocated for qualifications and expertise that the candidate expresses on the resume, while the interview will be worth up to 60 points.
The interview scores will be assigned to candidates by the Commission according to the following criteria: the presentation of their personal research profile; the knowledge about the scientific domain, the experience in working for research projects and the language skills.
Only candidates obtaining at least 25 points in the evaluation of the qualifications and the expertise will be admitted for the interview.
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 https://jobs.fbk.eu/ 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 Human Resources Services at jobs@fbk.eu.