[Hiring] Partner, UK Partnerships & Programmes - Convergent Research @EQL Tech

Role Description

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 will:

• Lead UK Residency & FRO pipeline: Own the execution of our UK Residency program, identify and source breakthrough research concepts, recruit founding teams, shepherd them through the Residency, and launch new FROs.
• Manage UK Office and Hiring: Build operational foundations, support recruitment, and ensure our UK entity can support a growing FRO portfolio.
• Grow UK government and funding relationships: Deepen partnerships with ARIA and build relationships with UKRI, Innovate UK, and other funding agencies.
• Represent Convergent in UK policy and science circles: Engage with policymakers, build relationships with university leadership, and ensure the FRO model is valued by the UK science establishment.
• Provide board governance: Serve as voting board member on multiple UK-based FROs, ensuring milestones align with scientific ambition and funder requirements.
• Shape Convergent's UK/Europe strategy: Work with leadership to refine our UK expansion roadmap and ensure we scale effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience in both the startup world and the UK science/policy world.
• Ability to navigate UKRI grant portals and understand government-funded processes.
• Experience in building teams and systems from the ground up.
• Comfort with ambiguity and evolving roles as the UK presence matures.

Requirements

• UK science ecosystem fluency: Understanding of British research funding, university structures, and charity/nonprofit regulations.
• Program management: Experience in designing and running cohort-based programs.
• Strategic + ops chops: Ability to build long-term roadmaps and address immediate operational issues.
• Board experience: Comfort with governance and fiduciary responsibility.
• Relationship builder: Extensive network across UK research institutions and funding bodies.
• Excellent judgment under uncertainty: Ability to pressure-test strategy and make informed decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Empathy for scientists and a healthy disrespect for traditional academic incentives.
• Comfort with wearing many hats.

Benefits

• Base salary: £150,000 - £200,000 a year.
• Pension contributions and healthcare.
• Standard workplace benefits.