Freelance SBIR/STTR, NIH Grant Writer

We are seeking an experienced grant writer to assist with SBIR/STTR and NIH grant applications for biotech and life sciences projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in writing successful grants and a keen understanding of the biotech and life sciences industries. Responsibilities include researching funding opportunities, drafting grant proposals, and ensuring compliance with application guidelines. If you have a passion for helping innovative projects secure funding, we would love to hear from you. About Us We are an early-stage, venture-backed-style technology company building an AI-native funding and commercialization platform for biomedical research and life sciences innovation. Our mission is to help promising scientific research move more efficiently from academic and clinical settings toward funding, development, and commercialization. We work at the intersection of biotechnology, life sciences, clinical research, universities, hospital systems, philanthropy, and private capital. Our areas of interest include biotechnology, drug development, stem cell and regenerative medicine, neuroscience, digital health, medical devices, and emerging areas of translational research. We are seeking grant funding both for our own platform and initiatives and, over time, to support qualified research programs and organizations using our platform. The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Freelance Grant Writer and Grant Strategist with demonstrated success securing competitive U.S. federal and/or state research and innovation grants. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with SBIR/STTR programs and funding opportunities from agencies such as the NIH, NSF, DoD, BARDA, ARPA-H, and related programs. This role will initially focus on identifying the strongest grant opportunities for our company, assessing eligibility and competitiveness, and developing high-quality applications. The engagement has the potential to expand into multiple grant submissions and longer-term work supporting selected research and life sciences programs. Key Responsibilities • Research and identify current grant opportunities for which our company or qualified programs may be eligible. • Develop a prioritized grant pipeline based on eligibility, strategic fit, probability of success, funding amount, and submission deadlines. • Evaluate opportunities across NIH, NSF, SBIR/STTR, DoD, BARDA, ARPA-H, and other relevant federal, state, foundation, and research funding programs. • Work with our leadership and scientific collaborators to gather technical, scientific, commercial, and organizational information required for applications. • Develop compelling, well-structured grant proposals that clearly communicate scientific significance, innovation, commercial potential, and impact. • Assist with project planning, study design, milestones, budgets, commercialization plans, and supporting documentation as required. • Manage the grant application process from initial opportunity identification through final submission. • Maintain a submission calendar and ensure all application requirements and deadlines are met. • Support responses to reviewer comments, resubmissions, and follow-up documentation when appropriate. • Advise on post-award reporting and grant compliance requirements when needed. Required Qualifications • Demonstrated professional experience writing grants in biotechnology, life sciences, biomedical research, healthcare, digital health, medical devices, or related fields. • Direct experience with successful SBIR and/or STTR applications is strongly preferred. • Track record of contributing to successful grant awards. • Strong understanding of U.S. federal research funding programs and application processes. • Ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear, persuasive proposals. • Strong project planning, research, and organizational skills. • Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines. • Exceptional attention to detail and written communication skills. Preferred / Bonus Experience We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following: • PhD or advanced degree in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, life sciences, neuroscience, medicine, or a related discipline. • Experience as a principal investigator or working directly with PIs on funded research. • Previous service as a grant reviewer or study-section participant for NIH, NSF, DoD, VA, or other government funding programs. • Experience with California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) funding. • Experience in neuroscience, neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disorders, brain and central nervous system research, or therapeutic development. • Experience with translational research, IND-enabling studies, early-stage clinical development, or commercialization of university research. • Experience developing commercialization plans for SBIR/STTR applications. • Familiarity with university research institutions, academic medical centers, and hospital-based research programs. Initial Scope The first phase of the engagement will likely include: 1. Reviewing our company, technology platform, and current initiatives. 2. Identifying and prioritizing the 5–10 strongest near-term grant opportunities. 3. Recommending a grant submission strategy and timeline. 4. Selecting the highest-priority initial application. 5. Leading or supporting development and submission of the first grant proposal. Successful performance may lead to an ongoing relationship involving multiple grant applications and potentially supporting research programs and institutional partners within our broader ecosystem. How to Apply Please submit: • Your resume or CV. • A brief description of your grant-writing experience. • A list of grant programs you have worked with (NIH, NSF, SBIR, STTR, DoD, BARDA, ARPA-H, CIRM, etc.). • Examples of successful grants you have written or materially contributed to, including approximate award amounts where disclosure is permitted. • Your specific experience with SBIR/STTR applications and awards. • Your hourly rate and/or typical fixed-fee structure for grant projects. • Your current availability. Please do not submit confidential grant materials or proprietary information from previous clients. This is a remote freelance opportunity with the potential for an ongoing relationship as our platform and research funding initiatives expand.