Research Assistant

Research Assistant – Medical Research Institute

Job Overview

The Medical Research Institute (MRI), Colombo 08 – Department of Nutrition invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for Research Assistant positions on a contract basis for the research project titled “Impact Assessment: Provision of Fortified Rice to School Children Aged 8–9 Years in Sri Lanka.”

• Job Title: Research Assistant
• Organization: Medical Research Institute
• Department: Department of Nutrition
• Employment Type: Contract Basis
• Number of Vacancies: 2
• Project: Impact Assessment: Provision of Fortified Rice to School Children Aged 8–9 Years in Sri Lanka
• Location: Colombo 08 / Field settings

Position Details

The selected Research Assistants will support the implementation of the nutrition research project, including field coordination, participant-related activities, data collection, sample handling, documentation and preliminary data analysis.

The appointment will be for two (02) years, subject to performance.

Organization Overview

The Medical Research Institute, Colombo 08, under the Department of Nutrition, is conducting this research project to assess the impact of providing fortified rice to school children aged 8–9 years in Sri Lanka.

Qualifications & Experience

Candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as:
  • Nutrition
  • Food Science
  • Biomedical Science
  • Public Health
  • Biological Science

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Knowledge of research methods and data collection.
• Experience in research or field-based studies.
• Computer literacy in MS Office and data handling.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to communicate in Sinhala and/or Tamil.
• Willingness to work in field settings and coordinate with participants.

Key Responsibilities

Selected candidates will assist with:

• Field coordination and research implementation.
• Data collection, including surveys, dietary assessments and anthropometry.
• Coordination with participants, schools and stakeholders.
• Sample handling and laboratory documentation support.
• Data entry, verification and preliminary analysis.
• Maintaining project records and documentation.
• Preparing reports, presentations and other project documents.

Required Skills

The role particularly requires:

• Research and data-collection knowledge.
• Good data-handling and documentation skills.
• MS Office proficiency.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Sinhala and/or Tamil communication ability.
• Ability to work with research participants and schools.
• Willingness to undertake field-based work.
• Good coordination and organizational skills.

Salary & Benefits

Monthly Contract Allowance: Rs. 75,000/-

Duration of Appointment: Two (02) years, subject to performance.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of educational certificates
• Copy of National Identity Card (NIC)
• Copies of research experience certificates, if any
• Contact details of two non-related referees

Applications should be sent on or before 26 August 2026 to:

Director
Medical Research Institute
P.O. Box 527
Colombo 08

Email: nutrition@mri.gov.lk

Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Original certificates are required at the relevant stage.

Important Notes

• Number of Posts: 2
• Contract Period: 2 years, subject to performance
• Monthly Allowance: Rs. 75,000/-
• Closing Date: 26 August 2026
• Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview.
• Original certificates are required.
• The vacancy notice is dated 11 August 2026.

Source :

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