Research Program Manager, Data Acquisition

Details

About the Team

OpenAI's Research Data Team exists to accelerate the evaluation, safety, and capabilities of its models and products. The team is made up of technical operators and software engineers who design methods for acquiring and creating data.

About the Role

As a Research Program Manager (RPM), Data Acquisition, you will partner with research, engineering, and operations to design and implement pragmatic solutions for acquiring data. You will serve as a key interface between the research roadmap and external data offerings.

This role is based at OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters and will be part of a team of RPMs advancing the frontier of data acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Partner with researchers to scope data needs, define success criteria, and translate priorities into clear execution plans.
• Shape the data acquisition pipeline by identifying, evaluating, and advancing high-impact data opportunities while balancing research value, feasibility, quality, and responsible execution.
• Move work forward despite ambiguity by using technical judgment, creative problem-solving, and practical execution while longer-term solutions are still forming.
• Build lightweight systems and visibility using SQL, Python, dashboards, and simple tooling to track performance, quality, and blockers.
• Drive technical roadmaps in collaboration with engineers to enhance data platforms, resolve blockers, and ensure security best practices such as access management.
• Equip vendors and internal teams with the context, standards, and operating rhythms needed to focus on the most important problems.

Requirements

• Proficiency in SQL and Python for analyzing datasets, querying databases, building dashboards, and generating actionable insights.
• Comfort using APIs, automation, and AI tools such as Codex to accelerate workflows, remove manual overhead, and quickly build skills in unfamiliar technical areas.
• Experience sourcing, evaluating, or working with startups, founders, and vendors.
• Interest in understanding the technical details of cutting-edge AI research and working alongside researchers from ideation through launch.
• Ability to move fluidly between research context, commercial execution, and data operations.
• Willingness to take a hands-on approach; grit and creative problem-solving are required daily.
• Ability to learn technical concepts exceptionally quickly and develop proficiency in unfamiliar areas.
• Ability to manage frequent context switching and multiple projects with broad ownership and rigorous prioritization.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic environments and navigate ambiguity.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law. OpenAI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range is $239,000–$328,000 USD, with equity. Total compensation may also include performance-related bonuses for eligible employees.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account contributions; pre-tax flexible spending and commuter accounts; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; paid parental, medical, caregiver, and sick or safe leave; paid time off; paid company holidays and office closures; mental health and wellness support; employer-paid life and disability coverage; an annual learning and development stipend; office meals and eligible meal delivery credits; relocation support for eligible employees; and potential additional taxable fringe benefits.