Rajarata University Full-Time Research Assistant Vacancy 2026 – IAEA Project
The Faculty of Agriculture of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka invites applications from qualified graduates for a Full-Time Research Assistant position leading to an MPhil degree.
The position is available under the International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Project titled “Enhancing Animal Phenotyping for Improved Productivity and Resilience” – CRP D31034.
The selected candidate will conduct research through the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and participate in field activities across the dry zone of Sri Lanka.
⚡ Quick Information
🏛️ Institution: Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
🏢 Faculty: Faculty of Agriculture
🔬 Department: Department of Animal and Food Sciences
💼 Position: Full-Time Research Assistant
🌐 Project: IAEA Coordinated Research Project – CRP D31034
🎓 Study Opportunity: Full-Time MPhil Programme
📆 Project Duration: Two Years
💰 Monthly Stipend: Rs. 60,000–80,000
📍 Research Locations: Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces
📮 Application Method: Registered Post and Email
📅 Closing Date: 15 October 2026
English Notice
Research Project
The selected candidate will contribute to research related to:
- Advanced animal phenotyping
- Animal nutrition and feed efficiency
- Methane production
- Livestock productivity
- Resilience of cattle
- Extensive cattle production systems
- Feed and forage evaluation
Project activities will be conducted at the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and livestock farms in the Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A BSc Special Degree in Agriculture, BSc Honours Degree in Agriculture or an equivalent degree in a relevant field.
- First Class or Second Class Honours, preferably with a major or specialization in Animal Science.
- Good proficiency in written and spoken English.
Applicants who have completed all degree requirements but are awaiting their official graduation certificates may also apply.
Added Advantages
Preference may be given to applicants with:
- Research experience in animal nutrition, forage science or livestock production.
- Experience in feed evaluation.
- Experience conducting animal feeding trials.
- Experience handling cattle.
- Knowledge of biostatistics and data analysis.
- Knowledge of computational research methods.
Additional Requirements
The selected candidate will be required to:
- Register for the full-time MPhil programme offered by the Faculty of Agriculture.
- Undertake extensive fieldwork at livestock farms.
- Work with farmers and livestock under extensive management conditions.
- Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Work under challenging environmental conditions.
- Maintain accurate research records and manage research data.
- Enter into a bond agreement with Rajarata University.
- Obtain full-time study leave if currently employed.
The selected candidate may also receive opportunities to contribute as an author to scientific publications and present research findings at conferences and scientific forums.
Monthly Stipend
The gross monthly stipend, including EPF and ETF, will be determined according to academic qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with First or Second Class Honours plus an MSc: Rs. 80,000
- Bachelor’s degree with First Class or Second Upper Class Honours: Rs. 70,000
- Bachelor’s degree with Second Lower Class Honours: Rs. 60,000
Documents Required
Applicants should submit:
- A covering letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
- Evidence of research or working experience
- A statement of motivation not exceeding one page
- Contact details of two referees, preferably including one academic referee
How to Apply
The hard copy of the application must be sent by registered post. Applicants must write the following reference on the top-left corner of the envelope:
“Project Research Assistant – IAEA (AFS)”
Applications should be addressed to:
Prof. S.C. Somasiri
Chief Scientific Investigator
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Faculty of Agriculture
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Puliyankulama
Anuradhapura
An electronic copy containing all application documents combined into a single PDF must also be sent to sharinisc@agri.rjt.ac.lk.
Applications must reach the specified address on or before 15 October 2026.
Applicants currently employed by a university or a public/private sector institution must submit their applications through the relevant Head of Institution.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Relevant research experience
- Technical skills
- Suitability for the proposed MPhil research
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Incomplete and late applications will be rejected.
Official Source
View the official Rajarata University vacancy notice
Source Note:This information has been prepared with reference to the official advertisement and relevant institutional sources. Applicants are advised to verify all details from the official source before applying.
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