Research Grants Coordinator

Mercor • San Francisco, CA

4d • $140,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Grants Coordinator will help run Mercor’s research funding programs, initially overseeing $10 million in funding. The role works closely with Mercor’s research team and external researchers to move projects from application through funding, delivery, and publication. It coordinates the day-to-day grantmaking process, builds relationships across the research community, and provides applicants and grantees with clear, timely support.

Requirements

• Ideally 2–3 years of experience in program coordination, research operations, grant administration, consulting, or a related role.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and relationships.
• Clear, concise writing and confidence working with researchers, applicants, and internal teams.
• Ability to follow through, resolve problems independently, and know when to ask for input.
• Curiosity about AI research and ability to understand and summarize a project’s goals and progress.
• Comfort handling confidential proposals and funding information, adapting to changing priorities, and improving processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage grant applications, organize reviews with Mercor researchers, track decisions, and keep applicants informed.
• Reach out to applicants and potential applicants to explain the grants process and keep them informed.
• Serve as the main operational contact for funded researchers; coordinate onboarding, answer questions, and connect grantees with relevant people and resources.
• Track project milestones, budgets, and deliverables; follow up on progress and flag issues early.
• Coordinate grant agreements and payments with legal, finance, and operations teams.
• Identify prospective applicants, support outreach to universities and research organizations, and help grow the community around Mercor’s funding programs.
• Coordinate project updates, publications, and announcements, and help the team understand funded projects’ achievements.
• Build systems for tracking grants, managing communications, and reporting on program progress.
• Organize kickoff, check-in, and wrap-up events for grantees and the wider research community.

Benefits

• $10,000 proximity bonus for living within 0.5 miles of an office.
• $1,500 monthly meal stipend.
• Free Equinox membership.
• $200 monthly laundry reimbursement.
• $200 monthly personal wellness reimbursement.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Up to $15,000 relocation bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed