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Researcher, Frontier Biological and Chemical Risks

OpenAISan Francisco, California, United States, San Francisco
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Posted on: 04 Aug 2026

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Researcher, Frontier Biological and Chemical Risks – OpenAI – San Francisco, California, United States, San Francisco
As a Researcher, Frontier Biological and Chemical Risks you will spearhead the measurement and mitigation of emerging bio‑chemical threats amplified by advanced AI systems. This role sits at the nexus of AI safety, observability, and red‑teaming, directly influencing OpenAI’s global security posture and shaping industry standards for responsible AI deployment. You will design and execute experiments that predict how frontier AI models could be weaponized in biological or chemical contexts, translate findings into actionable safeguards, and partner with cross‑functional teams to embed risk‑reduction strategies into product pipelines. The position offers rapid growth—from hands‑on research to thought leadership—providing a clear path to senior scientific influence and the chance to define the future of AI‑enabled risk management.

Key Responsibilities & Skills
- Lead end‑to‑end research programs that quantify AI‑driven biological and chemical risk vectors, using machine learning, statistical modeling, and domain‑specific observability tools.
- Conduct red‑team simulations to stress‑test alignment mechanisms and misuse safeguards against plausible bio‑chemical attack scenarios.
- Develop and maintain rigorous measurement frameworks, dashboards, and reporting pipelines that surface emerging threats to senior leadership.
- Collaborate with OpenAI’s safety, policy, and engineering teams to translate research insights into concrete mitigation controls and alignment interventions.
- Publish findings in top‑tier conferences and internal knowledge bases, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous learning.
- Mentor junior researchers and interns, building a high‑performing, interdisciplinary team focused on frontier risk.
- Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, influencing product decisions and external stakeholder dialogues.

Why Join & Benefits
OpenAI’s Preparness team is a world‑leading hub for AI safety, where bold ideas meet rigorous science. You will work alongside pioneering experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and security, contributing to a mission that safeguards humanity from unprecedented threats. The role offers unparalleled access to cutting‑edge AI models, robust research infrastructure, and a supportive environment that values curiosity, integrity, and impact. Career development is accelerated through mentorship, conference sponsorships, and opportunities to shape policy at the highest levels. By joining OpenAI in San Francisco, you become part of a forward‑thinking community that is defining the future of safe AI, with the chance to leave a lasting imprint on global security and the responsible evolution of technology.

Job Overview

Salary:
Not disclosed
JOB TYPE:
Not specified
Experience:
Not mentioned
Job Location:
San Francisco, California, United States, San Francisco
Job Level:
Not specified
Education:
Graduation
Researcher, Frontier Biological and Chemical RisksOpenAI