FBK is looking for three Postdoctoral Researchers in the field of Early Modern History

Background information and description of research project

These positions are offered within the project Travellers’ interactions in early modern Italy (TRAVEL), funded by a Consolidator Grant from the Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS- ) (PI: Sandra Toffolo).

This three-year project focuses on interpersonal encounters involving travellers in the Italian peninsula ). It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the practical aspects of interactions involving a wide range of people on the move and, in doing so, to address more general issues concerning early modern mobility. The members of the research team will each focus on a specific geographical area, examining different aspects of encounters involving travellers: legislation, the use of urban space, communication, and material culture. Sources produced both by the travellers and by the individuals and authorities they interacted with will be used. The TRAVEL project aims to create a dynamic and collaborative research environment bringing together historians working on different aspects of mobility and encounter in early modern Italy. Intellectual exchange within the team will be fostered through regular meetings, scientific events, and collaborative publications.

Three full-time postdoctoral positions are currently available, focusing on the following geographical areas:

• Encounters involving travellers in Genoa and Livorno (Profile 1)
• Encounters involving travellers in Bologna, Macerata, and Pavia (Profile 2)
• Encounters involving travellers in Naples (Profile 3)

These three postdoctoral researchers will join a larger research team led by the PI. Additional team members are expected to be recruited in subsequent calls.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research on interpersonal encounters involving travellers in the indicated geographical area
• Publish in international peer-reviewed outlets
• Present research at international conferences
• Participate in regular team meetings
• Take part in collective activities of the TRAVEL team, such as conference co‑organisation, co‑editing of volumes, and participation in seminars
• Contribute actively to the intellectual life of the TRAVEL team and of the Italian‑German Historical Institute in general
• Participate in public engagement activities
• Collaborate with a researcher specialised in Digital Humanities who will create digital maps of urban spaces of encounter

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 at the forefront of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific Research Center, of which there are twelve in total. Information regarding the Research Centers, their activities and research output is available at:

The candidates will be working at the Italian‑German Historical Institute (ISIG) of FBK. This is a Research Center that promotes historical studies in the field of early modern and contemporary history. Research activities are highly interdisciplinary and transnational. The study activities promoted by ISIG are in constant dialogue with the most recent international historiographic trends. In line with the aims of all FBK Research Centers, ISIG pays particular attention to innovative scientific research practices with extensive bestowment of results to the community. More information about ISIG:

Job requirements

The ideal candidates must have the following requirements:

• PhD in early modern history
• Professional and thorough knowledge of early modern history
• Research experience related to the history of mobility
• Experience working with early printed and archival sources
• Knowledge of English and Italian at level B2 or higher (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR). Definitions of levels can be found at:
• Good knowledge of Latin
• Good knowledge of other languages relevant to the position
• Good communication and relational skills
• Strong organisational skills, flexibility, and aptitude for problem‑solving
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and to contribute actively to collective research objectives

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

• International research experience
• Experience working in a collaborative research project
• Experience conducting research in archives and libraries relevant to the project

Employment

Type of contract: fixed‑term contract

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

Start date: September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter

End Date: 31 July 2029

Benefits: flexi‑time, company subsidised cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for finding 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, counselling and psychological support service. More info at

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form Please ensure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

• Detailed CV
• Cover letter indicating why you are suitable for the position. Please indicate clearly for which of the three positions you are applying. Applicants may apply for one, two, or all three positions:
• / Profile 1: Encounters involving travellers in Genoa and Livorno
• / Profile 2: Encounters involving travellers in Bologna, Macerata, and Pavia
• / Profile 3: Encounters involving travellers in Naples