Director – National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Job Listing Details

• Job Title: Director – National Institute of Fundamental Studies

• Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka

• Job Type: Contract (03 Years)

• Job Category: Scientific Research / Senior Management / Academic Leadership / Government

• Company Name: National Institute of Fundamental Studies (Ministry of Science and Technology)

• Application Email: secretary@nifs.ac.lk

• Website: www.nifs.ac.lk

• Closing Date: March 03, 2026 (Before 3.00 p.m.)

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Job Description

Lead Scientific Innovation in Sri Lanka! The National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) is seeking an eminent scientist for the post of Director.

The National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), established by an Act of Parliament in 1981 under the Ministry of Science and Technology, pursues basic scientific research across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Its primary aims are to initiate, promote, and conduct research and original investigations, with particular emphasis on mathematics, physical and chemical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and philosophy.

The Institute invites applications from Sri Lankan citizens for the Post of Director from eminent scientists with a proven track record in basic scientific research.

About the Role: Director

The Director will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer of the Institute. The appointee must possess excellent interpersonal skills along with strong administrative abilities to lead the organization effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Uphold the principles of academic excellence, transparency, accountability, democratic management, and effective, non-partisan administrative leadership.

• Strategic Direction: Submit a statement of vision indicative of how you would plan to achieve the objectives of the Institute.

• Research Oversight: Oversee active Research and Development activities.

• Governance: Be conversant with the Institute of Fundamental Studies Act No. 55 of 1981 and its subsequent amendments, abiding by them.

Terms of Employment:

• The appointment will be on a contract basis for a period of three years.

Candidate Profile: Qualifications & Experience

Applicants are expected to be eminent scientists who are currently active in Research and Development activities.

Educational Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific discipline (preferably with a First Class or a Second Class); AND

2. Postgraduate Degree, preferably a PhD from a recognized University.

Experience & Attributes:

• Must have a proven track record in basic scientific research in any of the above disciplines.

• Should provide evidence of continuing high-caliber research.

• Must be physically and mentally fit to hold the position.

Age Limit:

• Internal Candidates: Should not be older than 62 years.

• External Candidates: Should not be older than 57 years.

Remuneration & Benefits

The appointment will be made at the initial step of the Senior Professor category.

• Salary Code: UAC 05.

• Monthly Salary Scale: Rs. 198,280 – 7 x 4,850, 12 x 5,300 – 295,830 p.m..

• Allowances: Entitled to Cost-of-Living Allowance, Contract Allowance, Research Allowance, Academic Allowance, Transport and Fuel Allowance, and Entertainment Allowance.

  • Note: If not appointed as a Research Professor or Senior Research Professor, the salary and allowances shall be determined by the Board of Governors.

• Provident Fund: Institute contributes 15% to EPF and 3% to ETF (Employee contributes 10% to EPF).

How to Apply

Selection will be conducted through an evaluation and an interview by the Selection Committee.

1. Prepare Application: Your application must include:

   • Full name and signature.

   • Vision Statement indicative of how you plan to achieve the Institute’s objectives.

   • Certified copies of educational certificates and a valid ID.

   • Birth certificate.

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

   • Names of two non-related referees.

   • Details as per the Evaluation Scheme provided on the website.

2. Submission (Hard Copy): Send applications under registered cover to the address below.

3. Submission (Soft Copy): A copy must also be sent by e-mail to secretary@nifs.ac.lk.

4. Government Employees: Applicants employed in government organizations should submit their applications through the Heads of the Institutions.

5. Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 3.00 p.m. on 03rd March 2026.

Contact Information: Secretary to the Board of Governors National Institute of Fundamental Studies Hantana Road, Kandy. Website: www.nifs.ac.lk Email: secretary@nifs.ac.lk

National Institute of Fundamental Studies – Advancing Science for the Nation.