Scientific grant writer

Labxchange; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Flexible schedules

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading scientific organization in the United States seeks a Scientific Grant Writer to craft compelling grant proposals for funding innovative research projects. The ideal candidate should possess strong writing skills, a degree in Science, and experience in project management. This role is integral to securing funding and is expected to grow rapidly, aligning with increased demand for technical writers in science.

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills to craft compelling grant proposals.
• Experience in project management for research initiatives.
• Ability to conduct thorough research for grant opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Write technical grant proposals to secure funding.
• Manage projects related to grant applications.
• Research and identify funding opportunities.

Skills

Grant writing

Project management

Research abilities

Education

Degree in Science

Job description

A scientific grant writer is a bridge between brilliant ideas and the resources required to make them happen. They transform complex research into compelling narratives, ensuring that innovation is not just imagined but funded, pursued, and achieved - turning big ideas into action, one proposal at a time.

In American English it sounds like

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Also known as

Grant proposal writer, research grant writer, grant specialist, grant consultant, funding proposal writer, scientific proposal writer, grant developer, research development officers, pre-award specialists, science writer

Overview

Outlook Rapid growth

Rapid growth

Related careers 3

Explore skills in scientific writing

Have you ever wondered what a career as a scientific grant writer involves? In this virtual simulation, step into the role of a grant writer at a conservation non-profit and try out some of the duties and skills associated with the career.

Simulation

Securing Funding Through Scientific Grant Writing

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Duties

Explore frequently performed duties to experience a day in the life of this career.

1

Write technical grant proposals

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Project management

4

Research opportunities

5

Write technical grant proposals

Craft compelling, science-backed grant proposals to secure funding for cutting-edge research projects.

Skills are learned in a school setting or from experience on the job.

Audience-focused writing

Industry trends

Dr. Soha Ashrafi, Executive Director of Research

Soha Ashrafi bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience research and the public. Working across Harvard Medical School, she writes collaborative grants that unite neurobiology faculty and funds their brain research, then translates their discoveries into stories everyone can understand. As a postdoc, she studied how fruit flies sleep, amazed that simple genetic tools could unlock fundamental brain mysteries. What drives her now? Making complex research accessible.

"I remember at the end of my PhD feeling like I could do anything I wanted in neuroscience, and that is something that I carry to this day."

New hires typically require the following education to perform the duties of this career.

Study duration 4 years

Most common program Science

Pathways

These are the typical and alternative paths people in this career have taken.For a full list of requirements, check out the guides for each step.

A mindmap-style diagram shows both typical and alternative pathways to enter into this role. It maps out different education and career steps, with routes that intersect. Select each step in the diagram to learn more.

High school High school diploma, the first step for all path options.

Associate Associate degree, an alternative step, after high school diploma.

Bachelor's Bachelor’s degree, a typical step, after high school diploma or after associate degree.

Entry-level Entry-level roles, an alternative step, after internship or after bachelor’s degree.

Internship Internship, an alternative step, after bachelor’s degree or after associate degree.

Master's Master’s degree, a typical step, after bachelor’s degree.

Mid-level Mid-level roles, a typical step, after entry-level roles or after master’s degree.

Typical

• Typical Pink, typical step

Alternative

• Alternative Purple, alternative step

You

• You Green, your location on the pathway

A basic requirement for many clerical, retail, and administrative support roles and a gateway to further education.

4 years

Required credits

22 to 24

Subjects

For a full list of requirements, check out the high school guide.

View high school diploma guide

Salary

The salary range below reflects the typical pay reported for this career in the United States. However, individual salaries often vary by company and location.

Average annual Entry-level salary Average annual Entry-level salary $60k

Adjust the slider to see how the salary range increases with years of experience. Entry-level<1 year Mid-level5 years Senior-level9+ years

It's not just about salary. Consider benefits like healthcare, paid time off (vacation, sick leave), retirement plans, stock options, bonuses, overtime eligibility, flexible schedules, and perks like on-site amenities.

Outlook in the US

Is demand for this career expected to grow or shrink? Here's what the outlook currently looks like for this career in the United States.

Outlook Rapid growth

Rapid growth

Job openings 4,872

This level of demand is due in part to the following reasons.

Reason #1

Funders require ahigh level of professionalism in submitted proposals, driving the need for professional grant writers.

Reason #2

Increased opportunities for grant writers as the general demand for technical writers grows.

Reason #3

Increased competition in science funding, requires more skilled grant writers to develop winning proposals.

Science funding has been reduced from 1% of GDP in 2010 to under 0.8% in 2024, making science grants even more competitive.

Related careers

Careers with similar duties, skills, or education requirements.

Other careers that combine scientific knowledge with strong writing skills.

Biological illustrator

Science communicator

Scientific editor

Sources

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