Vacancies
Director
The National Institute of Fundamental Studies established by an Act of Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1981 pursues basic scientific research. Among its aims and objectives are to initiate, promote and conduct research and original investigations into fundamental studies with particular emphasis on mathematics, physical and chemical sciences, life sciences, social sciences and philosophy, each taken in the broadest sense.
The Institute invites applications from Sri Lankan citizens for the Post of Director who are eminent scientists with a proven track record in basic scientific research in any of the above disciplines, who are currently active in Research and Development activities. The Director will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer of the Institute, and therefore must possess excellent interpersonal skills along with strong administrative abilities. The appointee should uphold the principles of academic excellence, transparency, accountability, democratic management, and effective, nonpartisan administrative leadership.
Job No : NIFS/Careers/2026/02/1201
Work type : Contract Basis (for a period of three years)
Location : NIFS Headquarters, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Remuneration :
Salary Scale and Code:
Basic salary UAC 05: Rs. 198,280 - 7 x 4,850, 12 x 5,300 – 295,830 p.m.
(The appointment will be made at the initial step of the Senior Professor category)
He/she will also be entitled to the Cost-of-Living Allowance, Contract Allowance, Research Allowance, Academic Allowance, Transport and Fuel Allowance, and Entertainment Allowance. If he/she is not appointed as a Research Professor or Senior Research Professor, the salary and allowances shall be determined by the Board of Governors.
Advertised : 2026-02-01 (Sunday Observer)
Applications close on : 03.00 pm on
Description
Key Qualifications :
- Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific discipline (preferably with a First Class or a Second Class)
- A postgraduate degree preferably a PhD from a recognized University
The applicant should provide evidence of continuing high-caliber research and demonstrate that he/she is physically and mentally fit to hold the position.
The applicant needs to be conversant with the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Act No.55 of 1981 and its subsequent amendments and abide by them. Applicant should submit a statement of vision indicative of how he or she would plan to achieve the objectives of the Institute.
Application Submission:
Applications authenticated by full name and signature, vision statement, certified copies of educational certificates, a valid ID and birth certificate, a curriculum vitae, details as per the Evaluation Scheme provided on the website, and the names of two non-related referees should be sent under registered cover to the undersigned. Applications must be received no later than the expiry of 30 days from the date of this notice. A copy may also be sent by e-mail to secretary@nifs.ac.lk. Incomplete applications will be rejected, and the decision of the Governing Board shall be the final.
Applicants who are already employed in government organizations should submit their applications through the Head of the Institution.
Additional Resources :
Age Limit : 1. Internal candidates should not be older than 62 years. 2. External candidates should not be older than 57 years.
Benefits
Employees will contribute 10% of their salary to the NIFS Staff Provident Fund, while the Institute will contribute 15%. In addition, the Institute will contribute 3% of the salary to the ETF.
Selection Procedure
Through an evaluation and an interview conducted by the Selection Committee.
How to Apply
Secretary to the Governing Board National Institute of Fundamental Studies Hantana Road, Kandy Tel: 081-22 32 106 / 081-22 32 107