Research Scientist, Mathematical Sciences

Details

The Strategic Deployment team makes frontier models more capable, reliable, and aligned to transform high-impact domains. This role sits within OpenAI for Science and focuses on harnessing AI to accelerate scientific research by building models and an AI-powered platform that speeds discovery and helps researchers do more, faster.

About the Role

As a Research Scientist focused on the mathematical sciences, you will help build models, tools, and workflows that move theoretical research—in fields such as mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer science—forward. You will design domain-specific data and signals, shape training and evaluation, guide how to wire models to scientific tools, and work with the academic community to speed up adoption and impact.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. OpenAI uses a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offers relocation assistance to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and building frontier AI models tailored to mathematical sciences problems.
• Build high-quality scientific datasets and synthetic data pipelines (symbolic, numeric, and simulator-based).
• Design reinforcement and grading signals for mathematical sciences and run reinforcement learning/optimization loops to improve model reasoning.
• Define and run evaluations for scientific reasoning, derivations, simulations, and literature grounding; track progress over time.
• Partner with research labs and the academic community and drive adoption of frontier AI within the scientific community.
• Uphold high standards for safety, data governance, and reproducibility.

Requirements

• Hold a current or recent academic position in mathematical sciences (mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science) or a related field.
• Regularly use frontier models in your own research.
• Move easily between theory and code and be eager to contribute technically as well as academically.
• Either know or be eager to learn modern AI and run AI experiments end-to-end.
• Strong scientific communication skills.
• Care about rigor and reproducibility in scientific results.

Nice to Have

• Open-source contributions to mathematical science or AI tooling.
• Experience building or curating domain datasets and benchmarks.
• Experience engaging a research community through teaching, workshops, tutorials, or standards.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base pay range listed: $380,000 – $460,000 (base pay may vary depending on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience).
• Total compensation may include equity, performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees, and other benefits.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer HSA contributions.
• Pre-tax FSA accounts, 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave; flexible PTO and paid company holidays.
• Mental health and wellness support, employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend; daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. The company emphasizes safety and inclusive perspectives. OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law. For additional policy details, the job posting links to OpenAI's EEO and privacy policies.