Science Grant Writer | BrainWaves Consulting | Handshake
About BrainWaves Consulting BrainWaves Consulting provides specialized grant writing and research development services for biotech companies and university-based biomedical researchers. We deliver high-touch technical grant support including prospecting, writing, company registrations, and full portal submissions for federal and private funders. We typically offer clients full-cycle retainers (~5–8 grants per year per client) which involves everything from identifying best-fit grants to developing and submitting full proposals. Clients range from emerging biotech teams to established university research labs. We're based in San Francisco and operate on Pacific Time. Training and SOPs are provided. The Role at a Glance
- Hours: ~32 per month
- Compensation: $1,600/month
- Start date: June 2026
- Location: Remote, with daily PT overlap
- Eligibility: U.S. based
- Contract structure: 90-day chemistry period, then ongoing. Potential to increase hours up to 40-60 hours a month.
Responsibilities
You'll support federal biomedical and biotech grant applications across the full cycle:
- Research and identify grant prospects using internal software
- Review federal solicitations and summarize requirements
- Draft and repurpose proposal sections from prior funded grants
- Conduct biomedical literature research and create citation-supported needs assessments
- Conduct competitor landscape research
- Customize template letters of support and letters of inquiry
- Track projects, deadlines, and hours in ClickUp and Toggl
- Support administrative submission processes (portals, registrations)
- Attend weekly strategy meetings with Melanie (up to 1 hour)
- Maintain responsive communication via email and ClickUp (within 1 business day, M–F)
Training and SOPs are provided for all recurring tasks.
Requirements
- 1+ year of grant writing experience
- Strong writing, editing, and research skills
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines independently
- Comfortable with AI and research tools (used responsibly per our internal guidelines)
- Reliable internet and ability to join Zoom meetings on camera
- Experience with ClickUp, email, and document management
Preferred Qualifications
We prefer candidates with at least 80% of the following:
- Federal grant experience (e.g., NIH, NSF, or DoD)
- Science or biomedical writing background
- Experience with grant prospecting and repurposing technical content
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Track record managing multiple projects simultaneously
Technology You'll regularly use: ClickUp, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Claude, ChatGPT, Zoom, Toggl, Atom Grants, and Zotero. Training provided for Atom Grants and Zotero. Note that AI tools are used within defined guardrails to protect client IP. Full policy will be shared during onboarding. Compensation & Contract
- $1,600/month (1099 contractor)
- Monthly payout
- 90-day chemistry period, then ongoing
- Paid test project ($75) for selected applicants. Paid regardless of hiring outcome.
Application Process & Timeline
- Submit application by Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT (rolling review)
- Selected applicants will be invited to a 20 minute video interview. A select few will be invited to complete paid test projects: a Grant Prospecting + Solicitation Review Exercise and a 2-page Letter of Inquiry
- Hiring and onboarding will be completed by mid-June.