Professor Anatoly L. Zharin graduated from physics department of Gomel State University, in 1972. He then joined the Institute of Applied Physics Problems of the Belarussian State University in Minsk, where he worked in tribology with special interest in the development of alternative methods of tribology testing and research. He also did postgraduate work in experimental physics in the Nuclear Physics Department of the Belarussian State University, from which he received a candidate of science degree (Ph.D.) in 1982.

From 1980 till 2004 he worked in Belarussian State Research and Production Powder Metallurgy Concern (head of laboratory, deputy director general). During 1986, he worked for ten months in the Department of Aeronautics and Mechanics at Salford University, Manchester, UK.  He received a Doctor of Science degree (D.Sc.) in 1994.  

From 2004 till 2008 he worked in the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, USA) as a senior research scientist. Since 2008 till current he holds a professor position (electronics) in Belarusian National Technical University.

Professor Zharin's research interests include experimental physics, surface science, tribology, practical electronics and computer design.

He is the author or co-author of more than 300 scientific publications, including 30 patents.

He is also Vice-President of the Tribology Society of Belarus, corresponding member of the International Tribology Council (London, UK), valid member (academician) of the International EuroAsian Academy of Science. In 1996 he was a panelist at the USA NSF (Surface Engineering and Tribology).