Position overview

Position title: Grant Writer (Academic Coordinator II)

Salary range: See Table 36 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $84,246 annually.

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: July 1, 2026

Position duration: This position has a current end date of June 30, 2028

Application Window

Open date: May 26, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Jun 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI) at UC Merced is seeking a full-time Grant Writer to support the emerging UC Merced Earth Institute and its affiliated Centers through grant acquisition, research team development, co-production of knowledge, and engagement in focal research areas, particularly fire resilience, sustainable energy, and nature-based climate solutions.

The Grant Writer is expected to work with institute leadership (Faculty Director and Executive Director) to develop, implement, and administer the vision, strategy, and goals of externally funded research within our institute. Their primary role is to work closely with Institute Principal Investigators and other stakeholders to develop multi-investigator proposals for extramural funding from federal, state, and other sponsors and organizations. They will also generate scientific communications related to institute research initiatives and outcomes to inform policy, management, societal, and other impacts and implications of research.

The successful candidate will have a strong record of grant acquisition, preferably related to climate and environmental research. They must be a detail oriented, self-motivated, team player with ability to multi-task and excellent communication skills. Strong interest in advancing science and solutions for urgent socio-environmental challenges and subject-matter expertise for that allow high-level interactions with diverse academic disciplines are essential for this role.

Duties:

Conduct outreach to institute faculty/researchers and other internal and external stakeholders to identify and implement new opportunities for team and convergence science.
Source, collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends in research, team science, and research funding landscape; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve programmatic goals and functions.
Contribute to and inform on strategic program/entity planning and related funding and financial sustainability.
Write and/or edit complex content for proposals, research grants, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities.
Serve as a resource expert to support growth and development of institute faculty and research programs.
Develop or contribute to outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising/funding.
Work with institute staff and other campus units to achieve objectives; may mentor or supervise students.
Other duties as assigned and depending on expertise.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Master's Degree or equivalent in Life, Physical, or Social Sciences required by the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences or a related area is preferred. PhD Candidates who are all but dissertation (ABD) will be considered. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated track record of securing research funding (grants, fellowships) along with a strong publication record related to climate and environmental research, excellent written communication, organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills.