Job Description

Africa Clinical Research Network (ACRN) is an African-led clinical research organization building the next generation of trial capacity across the continent. We work with existing hospitals, research units, and investigators to enable high-quality clinical research from investigator-initiated studies to late-phase and registration trials while strengthening local systems, skills, and infrastructure.

ACRN operates as a pan-African site management and research delivery platform, combining strong clinical operations, regulatory expertise, data and digital systems, and quality management. Our model is practical and embedded: we focus on making trials work in real settings, reducing friction for sites, sponsors, and regulators, and delivering reliable, audit-ready data.

We partner closely with governments, regulators, academic institutions, and industry to expand Africa’s role in global clinical research, while ensuring that studies generate local value through workforce development, institutional strengthening, and improved patient care.

At ACRN, you’ll work on meaningful, complex projects with global impact, alongside a multidisciplinary team that values rigor, accountability, and innovation. We are building something durable, ambitious, and distinctly African and we are looking for people who want to help shape it.

Application Deadline: 05 June 2026

About the Role

The Medical Laboratory Graduate Intern will support Laboratory Operations (LabOps) across clinical and research laboratory environments. The role involves performing routine laboratory procedures, supporting testing workflows, and ensuring compliance with ISO15189 and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards under appropriate supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in laboratory operations across designated sections within LabOps, including clinical diagnostic and research laboratories.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and procedures in accordance with approved SOPs and safety requirements.
• Support pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, including specimen receipt, handling, processing, testing, and results documentation.
• Conduct laboratory activities in areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and/or molecular diagnostics as assigned.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through routine checks and report faults or irregularities to designated personnel.
• Ensure compliance with ISO15189 and GCLP standards, including accurate documentation, traceability, and proper record-keeping.
• Support quality control and assurance processes, including running QC samples and documenting results.
• Adhere to laboratory accreditation requirements, regulatory standards, and internal policies.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory scientists, clinicians, researchers, and quality teams to ensure timely and accurate laboratory outputs.
• Maintain professional conduct, ensuring confidentiality, data integrity, and ethical practices at all times.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and operational discussions as required.
• Support inventory control processes, including reagent preparation, stock monitoring, labeling, and storage.
• Follow all biosafety and chemical safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and incident reporting.
• Complete laboratory documentation accurately, including logs, worksheets, and electronic records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Valid Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientist Council of Zimbabwe practicing certificate
• Completed training in clinical diagnostic disciplines (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular diagnostics) as required by MLCSCZ
• Understanding of quality systems and regulatory requirements within ISO15189 and GCLP environments.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, biosafety protocols, and infection prevention standards.
• Ability to follow SOPs and detailed procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work independently under supervision and adapt to operational demands.