Grant Writer & Research Manager
Job Summary
We are seeking a candidate who possesses a strong research
background, exceptional grant-writing skills, and the ability to
lead complex projects that advance innovation and economic
development initiatives. This role will lead grant development and
management activities, support Utah organizations in securing
external funding, and conduct research and analysis on key
statewide innovation and economic development priorities.
The Nucleus Institute team at the Utah System of Higher Education
is ardently engaged in steering a multitude of pioneering projects
within the state, each designed to harness the innovative capital
of Utah's academic and economic vitality. Notably, the team is at
the forefront of the Innovation District at The Point project,
designing and activating Convergence Hall, an innovation Campus.
This ambitious project is a nexus where academia, industry leaders,
and policy makers converge to foster a symbiotic ecosystem,
encouraging the exchange of ideas and the nurturing of innovation.
The environment is meticulously designed to spur research and
development, start-up incubation, and collaborative opportunities
that can translate academic research into tangible societal
benefits.
Furthermore, the team is instrumental in managing the $40 million
Nucleus Fund. This significant investment underscores Utah's
commitment to economic progression by methodically commercializing
a range of breakthrough technologies. These are discoveries,
advancements, or developments that are connected within Utah's
higher education institutions. By providing essential capital,
mentorship, and strategic guidance, the fund aims to shepherd these
innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, thereby
solidifying Utah's reputation as a crucible of innovation.
Additionally, the Nucleus Institute supports a variety of programs
and events across the Utah deep tech ecosystem including Nucleus
Grow, Utah Policy Innovation Lab, ProLab, MarketEdge, and Global.
All of these programs support the commercialization and innovation
of deep tech research and development.
Responsibilities
Grant Development & Management
- Identify, evaluate, and maintain a pipeline of federal, state,
foundation, and industry grant opportunities aligned with
organizational priorities.
Lead the development, writing, and submission of competitive
grant proposals and funding applications.
Coordinate with the organization's grant support partners to
ensure high-quality proposal development, compliance, and
submission processes.
Manage grant timelines, deliverables, reporting requirements,
and post-award compliance activities.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop
project scopes, budgets, work plans, and evaluation metrics.
Monitor funding trends and emerging grant opportunities
relevant to innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development,
research commercialization, and economic development.
Maintain records of grant activities, funding outcomes,
proposal submissions, and reporting obligations.
Research & Analysis
- Conduct original research and analysis on innovation,
technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, workforce
development, and economic development trends impacting Utah.
- Lead data collection, literature reviews, benchmarking studies,
and policy research to support organizational initiatives.
- Develop research reports, white papers, policy briefs, and
presentations for public and private sector stakeholders.
- Serve as a lead researcher for the Nucleus Institute's annual
State of Innovation Report and related publications.
- Analyze Utah's innovation ecosystem and identify opportunities
to strengthen research commercialization, startup formation, talent
development, and capital formation.
- Support the development of metrics and frameworks for measuring
innovation ecosystem performance and impact.
Stakeholder & Ecosystem Support
- Provide grant support and technical assistance to Utah-based
startups, universities, nonprofits, economic development
organizations, and community partners seeking external
funding.
- Facilitate collaboration among research institutions, industry
partners, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, workshops,
and stakeholder engagements across Utah's innovation
ecosystem.
Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to attend events outside of normal working hours as
needed.
- Willingness to travel for projects, meetings, and institutional
site visits.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or
equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. Assumes
work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for
1 year of directly related work experience).
Preferences
- Ph.D. in a relevant field such as public policy, economics,
business, engineering, science, technology, innovation studies, or
a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience serving as Principal Investigator (PI)
or leading major research and grant-funded projects.
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN45475B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday8 AM to 5 PMThis
position will be on-site
Department: 02488 - Nucleus Institute
Location: Other
Pay Rate Range: $70,000 to $80,000
Close Date: 09/26/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9746812"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204177
je-0046b62dcbd6404a8b9460260ca4cd16
