The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), all of Ghana and the University of Huddersfield, UK are collaborating to develop sustainable novel plant pectins from locally sourced low market value species to replace imported lecithin in chocolate-based products. This innovative collaboration is funded by Innovate UK through the acclaimed Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme (Africa Agri-food Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP-13910 / IUK Project No. 10097922).

This collaborative project has a vacancy for a Food Scientist/Technologist/R&D Scientist (KTP Associate) to be based at the Cocoa Processing Company, Tema, Ghana.

The Person

• Must be committed to CPC‘s values with respect to work approach and behaviour.
• Must be committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Must be adaptable, reliable and committed to excellent research standards.

Qualification, Experience and Skills

1. Minimum of Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, Chemistry, or Carbohydrate Chemistry or related fields from a recognised institution of higher education. A postgraduate qualification in the related field will be an advantage.
2. Must have undertaken a substantial research project as part of university study.
3. Must have the experience of laboratory-based research, purification of polysaccharides and use of relevant equipment.
4. Must understand food/biopolymer chemistry/ product development/rheology.
5. Must have knowledge and understanding of research methods, data analysis, and methodology.
6. Must have knowledge of project planning and delivery.
7. Must have excellent written and communication skills in English with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, professionals and stakeholders.
8. Must have experience in creating and managing complex work plans and budgets.
9. Must have the experience in working with multiple executives and academics.
10. Must be a Team player with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, other professionals and stakeholders.
11. Must possess good analytical skills with the ability to turn research and theory into engaging training materials.
12. Must possess good organisational skills with the ability to take initiative, work with little or no supervision and be able to adapt and learn new skills and techniques.
13. Must be able to deliver on target and meet strict deadlines.
14. Must possess strong ICT skills with a high degree of proficiency in MS Office and Google Workplace.

Terms and Conditions

• The position is full-time for a fixed term of 24 months.  
• Salary and benefits attached to the post are attractive.
• Must be available to assume duty on Monday, July 01, 2024.

Mode of Application
Interested candidates are requested to email their application including the under listed documents in one (single) PDF file under the subject “Food Scientist/Technologist/R&D Scientist (KTP Associate)” and addressed to:

The Deputy Registrar
Human Resource Development Division
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Private Mail Bag
University Post Office
Kumasi

to recruitment.hrd@knust.edu.gh and copy jkagbenorhevi.cos@knust.edu.gh not later than WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024, 23:59GMT.

• A cover letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the position;
• A detailed CV including the contact numbers and email addresses of two (2) referees;
• Personal philosophy/Motivation Statement (500-700 words); and,
• Relevant certificates.

Note: Please tell us how you meet our person specification and provide us with examples of this in your supporting statement.

Interviews for this position shall take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at KNUST, Kumasi.

For further enquiries about this position, please contact Prof Jacob K. Agbenorhevi via jkagbenorhevi.cos@knust.edu.gh or Dr Fidelis Kpodo via fmkpodo@uhas.edu.gh.