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Research Lead, Policy Communications

OpenAI· Product Policy
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Hybrid (San Francisco), Hybrid (US - Remote)Full-timePosted 3w ago

About the role

Lead a rigorous mixed-methods research program to inform OpenAI’s policy communications. Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative studies, translate findings into actionable recommendations for Policy, Communications, Product, and partners, and build durable research practices to support responsible AI guidance.

Responsibilities

  • Build and manage a mixed-methods research program from initial questions through study design, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, and documentation. Establish high standards for quality, consistency, and responsible research practice.
  • Design rigorous quantitative research, including surveys and longitudinal studies. Oversee questionnaire design, sampling, weighting, vendor quality, analysis, and clear communication of uncertainty and limitations.
  • Lead qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, to understand how people interpret complex policy topics. Use these insights to improve the clarity, accuracy, and usefulness of policy communications.
  • Turn findings into executive-ready reports with practical recommendations for Policy, Communications, Product, Marketing, Data Science, Legal, Privacy, and other partners. Build reusable research tools, benchmarks, and knowledge that strengthen decision-making over time.

Qualifications

  • Senior mixed-methods research leader with deep quantitative and qualitative expertise and strong strategic judgment.
  • Ability to independently turn an ambiguous policy communications question into a rigorous, well-scoped research plan, a clear interpretation of the evidence, and practical recommendations.
  • Experience leading public-opinion, communications, policy, market, or behavioral research in a complex or fast-moving environment.
  • Deep survey-methods expertise, including questionnaire design, sampling, weighting, panel and vendor quality, experimentation, statistical analysis, longitudinal research, and uncertainty.
  • Experience designing and conducting strong qualitative research, including recruitment, interviewing or moderation, synthesis, and integration with quantitative findings.
  • Ability to translate research into clear communications, policy, and product recommendations, and influence senior cross-functional partners when evidence challenges a preferred direction.
  • Strong communication of complex methods and findings; experience managing research vendors, budgets, timelines, privacy, and research ethics; ability to build durable organizational learning systems.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
  • Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
  • Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
  • 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time
  • 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
  • Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends
Last updated Oct 1, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About OpenAI

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