Join SaferAI as a Research Program Manager – High-Impact AI Safety Research Operations Job in Paris & London @Impact AI Safety Research Operations Job in Paris & London

SaferAI Job Summary

• Job Title: Research Program Manager
• Job Location: Paris, France / London, UK (Remote considered for exceptional candidates)
• Closing date: Rolling applications (position closes when filled)
• Contract: Not specified (full-time implied)

Overview

SaferAI is seeking its first Research Program Manager to enhance the execution, coordination, and operational excellence of its research teams dedicated to advanced AI risk reduction.

This non-technical role supports subject-matter leads by establishing robust systems for planning, feedback, team health, and research delivery.

The position is pivotal in enabling impactful research across AI governance, risk modeling, technical standards, and policy, allowing researchers to focus on their core intellectual work while operational complexities are effectively managed.

About SaferAI

SaferAI is committed to reducing large-scale AI risks through the development of governance frameworks and technical infrastructure for effective AI risk management.

Its work encompasses four key domains: frontier AI risk management, risk modeling, technical standards, and policy development.

Operating from Paris (headquarters), London, and remotely, SaferAI’s multidisciplinary team includes computer scientists, engineers, physicists, policy experts, and risk specialists tackling high-stakes challenges in AI safety and governance.

Management Philosophy

SaferAI believes that high-quality research depends on a balance between strong intellectual leadership and structured operational support.

Subject-matter leads focus on research direction and technical depth, while the Research Program Manager ensures that operational systems are effective, scalable, and sustainable.

The role collaborates closely with the Executive Director and COO to foster clarity, accountability, and researcher wellbeing across all teams.

Responsibilities

People Management & Team Health (40%)

• Designing and maintaining performance review and feedback frameworks for researchers and team leads
• Conducting regular check-ins to monitor workload, wellbeing, and professional development
• Participating in recruitment processes, interviewing candidates, and strengthening team composition
• Supporting career development by helping researchers map trajectories, identify skill gaps, and access training or mentorship

Project & Program Management (40%)

• Removing administrative and operational barriers to research productivity
• Collaborating with subject-matter leads to translate research priorities into structured quarterly plans with clear milestones and ownership
• Overseeing project lifecycles from inception to dissemination, tracking progress to ensure timely delivery

Special Projects & Leadership Support (20%)

• Partnering with senior leadership on strategic initiatives and organizational development
• Leading internal operational improvement projects during periods of organizational growth

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 3+ years management experience in people and/or project management, ideally within research organizations, think tanks, consultancies, or startups
• Strong understanding of AI safety or related fields to facilitate effective collaboration
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and judgment in handling sensitive issues

• Proven ability to design and maintain systems for managing complex, long-term projects
• Service-oriented leadership focused on enabling team output, wellbeing, and retention
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to make sound decisions in evolving environments

Working Conditions

• Location: Paris or London preferred; remote considered for exceptional candidates
• Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and location

• Benefits:
• Health insurance and retirement plans where applicable
• 50% transportation cost coverage (home-to-work)
• Up to €2,000 annual productivity allowance
• Office access where applicable

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the official SaferAI careers page.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may close once filled.

The hiring process includes screening, interviews, a paid work test, and a final 3-day paid work trial involving direct team collaboration.

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement.