Writing grant applications as a new academic/faculty member I am a new faculty member at a University. In the last 5 months since I started, I have applied (or in process of applying) 4 research grants (2 internal applied, 2 external in the process).
What I have found difficult is that for the current two external grants, I feel I need to do a lot of research myself, learn new topics, techniques, and/or algorithms. The call-for-grants do not exactly match my existing research expertise, though the domains are the same.
My question is about spending a lot of time researching to learn new techniques/tools/algorithms to be able to apply for a grant. Is it normal, or is my approach wrong and I should not apply for those grants? I am feeling a bit lost. It seems challenging to decide if it is wise for me to spend my time writing grants for calls not exactly matching my area.
Researching for my applications and writing them does not leave enough time for me to do my own publishable research (in a publish-or-perish culture) as I have to do teaching as well as other non-teaching services at university.
My mentor told me, &quot;If you aren't getting rejections on your grants, you aren't submitting enough applications.&quot;  That is true, with some caveats.  I think you ultimately need to be focused on a particular area.  You can move toward the boundaries of your area -- but, be careful about &quot;chasing&quot; money.  To develop as a scholar, you should think about creating a coherent portfolio of research.  When you look at grant opportunities, consider the likelihood of getting funded and whether that is an area you are really willing to invest your time.
The other thing my mentor taught me:  &quot;Work to live. Don't live to work.&quot;  Keep that one in your back pocket.