Principal Research Scientist

Principal Research Scientist – Industrial Technology Institute

Job Title: Principal Research Scientist

Job Category: Government Jobs

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Job Overview

The Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) is inviting applications from highly qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Principal Research Scientist. This senior leadership role is ideal for accomplished researchers with extensive experience in scientific research, industrial innovation, technology development, and research management. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary research initiatives, strengthen industry collaboration, and contribute to Sri Lanka’s industrial and technological advancement.

Position Details

Position: Principal Research Scientist

Organization: Industrial Technology Institute (ITI)

Ministry: Ministry of Science and Technology

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary Category: HM 1-3

Company Overview

The Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), the successor to the Ceylon Institute of Scientific & Industrial Research (CISIR), is a statutory board operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology. ITI is Sri Lanka’s premier multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to promoting industrial development through research and development, consultancy, contract research, training, and technical services.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should satisfy one of the following qualification pathways:

Option 1

• B.Sc. Special Degree (4 years) with First Class or Second Class in Science recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Sri Lanka.
• Postgraduate Degree (by Research) in Science recognized by the UGC.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant managerial-level experience after the first degree in a Corporation, Statutory Board, Government Institution, or a reputed private institution.

OR

Option 2

• B.Sc. Special Degree (4 years), B.Sc. Degree (4 years), or B.Sc. Degree (3 years) with First Class or Second Class recognized by the UGC.
• PhD Degree in Science recognized by the UGC.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant managerial-level experience after the first degree in a Corporation, Statutory Board, Government Institution, or a reputed private institution.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should possess:

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of Physics or Engineering Physics.
• Expertise in industrial measurements, calibration, and metrology.
• Knowledge of measurement uncertainty and metrological traceability.
• Familiarity with national and international calibration standards.
• Experience in calibration and verification of mass, temperature, electrical, dimensional, pressure, and volume measuring systems.
• Practical experience in calibration laboratories, metrology services, or industrial measurement environments will be an added advantage.

Age Limit

• 35 to 55 years.
• The upper age limit does not apply to internal candidates and eligible Government employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage advanced research and development projects.
• Conduct scientific studies and develop innovative research methodologies.
• Monitor technological and market trends to identify research opportunities.
• Promote technology transfer and industry collaboration.
• Market research outputs and technical services to strengthen institute-industry partnerships.
• Build and lead multidisciplinary research teams.
• Secure local and international research funding.
• Supervise postgraduate research and mentor junior researchers.
• Establish public-private partnerships to commercialize research outcomes.
• Support institutional committees and management initiatives, including ERP, procurement, safety, ICT, and energy management.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Director General or senior management.

Required Skills

• Scientific research and development
• Research leadership
• Industrial technology and innovation
• Physics and Engineering Physics
• Metrology and calibration
• Measurement science
• Technology transfer
• Research project management
• Grant proposal development
• Scientific report writing
• Leadership and mentoring
• Strategic planning
• Communication and presentation skills
• Team management
• Computer literacy

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Scale: HM 1-3 – Rs. 152,500 – 15 × 4,100 – Rs. 214,000 per month (effective from 01.01.2027).
• Initial Salary: Rs. 133,028 per month.
• Government-approved allowances.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Contributory medical insurance scheme.
• Employees’ Provident Fund (10% employee contribution and 15% employer contribution).
• Employees’ Trust Fund (3% employer contribution).
• Additional employee benefit schemes implemented by the Institute.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• Completed application in the prescribed ITI format.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of educational and professional qualifications.
• Details of relevant work experience.
• Names and addresses of two non-related referees.

Government Department, State Corporation, and Statutory Board employees should forward applications through the Head of their Institution. An advance copy may also be submitted.

Postal Address:

Director General / CEO
Industrial Technology Institute
363, Bauddhaloka Mawatha
Colombo 07

Applications should be sent by registered post and must reach the above address on or before 10 August 2026.

Important Notes

• Applicants should use the prescribed application format issued by the Industrial Technology Institute.
• The post applied for should be clearly indicated on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
• Incomplete applications or applications not submitted in the prescribed format will be rejected.
• Government employees should apply through the proper channel.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• Application Closing Date: 10 August 2026.

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