SaferAI Research Program Manager Position 2026 — Full Role Overview, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Application Guide

SaferAI, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to reducing large-scale AI risks, is hiring its first-ever Research Program Manager. This is a pivotal opportunity for mission-driven professionals who want to shape the operational backbone of one of the world’s most influential AI safety organizations. The role is designed for someone who thrives at the intersection of people management, research operations, and strategic execution.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the role, SaferAI’s mission, responsibilities, qualifications, benefits, and the application process. It is optimized for high SEO visibility and structured for clarity.

About SaferAI

SaferAI is a non-profit organization focused on building the governance and technical infrastructure required for effective AI risk management. Their work spans four interconnected domains:

• Frontier AI Risk Management
• Risk Modeling
• Technical Standards
• Policy

SaferAI’s unique strength lies in its ability to operate across all four areas simultaneously, creating a synergistic impact that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The organization is headquartered in Paris, with a presence in London, and additional remote team members worldwide. The team includes experts from diverse fields such as computer science, physics, engineering, policy, and risk management — all united by a shared commitment to addressing urgent global challenges posed by advanced AI systems.

SaferAI’s Management Philosophy

SaferAI believes that excellent research requires two pillars:

1. Strong epistemic direction
2. Robust operational support

Subject-matter leads focus on intellectual direction, methodology, and technical mentorship. The Research Program Manager will build the systems, processes, and support structures that enable researchers to perform at their highest level.

This role is deeply collaborative, working closely with the Executive Director, COO, and research leads to create the conditions for high-quality, sustainable research execution.

Role Overview: Research Program Manager

The Research Program Manager will serve as a force multiplier, ensuring that researchers have the clarity, structure, and support they need to deliver impactful work. This is not a technical research role; instead, it is a strategic and operational leadership position.

The role is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in:

• Research operations
• AI safety
• Consulting
• Technical program management
• Startup operations
• Mission-driven research organizations

Candidates should bring strong judgment, humility, and a genuine desire to help research teams thrive.

Key Responsibilities

1. People Management & Team Health (40%)

You will help attract, develop, and retain top research talent while ensuring a healthy, sustainable work environment.

Core responsibilities include:

• Performance & Feedback Systems
  • Design and implement an organization-wide performance and feedback process.
  • Researchers and leads conduct the reviews; you own the structure, cadence, and quality of the system.
• 1-on-1 Support & Mentorship
  • Conduct regular check-ins with researchers.
  • Monitor workload, bandwidth, and well-being.
  • Foster psychological safety and sustainable work habits.
• Recruiting & Interviewing
  • Support hiring efforts by interviewing and evaluating candidates.
  • Help build a mission-aligned, high-performing research team.
• Career Development
  • Work with researchers to define career trajectories.
  • Identify skill gaps and facilitate access to training, conferences, and mentorship.

2. Project & Program Management (40%)

You will help translate research agendas into actionable plans and ensure smooth execution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Execution & Unblocking
  • Remove administrative or process barriers.
  • Serve as an operational partner to researchers.
• Timelines & Deliverables
  • Collaborate with subject-matter leads to create quarterly plans.
  • Define clear inputs, outputs, outcomes, owners, and milestones.
  • Oversee deliverables from scoping to dissemination.

3. Special Projects (20%)

You will support cross-cutting initiatives that strengthen SaferAI’s organizational foundations.

Examples include:

• Leadership Support
  • Partner with the Executive Director and COO on strategic initiatives.
• Capacity Building
  • Lead internal development projects during periods of organizational growth.

What SaferAI Is Looking For

Management Experience

• Minimum 3+ years in people and project management.
• Experience in research organizations, think tanks, consultancies, or fast-paced startups is ideal.

AI Safety Literacy

• Strong foundational understanding of the AI safety landscape.
• Ability to communicate effectively with researchers.
• Experience conducting research projects is a plus.

High Emotional Intelligence & Discretion

• Ability to handle sensitive information with care.
• Skilled at giving honest, constructive advice.
• Strong social and systemic awareness.

Operational Rigor

• Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple long-term, ambiguous projects.
• Able to design simple, durable systems.

Service-Oriented Leadership

• Motivated by enabling others to excel.
• Success measured by researcher output, health, and retention.

Comfort with Ambiguity

• Makes sound decisions with incomplete information.
• Builds progressively rather than waiting for perfect clarity.

Working Conditions

Location

• Preferred: Paris or London
• Remote considered for exceptionally strong candidates.

Compensation

• Competitive salary, based on experience and location.

Benefits

• Health insurance and retirement plans (location-specific)
• 50% transportation coverage
• Up to €2,000 annually for productivity expenditures
• Office space provided if relevant

How to Apply

To apply, complete the application form available on SaferAI’s website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. The job posting will be removed once the position is no longer available.

Hiring Process

The process typically includes:

1. Initial screening
2. First interview
3. Paid work test
4. Additional interviews
5. Final 3-day paid work trial with the team

SaferAI encourages candidates to apply even if they do not meet every requirement.

For questions, applicants may contact the team via the email provided on the SaferAI website.

 

Apply here

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