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Midlands State UniversityInnovation Lead – Engineering (1 Post)
Midlands State University seeks an Innovation Lead for Engineering to join its Research and Innovation Division in Harare. This full-time, on-site role focuses on steering the…
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About This Role
Midlands State University seeks an Innovation Lead for Engineering to join its Research and Innovation Division in Harare. This full-time, on-site role focuses on steering the institution's engineering innovation pipeline from early-stage concepts through prototype design, pilot testing, and market introduction. The incumbent will provide technical mentorship to start-ups, coordinate collaborative projects among multidisciplinary teams, and help protect and commercialize valuable intellectual property. This position suits professionals with a background…
Job Description
Midlands State University seeks an Innovation Lead for Engineering to join its Research and Innovation Division in Harare. This full-time, on-site role focuses on steering the institution's engineering innovation pipeline from early-stage concepts through prototype design, pilot testing, and market introduction. The incumbent will provide technical mentorship to start-ups, coordinate collaborative projects among multidisciplinary teams, and help protect and commercialize valuable intellectual property.
This position suits professionals with a background in engineering who can evaluate technical feasibility, manage complex projects, and build strategic alliances with manufacturing firms, industry partners, and government bodies. Responsibilities include conducting technical due diligence, assisting innovators with funding proposals and regulatory compliance, and preparing progress reports that support the university's industrialization goals.
Midlands State University operates as an equal opportunities employer and encourages female applicants to apply in order to promote gender balance. Candidates possessing international credentials may need to furnish a ZIMCHE qualification evaluation report upon request.
Responsibilities
- Manage and evaluate the engineering innovation portfolio based on commercial potential, technical viability, and impact.
- Offer technical guidance during the design, prototyping, testing, and scaling of engineering products and systems.
- Lead diverse groups containing researchers, students, technicians, and industry partners while mentoring innovators.
- Identify protectable intellectual property and assist with licensing, technology transfer, and commercialization.
- Build and maintain alliances with manufacturing, professional, research, and government stakeholders for project co-development and deployment.
- Perform technical evaluations to advise management on investments, risks, equipment needs, and priorities.
- Help innovators draft technical proposals, business cases, and funding applications while ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Track emerging technologies and maintain project pipelines to generate portfolio and progress reports.
Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or an aligned discipline.
- Bring at least two years of relevant professional experience spanning engineering, research and development, manufacturing, product creation, innovation, or technology commercialization.
Qualifications
- Possession of, or current enrollment in, a Master’s Degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, Technology Management, or a related field.
Core Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
What is the location and work arrangement for the Innovation Lead?
The position is based in Harare and is on-site at Midlands State University.
What is the employment type?
The role is full-time and falls under a staff vacancy within the Research and Innovation Division.
What are the core educational requirements?
Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Industrial and Manufacturing, Chemical, or Civil Engineering, alongside at least two years of relevant experience.
Is the salary specified in the job posting?
No, the posting does not disclose the salary for this position.
How should candidates apply and when is the deadline?
Applicants must send a single merged PDF file containing an application letter, certified certificates, transcripts, national ID, and CV to the designated email address by 30 October 2026.
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