Technical Sourcer, Research

About the Team

OpenAI's goal is to develop secure artificial general intelligence (AGI) that benefits humanity at large. This mission involves uniting the world’s most outstanding talent to innovate and push technological boundaries.

The Research Recruiting team is integral to this mission, embedded within the research division to closely collaborate with researchers, understand evolving priorities, and strategically guide recruitment for OpenAI’s future growth.

Role Overview

Your main task will be to identify and connect with elite AI researchers and scientists pioneering advances in machine learning and AI. You will lead early-stage sourcing, devise effective outreach plans, and build enduring relationships with highly specialized candidates from both academic and industrial sectors to fulfill the hiring goals of research teams.

The role entails working on deeply technical and research-focused positions, analyzing new fields, pinpointing leading experts, and proactively engaging them. You'll collaborate with recruiters, hiring managers, and research leaders to identify exceptional candidates, build strong talent pipelines for niche hiring needs, and refine sourcing methodologies to support team expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop targeted, precise candidate searches.
• Create thoughtful, engaging outreach strategies to connect with passive talent and nurture long-term relationships with high-priority prospects.
• Implement innovative approaches to uncover unconventional, research-adjacent, or emerging talent.
• Work closely with hiring managers across the company to tailor sourcing plans and advise on market conditions.
• Adopt a systematic and data-driven method for managing candidate tracking and evaluating funnel metrics.
• Represent OpenAI at conferences and events to interact with potential candidates.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive background sourcing specialized engineering and AI talent across complex technical fields.
• Strong interest in AI research and active engagement with global research communities.
• Track record of successful sourcing and hiring of top-tier technical specialists in leading technology companies or fast-growing startups.
• Capacity to manage multiple advanced searches simultaneously while ensuring high-quality outcomes and excellent stakeholder and candidate experiences.
• Passion for research-oriented sourcing, understanding it as a continuous, strategic endeavor.

Workplace and Location

The position can be based in any of OpenAI’s San Francisco, New York, or Seattle offices or performed remotely within the United States. Applicants should indicate preferred locations. For in-person roles, relocation support is offered. A hybrid work model applies, requiring presence three days per week; remote work is allowed Thursdays and Fridays.

OpenAI’s offices are designed for productivity and collaboration, featuring adjustable desks, meeting spaces, phone booths, stocked kitchens, in-house prepared meals, outdoor work areas, wellness rooms, private bike storage, and more.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is dedicated to developing artificial intelligence safely and ensuring its widespread benefit. The company emphasizes safety and human-centric AI development, respecting diverse perspectives and experiences to reflect the full scope of humanity.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Legal Compliance

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer, prohibiting discrimination on multiple legally protected bases including race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, and more. Background checks comply with relevant laws, considering applicants with arrest or conviction records fairly and in accordance with city and state regulations. Candidates in specific locations may have requirements related to protecting company property, information security, and confidentiality.

OpenAI offers reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities upon request.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $136,800 to $240,000 annually.