Research Assignments
Research assignments constitute a new type of contractual arrangement aimed at introducing individuals to research and innovation (Article 22-ter of Law No. 240 of 30 December 2010, as amended by Decree-Law No. 45 of 7 June 2025).
This role is designed to support young graduates in developing scientific activities and specific projects, under the supervision of a tutor.
The University of Milan has adopted its own Regulations governing the awarding of these assignments, setting out the eligibility requirements and selection procedures.
Access to research assignments requires participation in a competitive selection process.
Research Assignments are awarded through a private-law contract for the implementation of specific research projects. Access requirements are defined in the selection calls, and applicants are required to hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification obtained no more than 6 years prior.
Each Research Assignment has a duration, as specified in the call, ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years, which may be non-consecutive, including any renewals.
Selection procedures for the awarding of Research Assignments are conducted in compliance with the principles of publicity, transparency, and comparative assessment of candidates. The evaluation of applications is based on qualifications and an interview, as specified in each call.
Overall, self-employed work activities may not exceed the annual gross income threshold of €15,000.
The Research Assignee may carry out limited self-employed activity, subject to prior agreement with the tutor and written notification to the competent office, provided that such activity is declared by the host structure, is compatible with the research activity to be performed, and does not give rise to any conflict of interest.
Compatible activities:
- acting as a speaker at seminars, conferences, and workshops, as well as publishing activities carried out outside the University
- activities as a teaching assistant or tutor (Article 45 of the University General Regulations), upon enrolment in the relevant registers, and receipt of the corresponding remuneration.
Incompatible activities:
- any other employment relationship, including part-time or fixed-term, with public or private entities
- holding research grants, including those awarded by other universities or public research institutions
- scholarships or research fellowships awarded by national or international institutions, except those exclusively intended to support international mobility for research purposes
- holding research contracts (Article 22 of Law 240/2010 – research contracts)
- holding post-doc contracts (Article 22-bis of Law 240/2010 – post-doc assignments)
- holding fixed-term researcher contracts (Article 24 of Law 240/2010 – RTT)
- enrolment in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or medical specialization programmes, in Italy or abroad, without prejudice to participation in specific European Union research funding programmes under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA); for public employees, this entails placement on unpaid leave for the duration of the appointment.
The gross annual amount of Research Assignments is determined by the Department Council requesting the assignment, in compliance with the financial plan of the research project on which the expenditure is charged, taking into account that the minimum amount is set by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and is equal to €22,500 gross per year (taxable income for the assignee).
Research Assignments are subject to INPS contributions under the Separate Management scheme for self-employed work (with a maximum rate equal to one-third of 35.03%), while they are exempt from personal income tax (IRPEF). A “Certificazione Unica” is nonetheless issued, indicating the amount exempt from taxation.
Payment receipts can be downloaded from the dedicated page Cedolini e dettagli pagamenti.
Although a Research Assignment is for a fixed term, it does not constitute an employment relationship and does not confer any right to access positions within the University of Milan. Each Research Assignee is required to carry out the research activities specified in the contract, under the supervision of a tutor, and to comply with the University’s regulations and policies.