Researcher Technologist Level III or IV
Con Esperienza

Descrizione della Posizione Lavorativa

Fixed-term positions are open at the Research and Innovation Centre (CRI) of Fondazione Edmund Mach for Researchers and Technologists at Level III or IV in the areas of Agrosystems and Bioeconomy, Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment, and Food and Nutrition. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 CET on 21 July 2026.

The selection process begins with an online pre-selection test to draw up a ranked list of up to 200 qualified candidates. Recruitment for funded fixed-term posts will follow by inviting candidates from that list to an interview. Full details and the profile document are available in the call attachments.

How to apply: Applications must be sent exclusively via the online portal https://fondazionemach.ilmiotest.it/. Payment of the non-refundable administrative fee (€30) is required through the designated payment portal before submitting the application; the receipt must be attached to the application. The online payment link is: https://www.eventbrite.it/e/recruitment-notice-tickets-1990372251985?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Maximum candidates and number of positions: The shortlist may include up to 200 candidates. The Centre offers about 30 fixed-term positions per year, subject to available funding and organisational needs.

Organisation and role distinction: Positions are at the Research and Innovation Centre (Director: Dr. Damiano Gianelle). Researchers are expected to advance scientific knowledge through basic and/or applied research, publications and funding applications. Technologists focus on designing, developing and managing complex laboratory protocols, data analyses, infrastructures and workflows that support research activities.

Definitions of levels:

• Level IV: staff with a Master’s degree or equivalent, at the beginning of their scientific career (European “First Stage Researcher”).
• Level III: staff with significant research experience and scientific autonomy, normally holding a PhD (European “Recognised Researcher”).

Essential requirements:

• English language: minimum CEFR B2, assessed during the online test and, for shortlisted candidates, during the interview (the interview will be conducted in English).
• Level IV access: at least a four-year degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields.
• Level III access: a PhD in relevant fields.

Candidates must make formal declarations confirming they meet the notice requirements, have no incompatibilities or conflicts of interest, have no relevant criminal convictions, and that the information supplied is truthful. Certain individuals are excluded from participation (e.g. those who already held 36 months of fixed-term contracts at the Foundation in the same role under specified conditions).

Main duties may include:

• Designing, executing and coordinating scientific research (coordination duties apply to Level III roles);
• Supporting student and early-career training (Level III);
• Managing laboratory and field experiments and data collection;
• Analysing experimental data and modelling;
• Publishing in international journals, preparing technical reports and conference outputs;
• Collaborating with national/international partners and participating in funded research projects;
• Contributing to project proposals and scientific reporting.

Areas of work and typical activities:

Agrosystems and Bioeconomy

• Research on sustainable agriculture, crop production and breeding;
• Development of technologies for crop genomics, digital agriculture and precision farming;
• Analysis and optimisation of sustainable agricultural supply chains;
• Coordination of field trials and experimental-farm research.

Biodiversity, Ecology and the Environment

• Research on forest, alpine, aquatic and agro-environmental species and ecosystems;
• Development of remote-sensing, genetics/genomics and movement-ecology protocols;
• Assessment of climate and anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity, behaviour, physiology and ecosystem functions.

Food and Nutrition

• Research on food quality, safety and traceability;
• Development of metabolomic and physico-chemical analysis protocols;
• Evaluation of sensory and nutritional properties of food products.

Keywords / fields of interest include digital/smart agriculture, circular bioeconomy, plant genetics/genomics/breeding, viticulture and enology, crop protection, forest and alpine ecology, biodiversity conservation, animal ecology, hydrobiology, conservation genetics and genomics, One Health, nutrition, metabolomics, metataxonomics/metagenomics/metatranscriptomics, sensory quality of food, traceability/authenticity of agri-food products, biotechnology of natural products and bioinformatics.

Selection procedure:

The first stage is a remote online test (multiple-choice in English) administered by SELEXI. The test has two sections:

1. Section 1 (max 70 points): verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, basic statistics and digital skills. Minimum pass: 35 points.
2. Section 2 (max 30 points): specialist knowledge in one chosen field (Agrosystems and Bioeconomy, or Biodiversity, Ecology and the Environment, or Food and Nutrition). Minimum pass: 10 points.

Overall pass requires at least 45/100. Candidates who pass will be placed on the ranked list (valid for two years) up to a maximum of 200 people; ties for the 200th place are all included. Only PhD holders who score at least 65/100 in the admission test may be considered for Level III positions, subject to interview.

The online test date is scheduled for 30 July 2026 (Italian time, CEST). The exact test time will be communicated after the application deadline. SELEXI will send technical instructions to candidates in advance. Candidates who pass will be invited to an interview (in person or by videoconference) with at least 10 days’ notice; interviews will be held in English and will assess knowledge, skills and aptitudes related to the duties. A final merit ranking for each position will be produced following interviews.

Technical requirements for the online test: a PC (Windows 8+ or Linux) or Mac (macOS 10.14+) with webcam and microphone (latest Google Chrome recommended); or a smartphone/tablet (Android min v8 or iOS min v15.8) able to install the ProctorExam app. Minimum connection speeds apply. System checks will be scheduled before the exam. Tablets may only substitute smartphones, not PCs.

Documents to attach: professional CV, payment receipt, and copy of a valid ID/passport. The application fee is €30 (non-refundable); payment must be made via the indicated payment portal and receipt uploaded with the application. Applications submitted without the payment receipt will be deemed incomplete.

All communications will be sent by email to the address provided in the application. Candidates must present valid photo ID for the test or provide a copy in advance if the test is remote. Failure to attend or late arrival may lead to exclusion. Test results and subsequent notifications will be published/communicated as described in the announcement.

The selection process is expected to be completed by 21 January 2027. All specified requirements must be met by the application deadline and, where applicable, by recruitment date. The Foundation reserves the right to verify declarations and exclude candidates who do not meet the requirements.

For further details, attachments (profile and supplementary regulations) and the full notice see the linked documents on the call page. For technical assistance regarding the application portal, contact [email protected]. For information about the call contact: Ufficio Sviluppo risorse umane, email [email protected], phone +39 0461 615542.

Benefits

• Gross annual salary (Level IV): €41,245.00 (current reference under CCPL for Research Foundation Staff).
• Gross annual salary (Level III): €47,182.01 (current reference under CCPL for Research Foundation Staff).
• Contracts are offered according to the CCPL Collective Labour Agreement for Research Foundation Staff; actual contract terms depend on candidate profile, qualifications and selection results.
• Approximately 30 fixed-term positions per year, depending on funding and project needs.

Requisiti

English CEFR B2 minimum; Level IV: Master's degree or equivalent; Level III: PhD. Application fee €30; submit CV, payment receipt and ID via the online portal by 2026-07-21 11:59 CET.