Research & Development [R&D] Manager and Lead Chemist Job at EarthEnable

Research & Development [R&D] Manager and Lead Chemist Job


Work Hours: Full-time, 08 hours per day

Salary: Attractive

Job Deadline: 24 October 2025

Number of Jobs: 01

Hiring Entity: EarthEnable


EarthEnable

Location:  In Uganda

Job Details:

The R&D Manager will ensure experiments are designed, piloted, and analyzed effectively, while translating learnings into actionable insights for senior management and operational teams. This role requires hands-on understanding of our materials and processes, coupled with strong people management, planning, and organizational skills.

The responsibilities of this role will include, but not be limited to:
1. Strategic R&D Leadership

  • Develop and drive the Uganda R&D strategy aligned with EarthEnable and Global R&D’s goals.
  • Identify new areas for research and innovation (e.g., eco-friendly coatings, paints, natural additives, faster curing methods) based on market trends, client feedback, and operational challenges.
  • Prioritize projects, allocate resources, and set ambitious, science-backed objectives and timelines.

2. Chemical & Materials Innovation

  • Design and supervise laboratory experiments in coatings, plasters, and flooring technologies.
  • Innovate with catalysts, oils, and binders to optimize durability, drying time, and environmental impact.
  • Stay at the forefront of chemical engineering and technological advances and bring best practices into EarthEnable’s lab and field pilots.

3. Team Management & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary R&D team (chemists, engineers, officers, interns).
  • Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and rigorous documentation.
  • Support professional development and create pathways for team members to build technical expertise.

4. Experimentation & Piloting Oversight

  • Ensure experiments are scientifically rigorous and operationally feasible.
  • Oversee pilots across districts, ensuring accurate execution, monitoring, and documentation.
  • Translate lab learnings into practical, field-ready solutions.

5. Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

  • Provide timely responses and appropriate investigation for district challenges in the field. 
  • Partner with district and construction teams to integrate new R&D outputs.
  • Develop SOPs and training materials to ensure consistent application of new solutions.
  • Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership to shape company strategy.
  • Collaborate closely with R&D teams globally to ensure knowledge transfer across countries is up to date on a weekly basis. 

6. Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Track metrics to evaluate R&D’s impact on product performance, durability, sustainability, and operational efficiency. 
  • Ensure proper data collection, analysis, and interpretation of R&D results.
  • Maintain an organized repository of experimental results – both successes and failures – for institutional learning


  • Required qualifications & Key capabilities.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field such as Civil Engineering (advanced degree strongly preferred).
  • Expertise in chemical formulations.
  • Proven track record in leading R&D or product development projects from concept to implementation.
  • Ability to innovate scientifically and translate lab results into field-ready applications.
  • Excellent leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing technical teams.
  • Strong attention to detail, with the ability to rigorously design, document, and analyze experiments, and then translate findings into actionable recommendations. 
  • Comfortable working in both the lab and the field, including hands-on experimentation with earth-based materials.
  • Flexible and adaptable; thrives in a fast-paced, resource-constrained, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences – from scientists to field staff to senior management.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and data management tools.

Why Join Us

  • Lead groundbreaking research in eco-friendly construction materials.
  • Shape the future of sustainable building in East Africa and beyond.
  • Work in a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven team where science directly improves lives.

Application procedure

Interested and qualified? Click here to apply

Posting Date: 2025-10-03

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