Director of UK Operations

About Topos Research UK and Topos Institute

Topos Research UK is an entrepreneurial, dynamic charity start-up in the UK (inc. 2024) with a parent charity start-up, Topos Institute in the US (inc. 2019). We are a non-profit research institute dedicated to realising a world where the systems that surround us benefit us all, so that society can better cooperate on critical issues — the climate crisis, pandemic responses, agricultural modelling, global access to education, and more — through interconnected systems that consider holistic impacts. We develop new tools for collective inquiry and modelling, enabled by a combination of novel foundational mathematics, open-source software engineering, and meaningful collaboration with domain specialists.The Opportunity

We seek a strategic Operations Director to lead the successful scaling of our rapidly growing UK operation. This is a pivotal, creative leadership role reporting directly to our Board of Trustees, with day-to-day collaboration with board representative Brendan Fong (Topos UK Trustee and Topos USA CEO).Current State

1-year-old entity with £500k annual revenue6 talented staff (research scientists, software engineers, postdocs)3 planned new staff members within the next 6 monthsTwo major grants: £600k (1-year) and £1.2M (2.25-year)Projected FY26 revenue: £1MThe Challenge

You’ll be our first senior operations hire, responsible for establishing the systems and culture that will enable Topos UK (and Topos as a whole) to thrive as we scale from startup to established institution, collaborating between the UK and US offices, and pioneering a new style of technology-oriented research organisation keenly focussed on improving lives.Key Responsibilities

Operations and Finance Leadership

Lead operations and finance for a projected £1M+ annual budget from research grantsSupport grant solicitation, budgeting, procurement, monitoring, and reportingCollaborate with financial consultants on organizational strategies, budgets, treasury, and tax affairsCoordinate with US-based Topos Institute on governance, consolidated reporting, and shared contractsStrategic Planning and Culture Building

Partner with the Board of Trustees and Topos Institute USA to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with our institutional missionChampion the critical role of operations and administration in achieving our research missionEstablish and nurture an organizational culture that:

Integrates diverse perspectives and lived experiencesViews uncertainty as opportunity for innovationBalances operational efficiency with academic freedomEmbodies public purpose, intellectual rigor, and collaboration

Team Leadership and Development

Nurture and mentor our growing team of 6+ researchers and engineersSupport individual career aspirations while building collective capacityWork with HR consultants to develop talent management systems and support organizational human resources needsFoster an environment where exceptional people can do their best workSystems and Infrastructure

Design and implement policies, internal controls, and procedures for sustainable growthOversee operational functions including inventory management and facilitiesOversee compliance, risk management, and organizational governanceManage physical space requirements, including future lease negotiationsCoordinate legal affairs with Board of Trustees, sourcing expertise as neededStakeholder Management

Serve as operational interface with funders, partners, and collaboratorsRepresent Topos UK’s capabilities and needs to external stakeholdersSupport business development for future grant and contract opportunitiesAssume additional responsibilities as organizational needs evolveWhat We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

5+ years in senior operations/finance roles at mission-driven organizationsProven ability to build systems and culture from the ground upExperience with research institutions, nonprofits, or technology startupsTrack record managing complex budgets and grant fundingTrack record of successfully impacting both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiativesLeadership Qualities

Collaborative, supportive management style with focus on team developmentSkilled at building consensus in a complex organisation and able to achieve results through influence and partnershipAbility to foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thriveExperience mediating differences and supporting individual team member successAbility to communicate clearly and collaboratively, both internally and externallyCreative problem-solving approach with strong analytical skillsCultural Fit

Intellectually curious with appreciation for technical researchMission-first orientation with commitment to public benefitComfortable with complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change; sees challenges as opportunities for growthCommitted to building inclusive, supportive team environmentsValues-driven leader who can balance efficiency with academic freedomMotivated by meaningful work that contributes to helping solve global-scale challengesValues continuous learning, diverse perspectives, and collaborative problem-solvingAbility to periodically travel to the head office in Berkeley, California, or other locations as neededFlexibility with working hours, to accommodate for collaboration across global time zonesEnergetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiativesPreferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in relevant field (business, nonprofit management, etc.)Experience with international organizations or multi-entity coordinationFamiliarity with academic research environmentsTechnical literacy sufficient to engage with mathematical/computational workWhy Topos UK

Exceptional Team: Collaborate with world-leading researchers and high calibre funding agencies.Inclusive Environment: Be part of building a diverse team where different perspectives are valued and everyone can contribute their best work.Meaningful Impact: Your operational excellence directly enables breakthrough research on humanity’s most pressing challenges—from climate change to public health to collaborative open science.Technical Innovation: Support the development of genuinely novel technologies that could transform how humanity approaches complex, collaborative decision-making.Supportive Culture: Join a caring, inquiry-driven community that values both intellectual rigor and personal well-being, with a strong focus on in-person office culture but flexibility to support work-life balance.Growth Opportunity: Shape the foundational systems of an organization poised for significant expansion and impact.Apply

Topos Research UK is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. There is evidence to suggest that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. No matter who you are, if this role speaks to you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you tick all the boxes. We’d especially like to encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.If you require any adjustments to the application process, such as accessibility accommodations, additional preparation time, or other, please contact uk-2025-ops@topos.institute. We’re happy to support your needs and adjust the application process.Next Steps: This role offers the rare opportunity to be the operational backbone behind important research that contributes to how humanity tackles global challenges. If you’re energized by building meaningful institutions and enabling exceptional people to do transformative work, we’d love to hear from you.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect the process to include initial screening, work assessments, team interviews, and ..... full job details .....