What Jobs are available for Scientific Research & Development in Ghana?

JOB OVERVIEW

A leading company in the sustainable paper and pulp manufacturing industry is seeking an innovative and results-driven Head of Research & Development (R&D) to lead its product innovation and technical development function. The company is committed to transforming renewable raw materials—such as bamboo and recycled fibers—into high-quality, eco-friendly tissue and paper products that support a circular and environmentally responsible manufacturing model.The Head of R&D will play a strategic role in driving innovation, improving production efficiency, and developing new sustainable materials and products. This position requires a deep understanding of fiber science, paper chemistry, and process engineering, as well as strong leadership skills to guide a multidisciplinary team of engineers, laboratory technicians, and product developers.Working closely with cross-functional departments—including operations, quality assurance, and sustainability—the ideal candidate will champion research initiatives that enhance product performance, optimise manufacturing processes, and reduce environmental impact. This role is best suited for a technically skilled and visionary leader passionate about advancing sustainable manufacturing and delivering practical innovation from concept to production scale.RESPONSIBILITIES  Innovation Leadership Develop and execute the R&D and Innovation Strategy in line with The Good Roll’s missionof sustainable paper production.Identify and implement innovations that improve fiber yield, paper softness, tensile strength, and energy efficiency.Drive experimentation in bamboo fiber modification, enzymatic pulping, and bio-based chemical alternatives.Evaluate and pilot closed-loop systems (e.g., black liquor recovery, water reuse, energy integration).Lead feasibility studies for smart factory solutions such as digital process monitoring, inline sensors, and predictive analytics for pulp quality.Establish partnerships with technical universities, research labs, and technology providers for joint innovation projects.Product & Material Development Oversee formulation and performance testing for all new and existing tissue products.Innovate in areas such as 2-ply and 3-ply paper design, fiber blending ratios, embossing technology, and softness enhancement.Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to co-create new SKUs tailored to market needs.Ensure each new product meets TGRG’s sustainability and B-Corp quality standards.Process Improvement & Efficiency Lead process optimisation projects targeting yield, energy, and water efficiencyimprovements.Develop best-practice SOPs for pulp refining, sheet formation, and drying.Implement trials that reduce fiber loss, chemical usage, and overall production cost per ton.Collaborate closely with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Lead to transfer lab findings into full-scale operations.Quality, Testing & Compliance Oversee all laboratory testing and ensure consistent quality of pulp and finished goods.Define product specifications, test protocols, and quality benchmarks.Collaborate with the Quality & Compliance Manager to maintain ISO 9001, FSC, and environmental certification standards.Create and maintain an internal “Innovation Logbook” capturing all trials, results, and learnings for organisational memory.Sustainability & Circular Innovation Research and implement low-carbon and zero-waste production techniques.Evaluate opportunities for by-product valorisation (e.g., reuse of bamboo sludge, energy generation from black liquor).Drive green chemistry approaches to replace harsh chemicals with biodegradable or enzyme-based solutions.Partner with The Good Roll Foundation on sustainable production education projects and knowledge sharing. Team Leadership & Capability Building Build, coach, and inspire a high-performing R&D team focused on practical innovation.Promote a 'test, learn, and scale' mindset across departments.Organize internal innovation workshops, hackathons, and training to engage broader teams in creative problem-solving.Reporting & Communication Prepare monthly R&D dashboards and present results, insights, and recommendations tothe Leadership Team.Maintain structured project documentation with cost-benefit and payback analyses.Share research findings across the TGRG Group to accelerate learning and replication. RequirementsMaster’s or Bachelor’s degree in Pulp & Paper Technology, Chemical Engineering, orMaterials Science.8–12 years of paper mill experience, including at least 3 years in R&D or Process Development leadership.Demonstrated track record in fiber science, paper chemistry, or sustainable product innovation.Experience conducting industrial trials and scaling lab findings into production.Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with Six Sigma, DOE, or SPC preferred.Understanding of environmental impact assessments, LCA, and circular production systems.Core Competencies Curiosity and creative problem-solvingStrong technical grounding in pulp & tissue scienceStrategic thinking and long-term innovation planningData-driven decision makingCollaborative leadership across functionsPassion for sustainability and regenerative industry modelsPerformance Indicators (KPIs) Number of successful product or process innovations implementedPercentage reduction in cost, energy, or water per ton producedProduct performance improvements (softness, tensile, absorbency)R&D project completion on time and within budgetIntellectual property, patents, or new formulations developedTeam development and knowledge transfer effectiveness