About the Role

The Research & Development (R&D) Officer will support the development, testing, and continuous improvement of sustainable construction materials and processes. The role combines laboratory research, field experimentation, product development, and data analysis to improve product performance, reduce costs, and support operational excellence. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both scientific research and hands-on field work.

The responsibilities of this role will include, but not be limited to:

Design and Implement Experiments 

• Design experiments and develop detailed protocols
• Execute and document findings of experiments in a detailed and organized database, in case of unsuccessful experiments, document reasons for failure 

Piloting experiment to different districts    

• Plan for pilots: Organize resources required to pilots a given project  in different districts. 
• Document learning whether successful or failure experiment to inform future workload. 
• Work with the construction/ district to ensure pilots are implemented collaboratively and new learning is captured and shared.  
• Develop manuals that will be used during the dissemination of the projects.  

Collaboration with District Team  

• Visit district to collect data and understand their needs, innovation challenges to inform R&D research agenda
• Help the district team to develop a protocol of experiments and oversee execution to ensure they are being done accordingly and all learnings are documented and shared with other districts. 
• Meet with clients and analyze other sources of feedback and data to identify product failure and product improvement 

Required qualifications & Key capabilities

• Chemistry, Physics, or Civil Engineering Background  
• Willingness to spend more time in our lab running different experiments. 
• Willingness to touch mud and work with mud 
• Understanding of R&D processes like protocol development or planning experiments, e.g. through previous experience or education
• Excellent attention to detail
• Hard-working and committed to do whatever it takes to get work done
• Curiosity-driven 
• Commitment to excellence and outstanding work ethic
• Ability to be creative, strategic, analytical, and think outside the box to solve problems
• Flexible and adaptable to changing environments; thrives in a bootstrapped culture
• An optimistic attitude, curiosity to learn new things
• Humble and patient team-player with a sense of humor
• Strong technology skills (e.g., Word, Excel, Salesforce, Google Docs, and Dropbox)

Why Join Us

• Contribute to innovative projects that improve health and dignity for rural families.
• Work in a dynamic, supportive, and learning-focused environment.
• Develop technical and field skills in sustainable building solutions.

Women are Encouraged to Apply