Medical Affairs Scientist

About Africa Clinical Research Network (ACRN)

ACRN is a pan-African clinical research organization dedicated to expanding the continent's capacity for clinical trials. Partnering with hospitals, research units, and investigators, ACRN supports a spectrum of research from investigator-led studies to advanced registration trials. The organization emphasizes strengthening local systems, skills, and infrastructure to enable high-quality clinical research.

Operating as an integrated site management and research platform, ACRN combines clinical operations expertise, regulatory knowledge, data and digital systems, and quality management to ensure trials succeed in realistic settings while providing reliable, audit-ready data. Collaborations with governments, regulators, academia, and industry aim to grow Africa's global research presence, enhance workforce development, institutional capacity, and elevate patient care standards.

Role Overview

The Medical Affairs Scientist is a mid-to-senior level individual contributor tasked with leading medical writing, clinical documentation, and scientific communications. This role requires translating intricate scientific and clinical information into actionable clinical protocols, study documents, and operational materials. It includes oversight of content creation for participant materials, digital media, and external communications. Additionally, the position manages Communications & Content Associates who produce both regulated and unregulated scientific content. The Scientist also engages in clinical project leadership and cross-functional stakeholder management, ensuring compliance, quality, and readiness for audits or inspections.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production and governance of clinical documentation and medical writing deliverables.
• Coordinate and manage document review cycles and approval processes.
• Oversee clinical communications and content for both regulated materials (e.g., participant-facing) and non-regulated platforms (e.g., websites, social media, podcasts).
• Manage and mentor Communications & Content Associates to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Provide leadership for clinical projects and special initiatives within clinical operations.
• Engage with stakeholders across disciplines to align clinical communications and project goals.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and maintain inspection readiness.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Medicine, Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or a related discipline is required.
• Advanced degrees such as MSc, MPH, or PhD in scientific or clinical fields are preferred.
• Formal education or training in medical writing, clinical research, or science communications is advantageous.
• 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in clinical research, medical writing, clinical operations, or scientific communications.
• Proven track record of leading clinical document development and managing review processes.
• Experience in CROs, SMOs, pharmaceutical companies, or regulated research settings.
• Background in managing teams responsible for producing regulated and unregulated scientific content.

Core Skills and Attributes

• Expertise in advanced scientific writing and document governance.
• Strong comprehension of clinical trial operations.
• Capability to manage personnel, prioritize tasks, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• High levels of ownership, accountability, and consistent delivery.
• Effective, clear communication with senior and cross-functional teams.

Additional Information

The application deadline for this role is 24 July 2026. The position is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and requires on-site work. Candidates seeking to contribute to impactful, complex projects with a global reach within a highly collaborative and innovative team environment are encouraged to apply.