Key Skills

Job Description

Note: only applications sent via email will be considered. About Visser Visible At Visser Visible, we help academic researchers communicate clearly and convincingly in high-stakes situations. From group training, one-to-one coaching, proposal editing, design and illustration, to interview coaching, we offer support at all stages of the research lifecycle. What sets us apart is our specialized, collaborative approach. Each team member brings their own expertise - whether in strategy, design, or delivery - ensuring researchers receive precisely the support they need. This boosts their chances of success in a highly competitive setting. Due to increasing demand from universities across Europe, we are expanding our team to include a freelance editor to join us in a long-term collaboration. The role will focus on supporting candidates from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields in developing competitive ERC proposals. About the role You will support academic candidates at all career levels to secure research funding from the European Research Council (ERC), with occasional opportunities for other English-language schemes. You will do this by: helping candidates to understand the respective grant schemes and their profile fit; providing editorial feedback on their proposal drafts and CVs towards a high-quality application, both written and via regular calls; working with our coaches, designers and operational team - and occasionally the candidate’s own research institution - to provide integrated support, guiding candidates from idea development to final submission; occasionally facilitating workshops for cohorts or consortia (dependent on opportunity). Is this you? You’ve provided editorial support for at least five years to academic candidates for ERC schemes, working mostly with candidates in STEM fields; You can communicate with total fluency in English (CEFR C2 level or native speaker), both written and verbal; You work well with candidates from a variety of scientific and cultural backgrounds, and enjoy working independently within a team of experts; You are available at least 20-30 hours per month for editorial assignments during peak periods. Upon shortlisting you and scheduling a follow-up call, we will request at least one reference from an academic you’ve supported in the past with an ERC proposal. What we offer Freelance collaboration within an international, specialized team Remote working arrangements (with occasional opportunities for facilitating in-person workshops and sessions, for which travel will be reimbursed) Flexible hours, to be agreed upon based on assignments and availability A competitive freelance hourly rate (to be agreed upon based on your experience and the scope of assignments) Meaningful work where you make a concrete contribution to the career opportunities of researchers Please note: We are looking for someone who genuinely wishes to contribute to the success of our clients and enjoys doing so in collaboration with our team. Our approach requires trust, openness, and the willingness to build together. If you are primarily looking for a place to attract your own assignments or clients, this is not the right context. Interested? Send an email to [email protected] with: Your CV; A 1-page motivational letter. We look forward to hearing from you!

Core Responsibilities

Advise academic candidates on ERC grant schemes and their fit, and provide editorial feedback on proposal drafts and CVs through written comments and regular calls. Collaborate with coaches, designers, operational staff, and research institutions to support candidates from idea development through submission, and occasionally facilitate workshops.

Requirements

At least five years of editorial support experience for academic candidates applying to ERC schemes, primarily in STEM fields, and fluent English at CEFR C2 level or native-speaker proficiency are required. Candidates should work effectively with diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds, collaborate within a team while working independently, and be available for at least 20–30 hours per month during peak periods.

Benefits

• Remote Working Arrangements
• Flexible Hours
• Reimbursed Travel for In-Person Workshops and Sessions