Research and Development Director

JOB PURPOSE:

This role is intended for a technical research and design leader capable of driving product development execution within a fast-moving stringently regulated startup environment.

The Research and Development Director will lead the development and lifecycle management of Microhaem Scientifics medical devices and serve as the device subject matter expert (SME) across new product development systems integration design controls risk management and verification & validation activities associated with Microhaem Scientifics product portfolio.

This role requires a strong systems thinker a highly capable technical contributor experienced in stringently regulated medical product development comfortable operating across software and hardware boundaries and capable of directly driving research and development. The Director of Research and Development Director will work closely with Regulatory Affairs Quality Management Systems Manufacturing Clinical and Operations teams to improve and expand Microhaem Scientifics current product platform while supporting commercialization readiness and future product innovation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

A. Product Development & Technical Leadership

• Lead end-to-end product development initiatives from concept through commercialization in accordance with WHO standards ISO 13485 ISO 14971 and IEC 62366.
• Translate user needs into product requirements and executable development plans with defined milestones timelines and risk mitigation strategies.
• Implement sustainable research and design and product improvement activities for existing commercial-stage products.
• Drive system-level design architecture integration strategy and research and design decision-making.
• Ensure systematic and compliant execution of SRA-compliant design controls and documentation.
• Support development and execution of verification & validation strategies.
• Lead technical troubleshooting root cause investigations and field issue resolution.
• Support manufacturing supplier management and design transfer activities.
• Support regulatory submissions and health authority interactions

B. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support technical documentation development for regulatory submissions and regulatory communications.
• Collaborate closely with Regulatory Affairs and Quality on design and development file (DDF) development risk management Verification & Validation and change control activities.
• Lead research and design activities associated with IEC 60601 IEC 62304 ISO 14971 and Human Factors Research and design.
• Provide support to marketing and sales team support the introduction of new technologies with the development of presentations sales tools formulations and applications data.
• Communicate results to the scientific community via published papers. Present research at academic/industry symposia as an external representative of the company.

C. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor team members.
• Help establish a high-performance research and design culture centered around accountability technical rigor and execution speed.
• Coordinate internal research and design resources and external development partners.
• Support recruiting and development of future research and design talent.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across R&D Quality Manufacturing Clinical and Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

A. Requirements

• Masters degree in Biomedical Research and design Electrical Research and design Systems Research and design or related field PhD is preferred.
• 10 years of experience in medical device research and development.
• Strong experience with point of care tests including rapid diagnostic tests and PCR.
• Startup medical device company experience strongly preferred.
• Understanding of ISO 13485 and stringent medical device regulations including WHO.

B. Preferred skills

• Strong leadership skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members and Familiarity with medical device research and design concepts test methods equipment and applicable national and international standards relating to testing ISO 13485 WHO and other stringent regulatory authorities (SRAs).
• Ability to define problems collect data establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in scientific form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate ideas and issues effectively to other team members and management. Ability to write and record data and information as required by procedures.
• Strong systems-level technical thinking.
• Excellent communication and leadership capability.
• Hands-on research and design mindset.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Comfortable operating in rapidly evolving environments.
• Ability to independently drive technical execution.
• High-accountability builder mentality.
• Hands-on driven work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

C. Computer Software / Programs

• • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical presentation tools.
  • Experience with eQMS and requirements/risk management platforms.
  • Familiarity with statistical tools and modern research and design collaboration platform

Remuneration: Net pay of United States Dollar: 60000 USD 84000 USD p.a.

All eligible applicants should submit their applications with detailed and up-to-date CVs certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates and any other supporting documents daytime telephone contacts and addresses of two referees (including the current employer where applicable) addressed to:

The Director Human Resource

Microhaem Scientifics and Medical Supplies Limited

Plot 16 A-C Martyrs Way Ntinda

P.O Box 73496 Kampala Uganda

Applications should be sent by email to: as a single file in Portable Document Format (PDF). Applications should reference the Job Title in the subject of the email. Please note that physical applications will not be accepted.

Deadline: Friday18th September 2026 by 5:00 pm.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED.