Research Consulting & Grant Development

InteliSpark, LLC

Mentor 

Kirk Macolini President, Principal Consultant, and Founder, InteliSpark 

Company Overview

InteliSpark is a hands-on business development consulting firm specializing in securing non-dilutive funding for start-ups through the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and other government research funding programs from (NIH, NSF, DoE, DoD and NASA). InteliSpark leverages insights from over 20 years of SBIR/STTR experience and more than 500 successfully funded projects to implement effective, data-driven funding strategies that align with clients’ short- and long-term goals.

Externship Description

The extern will play an active role in working within various teams to develop strong, well-supported SBIR/STTR proposals for emerging technologies in a broad array of fields. Primary responsibilities may include preparing proposal components, engaging with clients, and assisting with proposal submission. The extern should be comfortable learning and writing about different fields of science and technology. This externship is ideal for individual interested in exploring grant proposal development as a career or interested in developing grant proposal skills for a career in academia or industry.

Objectives

The extern will be involved in a myriad of projects and tasks, potentially including but not limited to:

• Conducting literature reviews and reading through material provided by clients (e.g., publications, patents, white papers, slide decks) to develop a framework for how the proposed technology would contribute to scientific innovation.
• Researching the market space to identify and make a case for the commercial viability of the proposed technology.
• Developing research strategy recommendations for clients.
• Writing/developing/editing proposals, seamlessly blending the expertise of the client in their respective field of study with InteliSpark’s expertise in securing SBIR/STTR funding.
• Providing fresh perspectives on proposals under development

As the extern’s specific skill set is developed, they will gain exposure to different types of assignments that align with their talents and interests.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Ph.D. or a postdoc in a STEM field (Ph.D. Candidates must be within two years of PhD graduation date).
• While the externship is unpaid, all applicants must be currently eligible for employment in the United States.
• Experience and interest with scientific writing.
• Outstanding writing skills (with respect to quality, productivity, persuasiveness).
• Outstanding time management skills.
• Strong interest is developing your skills as part of this externship.
• Ability to rapidly comprehend new scientific concepts and fields.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic, growing entrepreneurial environment.
• Interested in start‐up ecosystems and advancing innovative technologies to commercialization.
• Ability to work well independently and in teams.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Ideal candidates will have scientifically eclectic interests and the ability to quickly pick‐up concepts outside of their immediate field of science.

Before submitting an application, please visit the Externships page for instructions regarding our new application platform: myCHOICE-Symplicity.