Duration: Approximately four weeks, ending 1 December 2026
Contract: Short-term freelance engagement
Inspiralia is seeking a scientist with a PhD in geology and excellent writing skills to help develop a Horizon Europe research proposal on geothermal resources in deep sedimentary and basement reservoirs.
This opportunity would suit a researcher at postdoctoral level who enjoys bringing together complex scientific ideas and communicating their significance. Previous experience of writing funding proposals is welcome but is not essential: scientific understanding and the ability to write clearly and persuasively are our priorities.
The role
You will work with Inspiralia’s proposal team and a consortium of eight partners, drawing on input from academic experts to develop a coherent, compelling proposal for the call Resource assessment for deep sedimentary and basement reservoirs (HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-06).
Your main focus will be the scientific excellence section: explaining the research objectives, methodology and innovation, and ensuring that these address the call’s requirements.
You will take responsibility for drafting and integrating the full proposal, expected to be 45 pages, with substantial input and review from Inspiralia and the consortium. Inspiralia will provide particular support for the impact and implementation sections.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Translating partners’ scientific contributions into clear, persuasive proposal text.
- Developing a strong account of the research’s novelty, rationale and methodology.
- Identifying gaps in the scientific narrative and working with partners to resolve them.
- Aligning the proposal with the call’s scope and evaluation criteria.
- Incorporating feedback and maintaining consistency across the final document.
About you
You will bring:
- A PhD in Geology.
- The scientific judgement to critically assess and synthesise complex research contributions.
- Excellent written English and evidence of clear, persuasive scientific writing.
- Strong organisation and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with others.
- Availability for a concentrated period of writing and revision through to 1 December 2026.
Experience in deep sedimentary or basement reservoirs, geothermal research or related subsurface research would be an advantage. Formal postdoctoral employment and previous proposal-writing experience are not required.
This is a focused assignment with a firm submission deadline. You should be comfortable managing agreed milestones and responding promptly to feedback, with regular support from our team.
Why work with Inspiralia?
Inspiralia is an international innovation funding consultancy helping organisations turn research and technology into fundable projects. You will gain practical experience in Horizon Europe proposal development and insight into how scientific excellence connects with impact, commercial potential and project delivery.
How to apply
Please send your CV, a brief statement of relevant expertise and availability, and a short example of your scientific writing to melanie.cohen@inspiralia.com. Please indicate your contribution if the writing sample is co-authored or aided by AI.
€3,500 for the full assignment plus £10,000 variable