Clinical Trial Grant Writer (Contractor)

at  Ellison Institute of Technology

Location: Remote (Must be in UK / European / African time zone)
Duration: Short term contract, ongoing basis as and when required

JOB SUMMARY:

We are establishing a clinical research network and are on a mission to revolutionise clinical research in Africa. Our vision is to build a sustainable, African-led research ecosystem that drives health equity and innovation. By establishing a network of world-class clinical research sites and capabilities, we aim to generate the evidence Africa needs to inform health decisions and policies, while cultivating the next generation of African scientific leaders.
Africa has been underrepresented in global clinical research, conducting only 2% of clinical research despite shouldering 25% of the world’s disease burden. While there have been significant investments in disease-specific clinical research sites and networks, these approaches have often led to fragmented infrastructure, limited capacity, and reliance on expatriate leadership. Such models have struggled to drive long-term sustainability or meet the broader health needs of African countries and regions beyond narrow therapeutic areas. Consequently, health products and policies in Africa are often informed by data from other settings, which may not fully account for the rich diversity of African populations and local contexts. This lack of locally relevant evidence hinders the development of tailored health solutions that effectively address Africa’s unique challenges and priorities.
Our clinical research network is on a mission to transform this landscape. By partnering with leading institutions and trial units across the continent, we will establish a network of clinical research sites that serve two critical goals: diversifying global research and empowering Africa to meet the healthcare needs of its rapidly growing population.
Our network will be designed to catalyse Africa’s self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical and vaccine R&D and manufacturing, ensuring the continent can drive its own health innovation agenda. We will establish digital and clinical infrastructure, while prioritizing deep community engagement to foster trust, relevance and impact.
At our sites, we will conduct rigorous, ethical research that puts African populations and priorities at the centre. By generating high-quality local data that reflects the diversity of African contexts, we can accelerate the development and delivery of tailored global health solutions - for Africa, by Africa. Our goal is to build sustainable research capacity that outlasts any single study or funder, empowering African institutions to become global leaders in clinical research and scientific innovation for generations to come.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Bachelor’s degree relevant scientific field (e.g., clinical medicine, biology, pharmacology, public health) required and/or English (with significant subsequent exposure and training in clinical research grant-writing).
• Significant experience in medical writing on topics such as clinical trials, clinical research investigator brochures, and protocols.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design and methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, persuasive grant proposals.
• Demonstrated track record of successful grant awards and funding acquisition for clinical research projects.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced research environment.

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a Clinical Trial Grant Writer to support our dynamic team on a project by project basis. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in securing funding for clinical research projects, particularly focusing on clinical trials. This individual will possess exceptional writing skills, a strong understanding of clinical trial protocols and regulations, and the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Write clear, concise, and compelling grant narratives, including study objectives, methodologies, timelines, budgets, and anticipated outcomes.
• Develop comprehensive grant proposals in collaboration with principal investigators and research teams, ensuring alignment with funding priorities, objectives, and eligibility criteria.
• Coordinate across stakeholders to gather necessary information and ensure proposal completeness and accuracy.
• Oversee the submission process for grant applications, adhering to deadlines and application requirements set forth by funding agencies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, institutional policies, and ethical standards governing clinical research and grant-funded activities.
• Contribute to the development of long-term funding strategies and initiatives to support clinical trial research objectives.
• Research funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and industry sponsors that support clinical trials in pediatrics, cardiometabolic, oncology, infectious disease, vaccines, and internal medicine.