At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the EMEA PhD program, managing operations and partnerships for impactful AI research.
- Company: Join Meta's innovative FAIR team, advancing AI research globally.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on academic partnerships and global collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while collaborating with top universities and researchers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in program management, strong negotiation skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Meta's Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) team is dedicated to advancing research in artificial intelligence and delivering breakthroughs in a variety of areas. Our work spans the full spectrum of AI — from core theory and algorithms to applications, infrastructure, and responsible development. We actively engage with the research community through publications, open-source contributions, participation in top-tier conferences, and deep collaborations with leading academic institutions worldwide.
A cornerstone of FAIR's mission is our investment in the next generation of AI researchers. Through our EMEA PhD Program, we partner with top universities across Europe to co-supervise PhD students who conduct cutting-edge research alongside FAIR scientists while pursuing their doctoral degrees. The program operates across multiple countries and is a key driver of FAIR's academic partnerships and talent pipeline in the region.
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead our EMEA PhD program. This role manages the operations and partnerships that make the program a success— from negotiating university agreements to ensuring students and mentors have the support they need to produce high-impact research. You will serve as the primary point of contact for university partners, FAIR research leadership, and cross-functional teams across Meta, and maintain the operational excellence and governance rigor that a program of this scale and sensitivity requires.
The ideal candidate combines deep experience in academic program management or university relations with a track record of building and scaling complex programs in a fast-paced, global environment. You are a strategic thinker who can also execute with attention to detail and accuracy — comfortable navigating legal agreements, cross-cultural partnerships, and research community norms.
Responsibilities:- Program Operations & Governance
- Contribute to the program roadmap and drive the execution of key initiatives
- Manage the full program lifecycle: student onboarding, mentor matching, ongoing support, and program completions
- Implement and enforce program governance
- Oversee PhD students across multiple countries, ensuring they have a well-supported and productive experience
- Design and run operational processes that scale
- University Partnerships & Agreements
- Build and maintain deep relationships with university leaders, department heads, and PhD advisors across EMEA
- Drive negotiations and execution of Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs) and collaboration frameworks with university partners
- Mentor & Stakeholder Enablement
- Partner closely with FAIR researchers to define project scopes and set expectations for student supervision
- Facilitate alignment between Meta mentors and academic advisors on research direction, publication plans, and student development
- External Representation & Community Engagement
- Represent Meta's PhD programs at academic conferences and university career events
- Develop content and participate in presentations to engage prospective students and academic partners
- Collaborate with recruiting on external positioning, career site content, and brand campaigns to attract top PhD talent
- 5+ years of program/project management experience, with significant experience managing academic, research, or university partnership programs
- Experience in negotiating and managing institutional agreements or contracts (e.g., sponsored research agreements, MOUs, partnership frameworks)
- Strong cross-functional collaboration: demonstrated ability to drive outcomes across Legal, Finance, HR, Recruiting, and research stakeholders without direct authority
- Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and presentational — with the ability to effectively engage cross-functional partners and external stakeholders
- Experience working in international/multi-country contexts, ideally across the EMEA region
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage competing priorities effectively
- Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience managing PhD programs, postdoctoral programs, or academic fellowship programs
- Track record of representing organizations externally at academic events
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
- Familiarity with academic research culture, publication norms, and PhD supervision dynamics
- A PhD in a relevant field
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
- Experience working directly with AI/ML research teams or in an AI research organization
About Meta: Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
Research Program Manager, Academic Relations in City of Westminster employer: Meta
Meta is an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about advancing artificial intelligence research. With a strong commitment to employee growth through initiatives like the EMEA PhD Program, Meta fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture that encourages deep engagement with academic institutions and cutting-edge research. Employees benefit from a dynamic environment that not only values their contributions but also provides opportunities for professional development and participation in global academic events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Program Manager, Academic Relations in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the academic and AI research community. Attend conferences, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for AI! When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for advancing AI research. Share your experiences and how they align with Meta's mission—this will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for program management roles, especially in academic settings. Practice your responses, focusing on your experience with university partnerships and managing complex programmes. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about joining us at Meta and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just head over to our careers page!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Program Manager, Academic Relations in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Program Manager role. Highlight your experience in academic program management and any relevant partnerships you've built. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Meta!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone who can think strategically while executing details. In your application, share instances where you’ve successfully managed complex programmes or navigated challenging situations. This will show us you can handle the demands of the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensure they get into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Meta!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meta
✨Know Your Program Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the EMEA PhD program and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Research Program Manager role, including managing partnerships and ensuring student support. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating university agreements, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in this area. Bring specific examples of successful negotiations you've led, especially those related to academic or research partnerships. Highlight your ability to navigate complex agreements and maintain strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
The position requires working closely with various teams like Legal, Finance, and HR. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across different functions in previous roles. Emphasise your communication skills and how you’ve driven outcomes without direct authority.
✨Engage with AI and Research Culture
Given the focus on AI research, it’s crucial to show your familiarity with the academic research culture and publication norms. Discuss any relevant experience you have in AI or ML, and how you’ve integrated these tools into your work. This will demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
