The Existential Risk Alliance (ERA) is hiring four Research Managers to support world-renowned programs in frontier AI safety, AI governance, AI security, and biosecurity. Roles are based in Cambridge, UK, with full-time and part-time options, including fully remote possibilities. Experienced researchers and research leaders are invited to apply by 28 August 2026.
About ERA
ERA is a Cambridge-based talent and research organization dedicated to reducing catastrophic risks from frontier AI and emerging technologies. Since its founding, it has supported over 200 researchers from 30+ countries, helping them build careers in AI safety, governance, biosecurity, and public policy.
Fellows benefit from mentorship by top institutions like the UK AI Security Institute (AISI), RAND, GovAI, and Google DeepMind. ERA also runs flagship initiatives such as the Technical AI Governance Forum, the Vegas AI Security Forum, the ERA:AI Fellowship, the AIxBiosecurity Fellowship, and the Frontier AI Security Residency.
As ERA expands in 2027, Research Managers will be central to building research infrastructure, mentoring emerging scholars, and driving strategic initiatives in global AI safety and biosecurity.
Open Positions
ERA is recruiting for four distinct roles:
- ERA:AI Research Manager (Full-time) – Cambridge, UK
- ERA:AI Research Manager (Part-time) – Remote or Cambridge
- AIxBio Research Manager (Full-time) – Cambridge, UK
- AIxBio Research Manager (Part-time) – Remote or Cambridge
Full-time salaries range from £60,000 to £90,000; part-time roles are paid on a pro-rata basis. The preferred start date is 1 November 2026, with earlier starts possible.
What Research Managers Do
Research Managers provide the intellectual backbone of ERA’s programs. Beyond administrative duties, they guide ambitious research, mentor early-career fellows, identify neglected research questions, and turn complex ideas into rigorous, policy-relevant projects.
They oversee research portfolios, collaborate with fellows, mentors, policymakers, and technical researchers, and help shape ERA’s long-term strategy by identifying emerging priorities in AI safety, governance, verification, security, and biosecurity.
This role uniquely combines research leadership, program design, mentorship, community building, and strategic thinking in one of the fastest-evolving fields in tech governance.
Who Should Apply
ERA welcomes diverse candidate profiles and does not expect applicants to meet every criterion. Strong candidates typically have deep expertise in either AI safety and governance or biosecurity, along with excellent research judgment and experience evaluating or conducting high-quality research.
Required skills include outstanding written and verbal communication, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to work independently in highly collaborative settings.
For ERA:AI roles, experience in frontier AI, governance, alignment, control, verification, or technical AI policy is valuable. For AIxBio roles, expertise in biosecurity, public health, biological risk, or related fields is especially relevant.
Experience mentoring researchers, reviewing proposals, managing portfolios, or bridging academia and policy is a strong plus.
Benefits & International Support
ERA offers an attractive package for professional growth and wellbeing:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- £5,000 annual professional development budget
- Productivity and equipment allowance
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Private health insurance (dental & vision included)
- Four weeks of recommended paid time off
- Visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants
- Relocation support for overseas hires
This is complemented by a mission-driven culture that values intellectual autonomy, collaboration, and real societal impact.
Application Process
The recruitment process is designed to find exceptional research talent while respecting candidates’ time through compensated assessment stages:
- Initial application – CV or LinkedIn profile plus brief motivation questions.
- Interview with the ERA team.
- Paid work trial for full-time applicants.
- Reference checks and final offers (expected late September 2026).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is a major advantage.
Tips for a Strong Application
Your CV should highlight research achievements, publications, mentoring experience, project leadership, and collaborations with academic or policy institutions. Focus on measurable research impact, influential publications, grants, fellowships, and interdisciplinary work.
Your motivation statement should explain why you’re committed to mitigating catastrophic risks from frontier AI or biosecurity, and show familiarity with the evolving research landscape. Demonstrate your ability to identify important questions, evaluate evidence critically, and translate technical work into decision-relevant policy.
Candidates with experience connecting academia, government, and industry should showcase successful collaborations, as these are central to ERA’s model.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This is a rare chance to shape the future of frontier AI safety and biosecurity while mentoring the next generation of researchers. With substantial autonomy, international collaboration, and direct access to leading AI governance organizations, these roles are an exceptional platform for scholars who want to combine rigorous research with real-world impact.
Application Deadline: 28 August 2026
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