OpenAI Residency is a 6-month program for brilliant technical researchers from diverse fields to transition into Artificial Intelligence. The OpenAI Residency is designed to help bridge the knowledge gap for exceptional researchers and engineers in other fields to gain the critical skills and knowledge to transition their careers into the AI & ML space.
According to Sam Altman CEO of OpenAI, “ This program is an excellent way for people who are curious, passionate, and skilled to sharpen their focus on AI and machine learning—and to help us invent the future.”
OpenAI Residency is especially beneficial for researchers specializing in fields outside of deep learning, such as mathematics, physics, or neuroscience. This program is for exceptionally talented software engineers seeking to pivot into AI research roles.
During the program, residents collaborate with OpenAI’s research teams to tackle real AI challenges while receiving a full salary. OpenAI values excellence from a wide range of educational backgrounds, including self-taught individuals, and encourages a diverse applicant pool to enrich its work.
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Who is eligible for the OpenAI Residency Program?
This tailored program will provide advanced knowledge for researchers specializing in fields outside of deep learning like mathematics, physics, or neuroscience. The program can also work well for exceptionally talented software engineers who seek to transition into full-time research-based positions in the field of AI.
Residents leverage their existing experience to work on real AI problems with our research teams, receiving a full salary during the program. We value excellence from various educational backgrounds, including self-taught individuals, and encourage diverse applicants to reflect the human experience in our work.
“OpenAI Residency was more than a program—it was a crucible of growth, blending academic rigor with nurturing mentorship, and teaching me to be bold yet methodical,” says Tyna Eloundou, Former OpenAI Resident
The candidates have excellent track records and high potential. OpenAI has long been home to many self-taught researchers and engineers, and we seek out candidates both inside and outside of traditional education and work settings. The program strives to include a diverse set of skills and backgrounds that reflect the human experience, so our work can do the same.
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How much will you be paid for the OpenAI Residency Program?
The total compensation of OpenAI Residency is $210K. The total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits. Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, and mental health and wellness support. Check out the other benefits of OpenAI residency below.
- 401(k) plan with 50% matching
- Unlimited time off and 18+ company holidays per year
- Paid parental leave (20 weeks) and family-planning support
- Annual learning & development stipend ($1,500 per year)
What will be the role of the OpenAI Residency?
As a resident, you will be integrated into research teams with mentorship from an experienced OpenAI researcher. The resident’s program fellows will ramp up over the six-month program to become full-time contributors.
The OpenAI Residency is ideal for researchers specializing in fields outside of deep learning like mathematics, physics, or neuroscience. The program can also work well for exceptionally talented software engineers who seek to transition into research-based positions in the field of artificial intelligence research.
The OpenAI Residency program is based in our San Francisco, California, HQ. According to the official note, the program offers a flexible work environment, encouraging residents to come into the office at least 3 days a week. There is also a provision for relocation assistance as needed. This program does not allow residents to work remotely or from our satellite offices.
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How do I apply for OpenAI Residency?
The application for the OpenAI Residency program can be filled out online using the link available on the official website. While applying, interested candidates have to provide their personal and professional details along with information about their expertise.
To apply for the OpenAI Residency Program: Click Here
Important Points for OpenAI Residency Programs?
What is Expected:
- Available to join OpenAI full-time after completing the Residency
- Highly skilled in programming languages and software development
- Very comfortable with advanced math concepts in linear algebra, statistics, probability, and calculus
Preferred Qualifications:
Have accomplishments in other domains, such as developing a substantial software system, winning awards in math, science, or programming competitions, or writing widely cited publications
- Have initiated self-study in machine learning fundamentals
- Motivated to discover AI breakthroughs and their potential benefits to humanity
Application and Program Timeline:
- The OpenAI Residency program applications are to begin on March 11
- The interview process for this role will include multiple technical assessments over several weeks
- Start dates are flexible and based on team availability
OpenAI Residency Program FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
No. The residency is not an internship. For those residents who perform well, we extend full-time offers to join OpenAI immediately upon completion of the six-month residency.
No. Residents are full-time employees and therefore cannot be actively enrolled in school programs while employed at OpenAI.
Leave their educational program. Wait to apply until closer to the end of their studies (~3 months out is a good timeline).
6 months.
Start dates are flexible and occur on a rolling basis throughout the year.
This program is based at our San Francisco, California, HQ. We offer a flexible work environment, encouraging residents to come into the office at least 3 days a week. We will also provide relocation assistance as needed. We do not allow residents to work remotely or from our satellite offices.
Yes. OpenAI will provide immigration and sponsorship support based on an individual’s unique circumstances.
The salary for this role is $210,000 annually. Total compensation also includes benefits.
Our application process is adaptive to our business needs, so we open Residency spots and hire on a rolling basis. For updates on application openings, check our careers site and follow our social media accounts.
