OpenAI Residency

OpenAI Residency is a six-month program from OpenAI that funds talented builders and early researchers from any domain, including mathematics, physics, neuroscience, and software engineering, to transition into AI research at the frontier. Residents receive a $210,000 compensation package and work alongside OpenAI research teams with close mentorship.

Eligible applicants are individuals with strong technical backgrounds who are already exploring AI or come from closely related fields. Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently closed; future cycles will open for application.

OpenAI Residency | OpenAI * ChatGPT(opens in a new window) * ChatGPT(opens in a new window) OpenAI Residency | OpenAI Our 6-month program accelerates talented builders and early researchers from any domain, giving them the mentorship and environment to do real research at the frontier of AI. **Applications for the 2026 Residency are now closed.

** The OpenAI Residency supports researchers and engineers who are already exploring AI or who come from closely related fields such as mathematics, physics, or neuroscience. Residents work alongside OpenAI teams, gaining hands-on research experience, close mentorship, and the judgment needed to contribute to advanced AI systems.

> “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. ” Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI We welcome strong candidates from quantitative and scientific fields, and we are placing a growing emphasis on early builders who are already doing meaningful work.

These individuals move quickly from idea to prototype, show strong research instincts, and demonstrate unusual self-direction. Residents bring their existing strengths to real research problems in collaboration with OpenAI teams, while receiving a full salary.

We value excellence regardless of institution or background, and encourage applicants who are self-taught, non-traditional, or early in their careers if they have a clear record of building and learning with intensity. > “I didn't have any AI background coming into the Residency Program. This program is the most hands-on possible way to learn AI research by working with and learning from the world's leading experts in the field.

Everything I learned I did by making contributions, on day one, on training, evaluating, and building with cutting edge research. ” Will DePue AI Researcher, Former OpenAI Resident “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. ” **Tyna Eloundou**Former OpenAI Resident ### Is the Residency an internship?

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-months Residency. ### Can I pursue the Residency while enrolled in school or higher education studies?

No. Residents are full-time employees and therefore cannot be actively enrolled in any school programs while employed at OpenAI. If a student is interested in pursuing the Residency they can either elect to: * Leave their educational program. * Wait to apply until closer to the end of their studies (~3 months out is a good timeline).

### How long is the Residency program? ### When does the Residency program start? Start dates are flexible and occur on a rolling basis throughout the year.

### Where is the Residency program based? This program is based in 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. ### Does OpenAI sponsor visas or US work authorization?

Yes. OpenAI will provide immigration and sponsorship support based on an individual’s unique circumstances. ### What is the salary of a Resident?

The salary for this role is $18,333 monthly. Benefits are included. ### What does the application process look like?

### Do Residents choose their own projects? Residents collaborate closely with their mentors to define and scope meaningful projects. These projects are essential to OpenAI’s mission and are also designed to help Residents develop core AI research skills.

### What is the mentor’s role in the Residency? Mentors play a key role in providing Residents with the guidance, resources, and feedback needed to succeed. Throughout the program, mentors offer ongoing feedback to ensure Residents are supported and set up for success.

> “A leap from biology to AI? OpenAI Residency said ‘yes,’ turning doubts into the most fundamental, impactful, and fun research I’ve ever done.

” Dan Mossing, Former OpenAI Resident Improving mathematical reasoning with process supervision Publication May 31, 2023 Language models can explain neurons in language models Publication May 9, 2023 A research agenda for assessing the economic impacts of code generation models Publication Mar 3, 2022 Solving math word problems Publication Oct 29, 2021 Join us in shaping the future of technology.

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