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.

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.

Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Required 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

Comprehensive 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a single combined PDF document containing:

1. Detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
3. 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