About the Role

We are looking for an innovative, hands-on R&D Junior Manager with a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering to drive our research agenda in sustainable construction materials and eco-friendly coatings. This role requires both strategic leadership of large-scale research projects and the ability to design and run cutting-edge laboratory experiments on topics such as drying agents, catalysts, binders, paints, and other sustainable alternatives for construction materials.

The ideal candidate is not only an exceptional project manager, but also a chemist at heart – someone who thrives in the lab, understands the makeup of materials at a molecular level, and can creatively propose and test greener, more durable, and more affordable solutions for low-income housing. From optimizing catalysts that accelerate drying oils, to rethinking paint formulations, to pioneering natural binders and finishes, the R&D Junior Manager will combine scientific rigor with creative problem-solving. They will guide the R&D team in Uganda, collaborate with district teams, and influence product development decisions at a company-wide level—ensuring EarthEnable continues to lead in sustainable construction innovation.

Whilst the R&D JHunior Manager will lead EarthEnable’s innovation agenda in Uganda, R&D is a global team, so a core part of the role is ensuring knowledge is transferred across the three countries we operate in – Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, to avoid duplicative work, repeated errors and re-inventing the wheel, and to facilitate faster product development and roll out.

The R&D Junior 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.

Women are encouraged to apply