Research and Development Director Job
Work Hours: Full-time, 08 hours per day
Salary:
Attractive
Job Deadline: 30 September 2026
Number of Jobs: 01
Hiring Entity: Microhaem Scientifics
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| Microhaem Scientifics |
Location: In Uganda
Job Details:
Description
Microhaem Scientifics is a pioneering medical diagnostics manufacturer dedicated to advancing health equity across Africa and globally through high-quality, innovative in vitro diagnostics (IVDs). We operate in a fast-paced, stringently regulated environment, delivering cutting-edge point-of-care (POC) and molecular diagnostic solutions.
JOB PURPOSE:We are seeking an exceptional, high-accountability R&D Director to lead our technical research, design execution, and product development strategy. The R&D Director will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) across our entire medical device and IVD portfolio—driving end-to-end product development, design controls, risk management, and verification & validation (V&V) activities from concept to commercialization.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Technical R&D & Product Development Leadership
- Lead end-to-end IVD product development (rapid diagnostic tests, real-time PCR, isothermal assays) in compliance with WHO Prequalification, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and relevant Stringent Regulatory Authority (SRA) standards.
- Translate complex user and clinical needs into executable system specifications, development roadmaps, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Drive system architecture, hardware/software integration, reagent formulation, and analytical validation.
- Direct design transfer activities to commercial manufacturing, ensuring seamless scale-up and supplier integration.
- Lead root-cause investigations, technical troubleshooting, and continuous improvement for commercialized products.
- Cross-Functional Integration & Regulatory Strategy
- Support compilation of technical documentation for regulatory submissions (WHO, NDA, CE-IVD, US FDA) in close partnership with Quality and Regulatory Affairs.
- Enforce rigorous Design History Files (DHF) and change control protocols.
- Support marketing and commercialization by generating technical application data, white papers, and presenting at international academic and industry symposia.
- Team Leadership & Talent Culture
- Build, mentor, and direct a world-class R&D team committed to technical rigor, execution speed, and high accountability.
- Coordinate internal scientific teams and manage relationships with external international technical partners and research institutions
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCERequired Educational Background & Experience
- D. in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field, with at least 5 years of direct industrial experience developing IVD products/technologies.
OR
- Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with at least 10+ years of direct industrial experience developing IVD products/technologies.
Technical & Regulatory Competencies
- Deep, hands-on expertise in developing point-of-care assays (lateral flow/immunoassays) and molecular diagnostic platforms (PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction).
- Proven track record operating within medical device startups or commercial IVD manufacturing environments.
- In-depth mastery of ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC standards, WHO Prequalification guidelines, and SRA regulatory framework executions.
- High-level proficiency in modern technical software, eQMS platforms, statistical analysis tools, and technical project management frameworks.
- Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial, builder mindset with strong systems-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional cross-cultural communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Willingness to relocate to Kampala, Uganda
REMUNERATION & INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION PACKAGEComprehensive Compensation Package
- Base Salary: $60,000 – $84,000 USD Net per annum (Competitive salary based on education background and relevant experience).
- Housing: Full accommodation provided by the company.
- Transportation: Dedicated company transport provided.
- Medical insurance for staff and dependents
- Retirement/NSSF contributions
- Relocation Support: Relocation assistance and work permit sponsorship provided for eligible international candidates
Application procedure
Interested candidates should submit a single combined PDF document containing:
- Detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Contact details (phone numbers and email addresses) for two professional referees (including current employer, if applicable).
Submission Details
Address To: The Director Human Resource,
Microhaem Scientifics and Medical Supplies Limited,
Plot 16 A-C Martyrs Way, Ntinda,
P.O. Box 73496, Kampala, Uganda.
Email To: recruitment@microhaem.co.ug
Email Subject Line: Application for Research & Development Director
File Format: Single combined PDF file only. Physical/hardcopy applications will not be accepted.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, 30th September 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT
Posting Date: 2026-09-20
