Research Scientist, Geopolitics of AI

While we are a US-based organization, this mission transcends borders. Our ability to deeply understand the geopolitical consequences of our decisions and of AI more broadly is key to achieving this mission.

As a Research Scientist on the Policy Research team at OpenAI, you’ll contribute directly to short-term and long-term analyses that inform OpenAI’s strategies as we pursue responsible research and deployment of our AI systems. We are looking for a researcher who is excited to collaborate across the technical and policy teams in the organization. The role will involve conducting research of immediate relevance to OpenAI decision-making but a researcher in this role will also have a broad remit to conduct and publish research following their own agenda, and latitude to collaborate with relevant external scholars.

The ideal candidate will be self-directed, thrive in fast-paced environments, and bring deep understanding and experience in geopolitics and some level of technical understanding of AI (or an interest in skilling up). 

Example research questions might include:

• How can we best inform and prepare the world for advanced AI capabilities?
• What are the best ways to distribute benefits from AI to different regions around the world?
• How might different geopolitical actors anticipate and react to our developments?
• How should we think about how our actions today affect the geopolitics of the future, and any path dependencies?

Representative responsibilities:

• Own and pursue a research agenda aimed resolving uncertainties in the geopolitical dimensions of AI progress.
• Understand and clearly communicate geopolitical considerations to decision-makers at OpenAI.
• Advise our technical and applied teams on decisions with relevant geopolitical dimensions.

We're seeking someone with:

• A PhD or equivalent level of research experience in a relevant area (political science, economics, security studies, international relations), or relevant research experience and an established research track record, demonstrated by journal publications and/or conference papers.
• An area of specialism with interest in and aptitude for taking on a global scope of work.
• Strong understanding of and familiarity with recent developments in AI.
• Strong writing and communication skills.

About OpenAI

We’re building safe Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and ensuring it leads to a good outcome for humans. We believe that unreasonably great results are best delivered by a highly creative group working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations via accommodation@openai.com.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
• Unlimited time off (we encourage 4+ weeks per year)
• Parental leave
• Flexible work hours
• Lunch and dinner each day
• 401(k) plan with matching