Junior Grant Writer Bio Medical

Streets LLP; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 50 000; Full time

Job summary

A biomedical research and advisory firm is seeking a Junior Grant Writer based in Cape Town. This role involves drafting and submitting grant applications to funding bodies such as Innovate UK and NIHR. The successful candidate will support researchers with scientific translation and project coordination while ensuring compliance with funder guidelines. Ideal candidates should possess excellent English skills and a strong academic background in life sciences. This position offers opportunities for professional development and competitive salary.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Access to training and mentoring

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grant writing and research administration.
• Familiarity with research ethics and data protection.
• Experience in managing complex multi-partner submissions.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit and finalize grant applications.
• Work with researchers to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives.
• Assist with preparation of progress reports and funder meetings.

Skills

Excellent spoken and written English

Grant-writing skills

Understanding of translational R&D

Strong scientific credibility

Attention to detail

Proactive mindset

Education

Degree (MSc or PhD) in life sciences or biomedical discipline

Tools

MS Teams

Job description

Location: Cape Town-based

Working pattern: Full-time, 40 hours

Role overview

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing biomedical research and advisory team as a Junior Grant Writer specialising in bio-medical funding applications. Working for Streets Chartered Accountants’ expanding South African team, you will support researchers and clinicians in preparing competitive grant applications to Innovate UK, NIHR, Horizon Europe and European Innovation Council (EIC) programmes. The successful candidate will take full ownership of proposal writing and submission, working closely with internal technical teams, external partners, and clients.

We are seeking a proactive, organised and detail-focused professional who can translate complex scientific ideas into clear, fundable narratives, manage application timelines, and support monitoring and reporting activities post-award.

Key responsibilities

• Grant writing & submission

  Draft, edit and finalise high-quality grant applications, lay summaries and supporting documents for biomedical research projects, ensuring adherence to funder guidelines and deadlines.

• Scientific translation

  Work with researchers to translate complex scientific concepts into concise, accessible and compelling language tailored to different audiences (peer reviewers, funders, lay reviewers).

• Proposal development & budgeting

  Support the development of project plans and workstreams, coordinate input from cross-functional teams and assist with drafting simple budgets and justification narratives in collaboration with finance colleagues.

• Project coordination

  Lead end-to-end development of Innovate UK and EIC funding proposals, including: Technical excellence sections Impact, exploitation and commercialisation plans

• Compliance & quality control

  Ensure applications comply with funder eligibility, formatting and document requirements; conduct proofreading and final checks prior to submission.

• Post-award support

  Assist with preparation of progress reports, attend funder meetings where required and support monitoring & evaluation activities relating to funded projects.

• Continuous improvement

  Contribute to development and maintenance of proposal templates, standard operating procedures and a repository of successful application text and funder intelligence.

What we need from you

• Excellent spoken and written English with the ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and professionally.

• Excellent grant-writing skills

• Strong understanding of translational R&D Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, e-health, or therapeutics Technology Readiness Levels, clinical pathways, and regulatory considerations.

• Understanding of IP strategy, freedom to operate, and commercialisation planning.

• Strong scientific credibility in the biomedical field.

• Ability to manage complex multi-partner submissions from concept to award.

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients during proposal writing, submission and grant preparation activities

• Degree (MSc or PhD) in a life sciences, biomedical or related discipline; postgraduate study or research experience is advantageous.

• Some experience in research environments, grant writing, research administration or academic support roles.

• Strong attention to detail, excellent editing and proofreading skills and a clear, persuasive writing style.

• Comfortable collaborating via MS Teams and managing multiple deadlines across projects.

• Basic understanding of research budgets and ability to work with finance colleagues to prepare budget narratives.

• Organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

• Familiarity with research ethics, data protection and funder reporting requirements is desirable.

• A proactive mindset with a willingness to learn, accept feedback and contribute to process improvements.

What we offer

• The opportunity to work with an international, collaborative team supporting impactful biomedical research.

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

• Exposure to a wide range of funders and project types, supporting professional development in grant writing and research administration.

• Access to training and mentoring from experienced grant and research professionals.

Apply now to join our team and help secure funding for vital biomedical research that makes a difference.