Program Officer, High-Burden Diseases & AI Health

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

Job summary

The OpenAI Foundation is seeking a Program Officer, High-Burden Diseases to build the life sciences program from the ground up in San Francisco. The role focuses on sourcing and evaluating grants, engaging with researchers and organizations, and shaping strategy to deploy substantial resources over time.

This generalist position requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate a broad mission into concrete recommendations while collaborating with leadership and a global

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years experience strongly preferred in life sciences, biology, translational medicine, global health, or related fields.
• Relevant experience in areas such as biology, chemistry, translational medicine, drug development, clinical practice, global health, biotechnology, venture or grant investing in life sciences, or related fields.
• Ability to engage credibly across a range of scientific and strategic topics, even when not operating as the deepest domain specialist in each one.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific, technical, or organizational opportunities and make strong recommendations.
• Experience engaging credibly with external experts, institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and persuasively

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and recommend grants and other funding opportunities across multiple domains within the High-Burden Diseases program
• Support research of new disease or technology areas and determine where the Foundation should focus and develop investment theses
• Conduct diligence on organizations, projects, and leaders, including assessing scientific value, execution capability, data quality, and potential for real-world impact
• Help design and manage a growing portfolio of grants, ensuring strong judgment, clear prioritization, and high-quality follow-through
• Work closely with the Head of High-Burden Diseases to shape strategy, prioritize opportunities, and refine the Foundation’s approach over time
• Engage deeply with the external ecosystem, including researchers, nonprofits, academic centers, public-interest organizations, data platforms, funders, and other potential grantee organizations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with leaders across biology, medicine, public health, data infrastructure, open science, and AI-enabled research
• Identify gaps in the current ecosystem and develop ideas for how the Foundation can support new efforts, partnerships, or field-building initiatives
• Support the creation of new initiatives from zero-to-one, including helping shape concepts, convene stakeholders, and stand up new efforts where needed
• Write clear internal recommendations and strategy memos to support decision-making
• Represent the Foundation in external conversations, helping to build credibility, source opportunities, and strengthen the broader field

Skills

Grantmaking

Diligence

External engagement

Strategy development

Communication

Job description

The OpenAI Foundation is seeking a Program Officer, High-Burden Diseases to build the life sciences program from the ground up in San Francisco. The role focuses on sourcing and evaluating grants, engaging with researchers and organizations, and shaping strategy to deploy substantial resources over time.

This generalist position requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate a broad mission into concrete recommendations while collaborating with leadership and a global