Pros
Grant Engine (GE) provides substantial support in submitting National Institute of Health (NIH) small business Innovation and research (SBIR) grants; specifically with small life science innovation and research companies. I worked as an independent contractor for GE starting in February of 2023. I completed their Program Manager (PM) three cycle training program in December of 2023. The training program includes the first cycle of shadowing, the second cycle of co-managing and the third cycle of being shadowed by a mentor or guide. It’s a good training program if you have the time and resources to follow through with it. This program also invites potential employees or full-time contractors to immerse in the company culture prior to committing to full-time. It is a remote job and the hours are flexible as long as the work gets done on time. The training program helps prepare for the cycle end and I found a lot of support and encouragement along the way. Reimbursement is comparable for the services delivered and keep in mind the reimbursement is for services delivered not number of hours worked. I found the process of my submitting an invoice and receiving timely reimbursement worked well. And as to the culture of the company I can proudly stand on the street corner with a sign that says, “Black Lives Matter”, and not fear for my livelihood.
Cons
As an independent contractor I was responsible for my taxes, my insurance, and any business expenses. Due to the nature of the grant cycle as the submission date approaches the work can be stressful. NOTE: This is a high level position that requires a Doctor of philosophy (PhD) or being in the pursuit of a PhD or provide equivalent work experience to that of a PhD. The preference is for experience in the life sciences.