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

Organisation/Company Fondazione Bruno Kessler Department People Innovation for Research Research Field History » Modern history Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 8 May 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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 bestowal of results to the community. More information about ISIG:

• Professional and thorough knowledge of early modern history
• Research experience related to the history of mobility
• Experience working with early printed and archival sources
• 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

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