Program Officer, High-Burden Diseases

OpenAI Foundation; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI Foundation is expanding its life sciences program to accelerate progress on curing diseases and improving human health. The Program Officer, High-Burden Diseases, will help build this work from the ground up, sourcing opportunities, evaluating opportunities, and engaging with external partners.

The role requires flexibility across scientific and strategic topics, a broad field-building mindset, and strong judgment to translate mission into actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years experience in biology, chemistry, translational medicine, drug development, global health, Biotechnology, or grant investing.
• Ability to engage credibly across scientific and strategic topics, even when not deepest domain expert.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate opportunities and make strong recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex information clearly.
• Strong judgment, follow-through, and comfort operating with autonomy.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly ambiguous, evolving environment.
• Deep motivation to help accelerate progress in life sciences and contribute to the Foundation’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and recommend grants across High-Burden Diseases program domains.
• Research new disease or technology areas and help strategize investments.
• Diligence on organizations, projects, and leaders including scientific value and potential impact.
• Design and manage a growing grants portfolio with clear prioritization and follow-through.
• Shape strategy with the Head of High-Burden Diseases and refine the Foundation’s approach.
• Engage deeply with researchers, nonprofits, academic centers, and other stakeholders.
• Build relationships with leaders across biology, medicine, data infrastructure, and open science.
• Identify ecosystem gaps and propose new initiatives or partnerships.
• Contribute to zero-to-one initiatives by shaping concepts and convening stakeholders.
• Write internal recommendations and strategy memos to support decision-making.
• Represent the Foundation in external conversations to source opportunities and build credibility.

Skills

Life sciences

Grantmaking

Strategic thinking

External engagement

Communication

Autonomy

Ambiguity tolerance

Job description

OpenAI Foundation is expanding its life sciences program to accelerate progress on curing diseases and improving human health. The Program Officer, High-Burden Diseases, will help build this work from the ground up, sourcing opportunities, evaluating opportunities, and engaging with external partners.

The role requires flexibility across scientific and strategic topics, a broad field-building mindset, and strong judgment to translate mission into actionable recommendations.