OpenAI is recruiting a new “Head of Preparedness” with an annual salary of up to $555,000 plus equity, as the company steps up efforts to mitigate the potential risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems.

The role, which sits within OpenAI’s safety systems team, will be responsible for shaping and executing the company’s technical strategy for its preparedness framework, aimed at reducing risks ranging from job displacement and misinformation to malicious use, environmental impact and threats to human autonomy.

OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman said the job would be “extremely stressful,” noting that the successful candidate would face immediate challenges upon taking up the position.

“Our models are improving very quickly,” Altman said, adding that while they are already capable of performing many remarkable tasks, they are also beginning to generate real-world risks.

“We are starting to see early signs of impacts on mental health, and at the same time the models are becoming powerful enough in cybersecurity to begin identifying critical vulnerabilities,” he said.

The move reflects growing concern among technology companies, policymakers and researchers over how to manage the rapid deployment of increasingly capable AI systems, and how to balance innovation with safety, governance and social responsibility.