Biomedical Engineer(ACRN) - Harare, Zimbabwe
Job Overview
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe (with regional travel, as required)
Hours: Part Time(50% LOE), Onsite
Reports To: Laboratory Director – Africa Clinical Research Network
Our Mission:
We are establishing a clinical research network and are on a mission to revolutionize clinical research in Africa. Our vision is to build a sustainable, African-led research ecosystem that drives health equity and innovation. By establishing a network of world-class clinical research sites and capabilities, we aim to generate the evidence Africa needs to inform health decisions and policies, while cultivating the next generation of African scientific leaders.
Africa has been underrepresented in global clinical research, conducting only 2% of clinical research despite shouldering 25% of the world's disease burden. While there have been significant investments in disease-specific clinical research sites and networks, these approaches have often led to fragmented infrastructure, limited capacity, and reliance on expatriate leadership. Such models have struggled to drive long-term sustainability or meet the broader health needs of African countries and regions beyond narrow therapeutic areas. Consequently, health products and policies in Africa are often informed by data from other settings, which may not fully account for the rich diversity of African populations and local contexts. This lack of locally relevant evidence hinders the development of tailored health solutions that effectively address Africa's unique challenges and priorities.
Our clinical research network is on a mission to transform this landscape. By partnering with leading institutions and trial units across the continent, we will establish a network of clinical research sites that serve two critical goals: diversifying global research and empowering Africa to meet the healthcare needs of its rapidly growing population.
Our network will be designed to catalyze Africa's self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical and vaccine R&D, ensuring the continent can drive its own health innovation agenda. We will establish digital and clinical infrastructure, while prioritizing deep community engagement to foster trust, relevance and impact.
At partner our sites, we will conduct rigorous, ethical research that puts African populations and priorities at the centre. By generating high-quality local data that reflects the diversity of African contexts, we can accelerate the development and delivery of tailored global health solutions - for Africa, by Africa. Our goal is to build sustainable research capacity that outlasts any single study or funder, empowering African institutions to become global leaders in clinical research and scientific innovation for generations to come.
Job Summary:
The Biomedical Engineer will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, servicing, and calibration of laboratory and clinical equipment to support clinical trials, diagnostics, and infectious disease research. The role ensures equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and minimal downtime across ACRN-supported research laboratories and clinics.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Equipment Installation & Commissioning
- Install and set up laboratory and clinical equipment, including:
- Ultra-low (-80°C) freezers, -20°C freezers, fridges
- Biosafety cabinets (Class II), centrifuges
- Clinical and research laboratory analysers (e.g., haematology, biochemistry, PCR platforms)
- Ensure proper configuration, environmental compatibility, and safety compliance.
Maintenance & Servicing
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and servicing of equipment.
- Maintain service records and maintenance logs as per regulatory standards (CAP, ISO15189).
- Conduct routine performance checks and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues.
Repairs & Troubleshooting
- Diagnose and repair equipment faults swiftly to minimise downtime.
- Coordinate with manufacturers or third-party vendors for complex repairs and spare part procurement.
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure all equipment complies with international laboratory standards (e.g., CAP, DAIDS GCLP, ISO15189).
- Maintain calibration certificates and service documentation.
- Support equipment validation and verification processes during study start-up and audits.
Training & Support
- Train laboratory and clinic staff on safe and proper use of equipment.
- Develop basic troubleshooting SOPs for end-users.
Inventory & Asset Management
- Track and update the laboratory equipment inventory system.
- Recommend equipment upgrades and replacements in consultation with management.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Medical Electronics, or equivalent.
Postgraduate qualifications or certifications in laboratory instrumentation or clinical engineering are an added advantage.
Experience:
Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in:
- Installation and maintenance of laboratory and clinical diagnostic equipment
- Working in a biomedical or clinical trial research setting
Experience with equipment in infectious disease labs, GCLP, or CAP-accredited environments is highly desirable.
Familiarity with biosafety and good laboratory practices.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Strong technical and mechanical aptitude
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and circuit diagrams
Knowledge of electrical safety, equipment calibration, and validation
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital maintenance tracking systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Organised, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
Willingness to travel to regional study sites.
Work Environment:
This position is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, in a laboratory and clinical environment with regular exposure to sensitive equipment. The role requires occasional travel to other African partner sites for equipment deployment or maintenance support as necessary. The role may require flexible working hours to support remote teams and ensure systems are running smoothly across time zones.