How to apply for Program Launch Manager

About Convergent Research

Convergent Research is a nonprofit science studio that pioneered the Focused Research Organization (FRO) model to launch large-scale, high-impact science projects. It provides operational support to FRO teams, handling legal formation, funding, hiring, finance, governance, partnerships, and communications so scientists can focus on research. The organization has launched 14 FROs, with four more in 2026, and aims to fill a structural gap in R&D by enabling fundamental research that is not rapidly monetizable by industry.

About the role

As Program Launch Manager, you will be at the center of the FRO lifecycle, helping scientific projects become functioning organizations while also running large-scale founder programs. You will manage entities, hire teams, stand up systems, coordinate funders and partners, and ensure details happen in the right order. This role is part project manager, part operator, and part trusted advisor to founders who are often building an organization for the first time.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with a scientific founder to map out hiring needs, coordinating with legal counsel on entity formation, and refining a timeline for a new FRO launch. You might also spend time designing a workshop for an upcoming founder program or troubleshooting a finance process. The work is fast-paced and varied, with a focus on keeping multiple projects moving forward.

Who Convergent Research is looking for

• Has experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from idea to execution, ideally in a startup, nonprofit, or research environment.
• Is comfortable with operational details such as legal formation, hiring, finance, and governance, and can coordinate across these areas.
• Can work with scientific founders and translate their needs into operational plans and systems.
• Is highly organized, proactive, and able to handle many details simultaneously while keeping the big picture in mind.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have with launching or scaling organizations, especially in science or research contexts.
• Show familiarity with the FRO model and Convergent Research's specific approach by referencing their work in your application.
• Emphasize your ability to manage multiple workstreams (legal, hiring, finance, etc.) and give examples of systems you have built.
• Demonstrate experience working with founders or technical experts, and how you supported them through organizational growth.
• If you have run programs or cohorts, describe the scale and outcomes to show you can handle large-scale founder programs.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your direct experience in launching or operating new organizations, including any roles where you set up systems and processes.', "Your understanding of the FRO model and why Convergent Research's approach to funding and organizing science appeals to you.", 'Examples of coordinating across functions such as legal, finance, and hiring to achieve a launch.', 'Your ability to work with scientific founders and adapt to their needs while keeping projects on track.']

Research before applying

• Read about the Focused Research Organization (FRO) model on Convergent Research's website to understand their unique approach.
• Look up the 14 FROs they have launched to see the range of scientific projects and the operational support provided.
• Research the backgrounds of Convergent Research's team and advisors to understand their expertise and network.
• Find any public talks or articles by Convergent Research leaders about their vision for science funding and organization.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would approach the first 90 days of helping a new FRO launch, from legal formation to hiring.
• Your experience with project management tools and methodologies, and how you handle competing priorities.
• A time you worked with a founder or technical lead who was building an organization for the first time.
• How you would design and run a founder program to develop future FRO leaders.
• Your understanding of the operational backbone needed for a science-focused organization, including finance, governance, and partnerships.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on project management without showing understanding of the operational breadth required (legal, finance, hiring, etc.).
• Ignoring the science context and not demonstrating interest in or familiarity with research environments.
• Using generic language about helping organizations without specific examples of launches or systems you have built.