Definition

Research funding that comes from grants and external sources rather than the institution's permanent budget, meaning your salary depends on constantly hustling for the next grant. It's as stable as it sounds.

Example Usage

My position is 80% soft money, so I spend half my time doing research and the other half panic-writing grant proposals to fund next year's research.

Origin

Research administration terminology from mid-20th century

Fun Fact

Scientists on soft money positions often joke that 'soft' refers to how you'll be sleeping when the grant funding runs out

Source: Research administration and grant management terminology

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wadr

with all due respect...