ABOUT LUX BIO
At Lux Bio, we are creating light from the future. We engineer enzymes and proteins to create safe, sustainable, and cell-free bioluminescent light. Our mission is to eliminate the toxic, single-use, and carcinogenic chemiluminescence industry while expanding the boundaries of light across commercial fishing, healthcare, defense, aerospace, and entertainment.
We are a fast-growing cleantech startup powered by biotech, backed by SOSV, IndieBio, Creative Destruction Lab, and the University of British Columbia. Having earned a spot in the prestigious NATO DIANA program, Lux Bio is an approved sole-source supplier, giving us a major competitive advantage across all NATO nations as we scale our R&D and move toward long-term defense and government procurement contracts.
You will be directly backed by Lux Bio’s CEO, CTO, and CFO, giving you the dedicated executive buy-in, scientific data, and financial reporting needed to rapidly build winning proposals and navigate complex compliance requirements.
WHO YOU ARE
We are looking for a highly driven Grants & Funding Manager to lead and execute our end-to-end non-dilutive funding strategy. You will operate at the intersection of deep science, government policy, and defense procurement to identify, write, submit, and manage R&D grants, government contracts, and tax credits.
You will act as our primary proposal author and project manager, collaborating directly with R&D, engineering, bioprocessing, and leadership. We need someone who can translate complex enzyme engineering and material science into high-impact applications for commercial, environmental, and defense markets.
WHAT YOU BRING TO LUX BIO
- Education: Post-secondary degree required. Preference for candidates with a major in biological sciences, engineering, or related STEM fields, alongside demonstrated strength in technical writing.
- Experience: 2-5+ years of success writing, securing, and managing R&D grants, government contracts, or defense applications.
- Track Record: A proven portfolio of successful proposals with public and private funding agencies (cleantech, biotech, or defense sectors preferred).
WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
- Technical & Grant Writing Mastery: Exceptional ability to translate dense technical R&D data into crisp, compelling proposals tailored to diverse review panels (scientific, business, and military).
- Funding Ecosystem Knowledge: Familiarity with Canadian and international funding vehicles—including NRC IRAP, Natural Products Canada (NPC), Genome BC, Innovation Solutions Canada (ISC), ISED, and international programs like NATO’s Rapid Adoption Service (RAS).
- End-to-End Compliance & Reporting: Rigorous organization to handle post-award management, track milestones/KPIs, ensure reporting compliance, and monitor team project hours.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to interface seamlessly with internal R&D/engineering teams and external government managers, military stakeholders, and university partners.
- Startup Agility: Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build rapid workflows, adapt in dynamic environments, and prioritize effectively with lean resources.
NICE TO HAVE
- Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in life sciences, biological engineering, or a related discipline.
- Direct experience navigating DND, NATO, or Canadian defense procurement channels.
- Familiarity with defense acquisition frameworks, the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, and leveraging sole-source advantage status to unlock procurement pathways.
- Deep knowledge of SR&ED tax credit processes.
- A strong winning percentage across major grant applications.
- A love for sustainability, innovation, and communicating complex science (science memes are a plus!).
- Eligible for funding through the National Research Council Canada - Industrial Research Assistance Program, which requires Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Grant & Proposal Writing: Lead the drafting, editing, and submission of high-quality proposals for IRAP, Genome BC, NPC, ISC, and defense solicitations.
- Sole-Source & Defense Procurement Strategy: Capitalize on our NATO DIANA approved sole-source supplier status to convert R&D validation into direct defense contracts and NATO RAS opportunities.
- Opportunity Tracking: Continuously scan, track, and evaluate new RFPs, government announcements, ITB opportunities, and foundation grants aligned with our tech stack. Work with advisors from ISED, Export Development Canada, and other programs directly.
- Post-Award & Grant Administration: Manage reporting requirements, deliverable schedules, budget tracking, and compliance across active grants and contracts.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Bring together internal scientists, external corporate partners, national labs, and academic institutions to build competitive grant consortia.
- ESG & Impact Framing: Effectively highlight Lux Bio’s environmental, social, and sustainability impact within technical applications.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary: $65,000 – $85,000 starting base salary (commensurate with experience)
- Performance Incentives: Performance-based bonus options, awarded based on contract value
- Equity: Employee stock options (own a piece of the company as we scale)
- Health & Wellness: $1,000 flexible health/wellness package
- Time Off: 2 weeks paid vacation + 5 paid sick days annually
- Workplace Culture: Hybrid flex-work model focused on work-life balance, self-care, and personal growth
- Perks: Team outings, continuous learning budgets, and Lux Bio swag
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Lux Bio is deeply committed to building an equitable and inclusive team. We recruit team members based on who you are as an individual—regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, religion, or physical ability.
HOW TO APPLY
To confirm that applicants have thoroughly read the job posting, please include the word "Illuminated" in the “Anything else you would like us to know?” question or in your cover letter.
Hesitant to apply? Even if you don't check 100% of the boxes above, but feel your skill set and drive match our mission, we strongly encourage you to apply!
Thank you for your time, consideration, and interest!
Paige Whitehead, Co-Founder & CEO of Lux Bio
Pay: $65,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Stock options
- Work from home
Application question(s):
- When is your earliest available start date?
- Anything else you would like us to know?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC V6P 3V9
