Work with us!

Empirical Careers is looking for a new team member...

Do you want to use your research knowledge and writing skills to support Australian researchers…?

Who we are:

Empirical Careers supports researchers across universities and research institutes to achieve their career goals.

For more than 10 years, we’ve provided the Australian research sector with detailed strategic grant reviews and editing across diverse fields, including education, social sciences and humanities, but with a particular focus on STEMM. With professional development at our core, we support applicants to develop their grant writing skills, alongside development of competitive grant submissions.  We also develop and deliver grant training seminars/webinars and will be offering additional career services in 2026.

The Empirical Careers team have a passion for knowledge and employ our scientific expertise and experience from our own careers in research and research management to support and empower Australia’s outstanding researchers. We are looking for a new team member to continue to build our reputation as an effective and trusted addition to internal researcher development services.

The opportunity:

As an Empirical Research Grant Specialist (casual/contractor), you will use your expertise to provide strategic grant reviews (critiques) and detailed editing that helps researchers write compelling, fundable grant applications. This includes helping to develop a clear and compelling narrative; ensuring adherence to funding guidelines, instructions, assessment criteria and category descriptors; and composing a confident and persuasive pitch for funding.

You will be supporting researchers, right when they need it, so they can drive knowledge advances and innovations, that ultimately deliver health, social, environmental and economic benefits.

This is a casual (seasonal) employment opportunity. Workload will range from 0-40 hours per week, depending on weekly demand and scheme type. Your current arrangements must be flexible enough to accommodate: 

  • at least 3 days (22.5 hours) during open major scheme rounds, typically for 3 months of the year.

  • periods (weeks and months) where you may not be required to work at all 

  • ability to deliver swift turnaround of grant reviews, often at short notice

  • a February onboarding, with peak annual workloads currently expected from March through to July.

We are a diligent team, but as a proud employer of working parents, your hours need not be limited to 9 to 5. Our team value morning walks on the beach, midday preschool pickups and after school sports. If evenings and weekends are best for you, that's good with us.

Training in Empirical Careers processes and practices will be provided. 

What we're looking for:

  1. ~5 years’ experience as a grant editor / advisor (or writing your own grants)

  2. PhD, or equivalent experience in a research setting, in a relevant area (e.g. life sciences, biomedical) to primarily support health & medical research

  3. In-depth knowledge of National Health and Research Medical Centre (NHMRC) and/or Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant schemes

  4. Experience providing pre-submission grant support to NHMRC and/or MRFF grant applicants (e.g. research office role or your own grants)

  5. Experience interpreting complex guidelines and apply them when reviewing grant applications and providing feedback to academics.

  6. Ability to provide high quality critique and advice regarding grant applications to academics/researchers.

  7. Provide substantive and professional editing within tight timeframes.

  8. Demonstrable professional level writing and editing skills, with understanding of Australian and international spelling, grammar and punctuation rules.

  9. Ability to work from your home office or other working space where document security and confidentiality can be assured.

  10. Ability to work to strict deadlines in a high-pressure environment with excellent attention to detail.

  11. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

  12. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and email.

Bonus Skills:

  1. Experience in ARC and other schemes

  2. Experience in developing and/or delivering grant training.

  3. Interest in professional development or coaching.

  4. Tell us what else you can offer us!

What we offer:

  • A team of conscientious ex-researchers who are passionate about supporting research/ers, clear scientific writing, practical professional development and enabling stronger impact and benefits from research.

  • Challenging work that uses your PhD skills and supports future research endeavours

  • We are proud that we have low staff turnover. Our team is growing and we want to build a strong, encouraging and expert team.

  • We are an ethical, inclusive, sustainable and values led business who regularly donate to NFP organisations who are delivering benefits from research.

  • We are offering $75 -$90/hr + statutory superannuation, depending on skills and experience to attract the right talent with research, writing, and professional development skills. 

  • Work flexibly from home, at the time it suits you

  • Report to/be mentored by Dr Narelle Tunstall, Founder of Empirical Careers

  • Learn more about us at empiricalresearch.com.au 

What next:

If this sounds like you, please email narelle@empiricalresearch.com.au with a resume and cover letter that explains your skills and experience, your ability to do this seasonal and fast-paced (deadline driven) work, as well as describing what you think makes a successful grant application.

We will acknowledge receipt of your email and if you are shortlisted, will organise a suitable time for an initial phone/zoom interview.