At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow the MATS extension program, supporting AI safety researchers.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation focused on reducing AI risks and fostering talent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI safety while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in program management or related fields; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 130000 £ per year.
Run and grow the MATS extension program (~80 fellows per 6-month cohort). Serve as interface for and link between fellows, RMs and operations for program-related matters. Raise the bar cohort over cohort affecting hundreds of upcoming AI safety researchers per year. MATS Research aims to find and train talented individuals for what we see as the world's most urgent and talent-constrained problem: reducing risks from advanced artificial intelligence. Our mission is to maximize the impact and development of emerging researchers through mentorship, guidance, and resources. We believe that ambitious researchers from a variety of backgrounds have the potential to contribute to the fields of AI alignment, control, security, and governance research.
About the Extension Program: MATS exists to accelerate high-impact fellows, output high-impact research, and grow the AI safety field. The 6-12 month MATS extension is where a substantial part of that materializes and gets done. It follows our 12-week main program and provides fellows three key ingredients: the time and infrastructure to carry research momentum through to completion and beyond; a structured bridge into full-time safety work; and a conducive environment for professional growth and community.
Recent extension cohorts have had 70–80 fellows, selected from the strongest main-program fellows. They continue their AI safety research with dedicated mentorship and support from MATS through research management, compute, stipend, operations and community. Fellows work across our London and Berkeley offices, and remotely from cities around the world. By the end of the extension, our fellows typically have at least one publication at a major ML conference, and have secured their next career step, landing safety positions at frontier AI companies, AISI, or smaller research organizations; pursuing an academic position or independent research funding; launching new safety organizations; or continuing into further research.
The Role: As an Extension Program Manager, you will contribute to and own the day-to-day running of the MATS extension program. You'll be the interface for and link between fellows, Research Managers (RMs), and operations for program-related matters. You raise the bar cohort over cohort to run and further develop our world-class programs affecting hundreds of upcoming AI safety researchers per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Run the extension lifecycle end-to-end: onboarding and offboarding, program milestones.
- Maintain accessible and scalable program processes: extension fellow handbook, internal and external guidelines, documentation.
- Coordinate across operations, research, compute, and community teams as part of a global program team.
- Prioritize and ship iterative improvements to the program's processes, tools, and workflows.
- Run and grow extension programming and on-site delivery including workshops, seminars, professional-development sessions, and events.
- Design curriculum, new initiatives, and pilots that strengthen the fellows' experience and contribute to their professional development.
- Serve as the program-level point of contact for fellows and MATS staff through the extension.
- Perform impact analyses to assess program delivery and outcomes, and identify and implement improvements ensuring world-class program quality.
Essential Qualifications and Skills:
- 2+ years of professional experience across a subset of program or operations management, AI/ML research, project or product management in a technical industry.
- Strong alignment with the MATS mission of reducing catastrophic risks from the development of advanced AI systems.
- Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written for internal and external audiences.
- Ability to process and analyze data to draw conclusions.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills:
- Demonstrated excellence in program, product, or project management.
- Strong experience in machine learning and technical AI safety or governance.
- Experience in hiring for technical or research roles.
What We Offer: High-leverage opportunity to shape the trajectory of MATS extension fellows into careers in AI safety & security. Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment where AI and safety are the central topics. Professional development and skill enhancement opportunities. Competitive salary. Access to our office spaces in London and Berkeley, and other partnered office spaces.
How to Apply: Please fill out the form. Applications will be considered until August 27, with priority given to candidates who apply before June 30, 2026. The anticipated start date for this role is as early as July 2026.
Program Manager - Extension Program (London) employer: Aisafety
MATS Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in London that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to mentorship and support, MATS empowers its team members to shape the future of AI safety while providing competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for impactful contributions to the field. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values diverse backgrounds and fosters innovation in tackling one of the world's most pressing challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Manager - Extension Program (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former fellows and team members at MATS. They can give you insider info on the program and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into AI safety topics. Familiarise yourself with recent research and trends. This will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the MATS mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Highlight experiences where you've successfully switched gears or taken on new responsibilities. MATS loves self-motivated individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MATS team and contributing to the future of AI safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager - Extension Program (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for AI safety and research shine through in your application. We want to see why you're excited about the role and how you align with our mission at MATS.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aisafety
✨Know the Program Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the MATS extension program. Understand its goals, structure, and recent cohorts. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with their mission of nurturing AI safety researchers.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, be ready to discuss examples from your past where you've successfully adapted to changing responsibilities. Highlight specific instances where you took initiative and turned broad goals into actionable plans.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you might face in managing a cohort or coordinating with RMs and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to keep things organised.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As the link between fellows, RMs, and operations, strong communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past, whether through written reports or verbal presentations, and how this skill will benefit the MATS team.
