New Scientific Employment Diploma

The recent publication of a new legal regime for hiring PhDs (Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29) aims to stimulate scientific and technological employment in all areas of knowledge, promote the rejuvenation of institutions, and enhance scientific research, technological development, management, and science and technology communication activities (as set out in Council of Ministers Resolution No. 32/2016, of June 3).

With the publication of this law, entities within the National Scientific and Technological System (SCTN) now have a new mechanism to encourage the hiring of PhD researchers, with a view to integrating them into SCTN entities, as well as into its multiple partnerships and collaborative ventures with the economic, productive, social, and cultural sectors.

Employment contracts thus become the normal form of employment for PhD graduates who carry out scientific activities within the scope of projects and research units, with Studentships being reserved for advanced postdoctoral training activities, particularly in the initial stages after completion of the doctorate and in accordance with the terms of the Scientific Research Fellowship Statute.

The FCT has received several questions from the scientific community regarding the application of DL 57/2016, particularly regarding the transitional provision. Following these questions, and also the text "Stimulating Scientific Employment – Plan for Implementation and Realization,"authored by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education and available on the Government Portal, the FCT is publishing the answers to the main questions it has received.

The questions/answers now published are organized according to the individual situation of the researchers, in order to better respond to the requests received by the FCT. This information does not replace consultation of DL 57/2016, which now constitutes the legal regime governing the hiring of PhDs in the context of stimulating scientific employment. The list of questions/answers will be updated as new questions arise.

FAQspage– Stimulating Scientific Employment(updated on October 31, 2016)

For further clarification, please contact FCT by email at infoDL57-2016@fct.pt