At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operations for AI safety programmes and streamline processes for maximum efficiency.
- Company: Join the Cambridge AI Safety Hub, a leader in AI safety initiatives.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, unlimited PTO, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth from Operations Associate to Chief of Staff.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI safety while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a proactive mindset; no prior AI expertise needed.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Summary
Cambridge AI Safety Hub (CAISH) is a field‑building organisation working to reduce catastrophic and existential risks from advanced AI.
We help talented people understand AI safety, build relevant skills, and contribute to the field.
Key Responsibilities
In practice, you will keep track of operational detail, ensure people have what they need, improve recurring processes and spot potential breakdowns.
- Programme logistics: participant onboarding, application tracking, visa guidance, catering, venue booking, accommodation and day‑to‑day coordination across MARS, the Hardware Assurance Programme, and student programmes.
- Systems & tooling: keep Airtable, shared Claude Team, Google Workspace, forms, automations, records and internal trackers clear, reliable and easier for the team to use.
- Finance & contracting: work alongside the Finance Director of Meridian Cambridge on contractor agreements, stipends, bursaries, expenses, payments and clean programme‑level spend tracking.
For complex finance, legal, HR or compliance questions, collaborate with Meridian and other specialists.
- Hiring processes: coordinate recruitment end‑to‑end including applicant tracking, scheduling, interviews, candidate communication and maintaining a smooth process from application through offer.
- Strategy: decide what we measure, identify bottlenecks, choose automation opportunities and build operating rhythms that enable better decision‑making.
- Continuous improvement: spend part of each week improving and automating systems while handling day‑to‑day logistics.
- How We Work
CAISH runs on an ownership model that gives each person enough context to self‑direct without mandatory sign‑offs.
As the first operations hire you will own both the practical aspects of running programmes and the strategic work of streamlining processes.
- Levels
- Operations Manager
- Owning CAISH’s day‑to‑day operations and programme logistics swiftly; making the operational side clearer, more reliable and easier for the rest of the team to build on.
- Operations Associate
- Hired for potential with a narrower set of responsibilities, structured support and clearer priorities.
Initial goal is to manage defined processes and parts of programme logistics, then grow into broader operational ownership.
How the role could grow
The natural next step for an Associate is growing into an Operations Manager.
From there, strong performance in systems, delivery and team management could lead to Head of Operations.
Strong coordination, prioritisation and helping the co‑directors could lead to Chief of Staff.
- Who We’re Looking For
- Clarify messy work: when something is handed to you it gets clearer and you identify missing information and stakeholders.
- Visible organisation: your trackers, checklists, calendars and follow‑ups keep the team aware of what needs to happen, who owns it and when it is due.
- Conscientious: notice how an email lands, how a form feels to fill and where a participant might get confused or frustrated.
- Comfortable in a startup: proactive about improvements, calm when the day doesn’t go to plan and able to push back when something does not make sense.
- Growth‑oriented: want to build judgement, learn new tools and turn recurring work into systems; motivated by the mission even without AI safety expertise.
About The Role
Hours
Full‑time, 40 hours a week, flexible working hours and unlimited PTO.
Location
Cambridge, UK. Must be based in Cambridge and present in the office regularly. Not a fully remote role; mandatory presence at major CAISH events.
Travel
Occasional conferences, retreats and field‑building opportunities, likely 2–4 times per year.
Development
As the first dedicated operations hire you will shape how we run and take on more responsibility and compensation over time.
What We Offer
Salary ranges
- Operations Associate: £40,000–£50,000 (≈ $53,000–$66,500)
- Operations Manager: £55,000–£65,000 (≈ $73,000–$86,500)
- Pension: workplace pension with a 4% employer contribution.
- Relocation & visas: relocation stipend and visa sponsorship for non‑UK residents.
- Autonomy: work autonomously, feedback is questions rather than critique.
- Development: coaching, regular feedback and investment in professional growth.
- Working setup: flexible hours, unlimited PTO, tech stipend, professional development stipend, coworking space in central Cambridge.
- Hiring Process
- 19 July 2026, 23:59 Ao E – Initial application deadline
- 26 July 2026 – Short async interview
- 9 August 2026 – Paid take‑home work trial
- 24 August 2026 – Panel interview
- 31 August 2026 – Final offer
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Operations Lead for AI Safety Programs in Cambridge employer: Cambridge AI Safety Hub
At Cambridge AI Safety Hub, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where every team member is empowered to take ownership of their role. With flexible working hours, unlimited PTO, and a strong focus on professional development, we provide our employees with the tools and support they need to thrive in their careers while contributing to the critical mission of AI safety. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, our team enjoys a unique blend of autonomy and teamwork, making it an exceptional place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
