OpenAI Residency 2026
Six-month paid residency for builders and researchers to work on frontier AI at OpenAI with mentorship and potential full-time conversion.
OpenAI Residency is a six-month immersive program designed for technical researchers and engineers ready to transition into frontier AI research. You're a strong candidate if you have deep technical expertise in fields like mathematics, physics, computer science, or related disciplines, but limited direct AI experience. The program specifically targets brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds who want to pivot into AI safety and capabilities research at one of the field's leading organizations.
Residents work alongside OpenAI's research teams on real problems at the cutting edge of AI development, receiving hands-on mentorship from senior researchers. You'll contribute to actual research projects while learning the craft of AI research through daily collaboration. This isn't theoretical—you're shipping work that matters while building skills in machine learning, safety alignment, and systems design. The position is fully paid and based in San Francisco, with many residents converting to full-time roles at OpenAI after completing the program.
Applications for the 2026 cohort follow OpenAI's standard hiring process. Submit your application through their careers portal with your background, research interests, and what draws you to AI research. The program reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Strong applications demonstrate technical depth, clear thinking, and genuine curiosity about AI's trajectory. If you're considering a career shift into AI research and have the technical foundation to succeed, this program offers one of the most direct paths into frontier AI work.
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