At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the EMEA PhD program, managing operations and partnerships for impactful AI research.
- Company: Join Meta's FAIR team, a leader in advancing artificial intelligence research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with international exposure and a chance to influence AI research.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI by mentoring the next generation of researchers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in program management with experience in academic partnerships.
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
Research Program Manager, Academic Relations in London employer: Meta
Meta is an exceptional employer for those passionate about advancing artificial intelligence research, particularly in the role of Research Program Manager for our EMEA PhD Program. With a strong commitment to employee growth and collaboration, we offer a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and engagement with leading academic institutions across Europe. Our investment in the next generation of AI researchers, combined with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and participation in top-tier conferences, makes Meta a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Program Manager, Academic Relations in London
✨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 collaborators. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Meta or any other company, make sure to highlight your experience in managing academic programs and partnerships. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex agreements or built strong relationships with universities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay current with trends in AI and academia. Read up on the latest research, tools, and practices in the field. This not only prepares you for interviews but also helps you engage in meaningful conversations with potential employers about how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Program Manager, Academic Relations in London
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 StudySmarter!
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 managing details. In your application, share instances where you’ve successfully navigated complex projects or negotiations. This will show us that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with finesse.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meta
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and developments in AI research. Brush up on Meta's FAIR team initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your program management skills, especially in academic settings. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated university partnerships or managed complex projects, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about the EMEA PhD program and its future direction. This not only demonstrates your interest but also your strategic thinking. Inquire about challenges they face and how you can contribute to overcoming them.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Given the cross-functional nature of the role, being able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your presentation skills.
