At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK operations, build partnerships, and drive innovative research programmes.
- Company: Join a pioneering nonprofit focused on breakthrough science and institutional design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, healthcare, and mission-aligned compensation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a vibrant ecosystem.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK science and make a real impact in research innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK science policy, program management, and building teams.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 200000 £ per year.
We're looking for a seasoned executive who can build and scale Convergent's UK presence while navigating the intersection of breakthrough science, institutional design, and UK science policy. As our Partner for UK Operations & Programs, you'll lead our ARIA partnership, run our UK Residency program, build our on-the-ground team and infrastructure, sit on FRO boards, and represent Convergent across the UK science and policy ecosystem. You'll interface with ARIA, UKRI, Innovate UK, and government leadership while maintaining our standards for ambitious, high-integrity science.
If you've built teams and organizations from the ground up, understand both startup velocity and UK public sector dynamics, and believe British science policy can actually enable moonshots rather than just talk about them, you'll fit in great here.
Convergent Research exists to bring entirely new scientific institutions into the world: Focused Research Organizations (FROs). These are purpose-built, mission-driven orgs designed to solve technological bottlenecks, unlock whole new fields, and lead to scaled revolutions. We've launched more than 10 FROs globally and proven that the model works. We've raised over $350 million and catalyzed $300+ million in follow-on investment. Now we're scaling intentionally into the UK, and this is a critical inflection point for that expansion.
This role is critical because UK expansion represents both massive opportunity and serious operational complexity. The person who joins in this role will be setting a lot of where our UK (and broader European) strategy goes. In addition to a strong strategic leader, we need someone who can work hand in hand with our US-based team to help manage UK-specific infrastructure around hiring, systems, governance, and partnerships while also growing a portfolio of world-class FROs that maintain the speed, ambition, and scientific rigor Convergent is known for.
You're joining at a moment that is neither all risk nor all rote—we have early traction and strong partnerships, but plenty of room for experimentation. You'll be joining a team that is ambitious, irreverent, and deeply committed to enabling breakthrough science. If you're excited about building institutions from scratch, UK science policy and innovation ecosystems, and helping founders build lasting organizations without drowning in bureaucracy, this is your role.
The Role:
- Lead UK Residency & FRO pipeline: Own the execution of our UK Residency program. Identify and source breakthrough research concepts from across British universities and institutes, recruit stellar founding teams, shepherd them through the Residency, and launch new FROs in partnership with ARIA and other funders.
- Manage UK Office and Hiring: Help our team continue to build the operational foundations Convergent needs in the UK, supporting recruitment of new team members and ensuring our UK entity can support a growing FRO portfolio.
- Grow UK government and funding relationships: Deepen our partnership with ARIA while building relationships with UKRI, Innovate UK, DSIT, and other agencies funding high-risk research.
- Represent Convergent in UK policy and science circles: Be Convergent's face in London, Cambridge, and beyond. Speak at conferences, engage with policymakers, build relationships with university leadership and research directors.
- Provide board governance: Serve as voting board member on multiple UK-based FROs, bringing strategic oversight, removing blockers, ensuring milestones align with both scientific ambition and funder requirements.
- Shape Convergent's UK/Europe strategy: Work with Convergent leadership to refine our UK expansion roadmap, identify which partnerships and programs align with our mission.
Requirements:
The Ideal Person For This Role:
- You've operated in both the startup world and the UK science/policy world, and you believe research can move much faster.
- You're equally comfortable whiteboarding with a systems biologist and navigating UKRI grant portals.
- You've built teams and systems from the ground up.
- You're comfortable with ambiguity and able to evolve the role as our UK presence matures.
Must-Have Superpowers:
- UK science ecosystem fluency: Deep understanding of British research funding, university structures, charity/nonprofit regulations.
- Program management: Experience designing, running, and iterating cohort-based programs.
- Strategic + ops chops: Can build five-year roadmaps and also fix immediate issues.
- Board experience: Comfort with governance and making tough calls.
- Relationship builder: Extensive network across UK research institutions.
- Excellent judgment under uncertainty: Can pressure-test strategy and make calls with incomplete information.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
Bonus Points:
- Experience at ARIA, UKRI, Innovate UK, or similar.
- Track record of securing large UK government grants.
- Deep relationships at top research universities.
Benefits:
Base salary: £150,000 - £200,000 a year. Benefits to include pension contributions, healthcare and other standard workplace benefits.
Partner, UK Partnerships & Programmes - Convergent Research employer: EQL Tech
Convergent Research is an exceptional employer for those passionate about pioneering scientific advancements and building impactful institutions. With a vibrant work culture that values ambition and innovation, employees are empowered to shape the future of UK science policy while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous salary and comprehensive healthcare. The opportunity for professional growth is immense as you collaborate with leading researchers and government bodies, making a tangible difference in the scientific landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner, UK Partnerships & Programmes - Convergent Research
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like EQL Tech.
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We think you need these skills to ace Partner, UK Partnerships & Programmes - Convergent Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of EQL Tech. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Partner, UK Partnerships & Programmes - Convergent Research, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at EQL Tech
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of EQL Tech. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
