FBK is looking for a Post-doctoral Researcher at ECT*on the project “Blue Ski Research” funded by Fondo Italiano per le Scienze Applicate (FISA)

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 Centres, their activities and production are available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.

Workplace Description

The European Centre for Theoretical Studies in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas (ECT*) of FBK provides a dedicated and structured combination of scientific activities for a large international scientific community. ECT* acts as an “intellectual” centre of competence, complementary in scope and activities to existing research facilities based at universities or experimental laboratories. It promotes coordination of European research efforts in nuclear physics and related research areas.
Main activities of ECT* are workshops, collaboration meetings, doctoral training programmes and specialised courses. We also offer visiting fellowships for junior and senior researchers.

The research focus at the centre is Nuclear Physics in a broad sense and related areas. Specifically, Nuclear Structure and Nuclear Reactions, Quantum Chromodynamics and Hadron Physics, Physics of Matter under Extreme Conditions and Ultra-relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions, with related areas including topics in Astrophysics, Particle Physics, condensed Matter Physics, Many-Body Theory, Bose-Einstein Condensation, and Computational Physics.

Background information and description of research project

This position is offered within the Blue Ski Research (BSR) project, funded by the Fondo Italiano per le Scienze Applicate (FISA). The project aims to revolutionize ski safety by developing an innovative ski binding system capable of automatically detecting falls and releasing the skier to reduce the risk of tibia and fibula fractures. This system is designed for both professional athletes and casual skiers, with the goal of significantly reducing accidents and hospitalizations on ski slopes.

Job Description

The post-doctoral researcher will carry out the R&D activities in the project’s WP1 (Research and Development), acting as a bridge between the contractors responsible for Prototyping (WP2) and developing the Fall Detection System (WP3) development.

The researcher will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and oversight of the technological solutions for the intelligent ski bindings system. Key responsibilities include:

• Design and development of actuators for the autonomous ski release mechanism. This involves studying and implementing various types of actuators (e.g., solenoids, electric motors, hydraulic systems, or piezoelectric actuators) to ensure the reliable release of the ski bindings upon fall detection.
• Participate in the development of the fall detection system based on MEMS sensors, accelerometers, and other motion sensors. The researcher will oversee the integration of these sensors with the actuation system, ensuring real-time data processing to accurately detect falls.
• Coordinate technical collaborations with external partners responsible for prototyping and component testing. This includes managing interactions between prototype manufacturers and fall detection system developers, ensuring seamless integration of all components.
• Oversee technical reports and milestone tracking. The Post-Doc will be responsible for preparing regular technical reports, ensuring that the development progresses according to the project timeline, and will participate in both laboratory and field testing to ensure compliance with DIN standards.
• Support testing and certification activities. The researcher will supervise the testing cycle of prototypes, including mechanical, thermal, and vibrational tests, ensuring that the system meets all safety and reliability requirements.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Materials Engineering.
• Demonstrated autonomy in research and project management.
• Proficiency in software development (preferably Python).
• Background or experience in Machine Learning, Electronics, and Sensor Technologies.
• 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.

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract

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

Start date: December 2024

Duration: 36 months (the contract may be extended until the end of the project, 31/08/2028 upon availability of further funding and where it is consistent with the Foundation’s policies)

Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) for a third  level Research, the current gross annual remuneration is Euro 41.475,00.

Workplace: Villazzano, 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.