Senior Research Laboratory Scientist – Immunology (Serology, Neutralizing Assays, ELISpot, Flow Cytometry)
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Hours: Full Time
Reports To: Laboratory Director – Africa Clinical Research Network
Our Mission:
The African Clinical Research Network (ACRN) is an African-led and African-driven clinical research organisation. Our work not only promotes and supports a vibrant life sciences ecosystem but also profoundly impacts Africa's health and economic development. By facilitating sustainable, innovative, collaborative, and community-oriented research, ACRN is poised to transform healthcare and improve lives across Africa, inspiring a new era of clinical research.
We provide high-quality data, harmonise regulatory processes to improve timelines, support capacity building within the existing ethics and regulatory systems, and enhance community trust and research participation. These are some of the first key steps to making Africa more competitive in the global life sciences industry, a goal we are proud to contribute to.
The ACRN drives clinical research excellence by connecting researchers to opportunities, enhancing research capacity in existing facilities, implementing high-quality trials and research, and leveraging a robust digital infrastructure.
We are committed to fostering the community's understanding of research. Through our community engagement network, we significantly increase stakeholder buy-in of clinical results, thereby enhancing the transparency and credibility of our research.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Laboratory Scientist with expertise in immunology to lead the development and implementation of advanced biomarker analytic techniques for research studies and clinical trials, with a focus on immunology. This individual will have a strong background in serology, neutralizing assays, ELISpot, and, most importantly, flow cytometry.
Key Responsibilities:
Scientific Leadership and Method Development:
Lead the development and validation of biomarker analytic techniques, including serology, neutralizing assays, ELISpot, and flow cytometry, for immunology-focused research studies and clinical trials.
Design and implement laboratory protocols for immunological assays in compliance with regulatory and quality standards (e.g., GLP, GCLP).
Establish and optimize multi-parameter flow cytometry panels and oversee data acquisition and analysis for immunophenotyping and functional assays.
Provide scientific expertise in immunology to guide study designs, assay development, and data interpretation.
Operational Oversight:
Oversee the execution of complex immunological assays in collaboration with laboratory teams, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results.
Manage laboratory resources, including equipment, consumables, and reagents, to support the successful execution of research studies.
Supervise and mentor junior laboratory staff, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
Ensure laboratory workflows align with study timelines and sponsor requirements.
Quality Assurance and Compliance:
Implement and maintain quality management systems to ensure the validity and reliability of immunological assays.
Collaborate with the Lab Quality Assurance Manager to prepare for and support accreditation processes (e.g., CAP, ISO).
Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of laboratory activities, including SOPs, validation reports, and assay performance data.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
Work closely with clinical and research teams to define biomarker strategies for immunology studies and trials.
Serve as a key liaison with sponsors, collaborators, and external partners for biomarker-related discussions and updates.
Present findings and assay developments to internal and external stakeholders, including at scientific conferences and meetings.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
Oversee data analysis for immunological assays, ensuring accuracy and alignment with study objectives.
Contribute to study reports, publications, and presentations by providing high-quality data and scientific insights.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Education: PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or a Master’s degree with extensive experience in immunological assays.
Experience:
Minimum of 5–7 years of hands-on experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting, including advanced flow cytometry techniques.
Expertise in developing and performing serological assays, neutralizing assays, ELISpot, and flow cytometry.
Strong track record in biomarker development and assay validation for research studies or clinical trials.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements for biomarker assays in clinical research (e.g., FDA, EMA guidelines).
Skills and Competencies:
Strong technical skills in flow cytometry, including panel design, optimization, and data interpretation.
Analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize laboratory protocols.
Leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring laboratory staff.
Excellent communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams and present complex scientific data clearly.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Desired Attributes
Experience working in immunology studies related to infectious diseases or vaccine research.
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for flow cytometry and immunology data analysis.
Experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput assay platforms.
Background in managing multi-site research studies or trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Work Environment:
This position is be based in Harare, Zimbabwe, with occasional travel to other office locations as necessary. The role may require flexible working hours to support remote teams and ensure systems are running smoothly across time zones.
Please apply online providing a covering letter specifically highlighting how your existing skills and experiences support fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.
