Working at KDU, your next career step!

Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), located in Boralesgamuwa, Western Province, Sri Lanka, stands as a unique institution in higher education, blending military discipline with academic excellence. Established originally as the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy in 1980 and elevated to full university status in 2009, KDU serves the tri-services—army, navy, and air force—while welcoming civilian students and staff. Jobs at Kotelawala Defence University attract professionals passionate about defence, engineering, medicine, and strategic studies, offering roles that contribute to Sri Lanka's national security and technological advancement.

The university's campus spans a lush 60-acre site near Colombo, fostering an environment where academic rigor meets military ethos. Prospective employees find opportunities in teaching, research, and administration, often requiring a blend of scholarly credentials and practical defence knowledge. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or research assistant positions, understanding KDU's structure is key to a successful application.

📜 History and Mission of KDU

Named after General B.R. Kotelawala, a revered figure in Sri Lankan military history, KDU traces its roots to training defence officers. Over decades, it evolved into a comprehensive university under the Ministry of Defence, granting degrees recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka. Its mission emphasizes producing leaders equipped for modern warfare, disaster management, and technological innovation, making jobs at Kotelawala Defence University pivotal in national development.

Key milestones include the introduction of civilian degree programs in 1998 and expansion to postgraduate levels. Today, KDU ranks among Sri Lanka's top institutions for engineering and medicine, with research output growing annually—over 200 publications in recent years from its faculties.

🏛️ Faculties and Academic Programs

KDU comprises seven faculties: Engineering, Built Environment & Spatial Sciences, Graduate Studies, Management & Finance, Medical Studies, Defence & Strategic Studies, and Law. These drive diverse job openings, from engineering lecturers specializing in mechanical or aeronautical fields to medical professors in surgery or community medicine.

Programs range from bachelor's in naval architecture to PhDs in strategic studies. For instance, the Faculty of Engineering boasts labs for robotics and cybersecurity, attracting research jobs focused on defence tech. Administrative roles support these, ensuring smooth operations in a tri-services setting.

💼 Types of Jobs at Kotelawala Defence University

Jobs at Kotelawala Defence University span academic, research, and support categories. Faculty positions like senior lecturers and professors dominate, alongside research assistants in labs developing UAVs or biomaterials. Administrative jobs include HR managers and IT specialists, while executive roles suit those with leadership experience.

• Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering: Teaches core courses and leads projects.
• Professor of Defence Studies: Oversees PhD supervision and policy research.
• Research Assistant: Supports grants in maritime security.
• Medical Officer: Handles campus health and research.

Civilian applicants thrive in non-combat roles, contributing to Sri Lanka's higher ed landscape.

📋 Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

For academic jobs at KDU, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for professors and senior lecturers (e.g., PhD in Electrical Engineering for power systems roles). Master's holders qualify for junior lecturer or assistant professor positions. Research focus centers on defence applications: cybersecurity, drone technology, wound healing in combat medicine, and strategic geopolitics relevant to Asia Pacific.

Preferred experience includes 5+ peer-reviewed publications, grant funding (e.g., from UGC or international bodies), and teaching in multicultural settings. Skills and competencies encompass:

• Technical proficiency (e.g., MATLAB for engineers).
• Leadership and teamwork, honed in military contexts.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across tri-services.
• Grant writing and project management.

Candidates with industry experience in Sri Lanka's defence sector or publications in journals like Defence Science Journal gain an edge.

📄 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Kotelawala Defence University begins with monitoring the official website (kdu.ac.lk) or UGC portal for vacancies. Submit via online form or email, including:

• Detailed CV highlighting publications and defence relevance.
• Cover letter addressing KDU's mission.
• Three references from academic or military contacts.
• Research proposal for faculty roles.

Interviews involve presentations and panel discussions. Tips: Customize your academic CV with quantifiable impacts (e.g., 'Led project securing LKR 5M grant'). Network via conferences. Prepare for security clearance questions. Use our free resume template and practice with higher ed career advice.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

KDU advances diversity through the Women in Defence program, increasing female enrolment to 20% and faculty hires. Initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented groups and anti-bias training. The Equal Opportunity Cell promotes merit-based recruitment, reflecting Sri Lanka's multicultural society. Partnerships with international unis foster global talent exchange.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Campus life at KDU balances rigour with recreation: 24/7 library, gym, pools, and sports like rugby across services. Faculty enjoy flexible schedules, sabbaticals, and family housing. Wellness programs address military stress, with mental health support. Boralesgamuwa's proximity to Colombo aids commuting, while events like inter-faculty debates enrich community. Employees report high satisfaction due to purpose-driven work.

In summary, jobs at Kotelawala Defence University offer rewarding paths in Sri Lanka's higher education sector. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice on AcademicJobs.com. Institutions can post a job to attract top talent. For lecturer or professor roles, review professor salaries and prepare via our resources.