OpenAI has announced a new senior position aimed at tackling the growing risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems. The company’s founder, Sam Altman, revealed that the role, titled “Head of Preparedness,” will pay $555,000 annually along with equity. Altman cautioned that the position will be highly demanding, saying, “This will be a stressful job and you’ll jump into the deep end pretty much immediately.”
Altman highlighted the increasing impact of AI on mental health and cybersecurity. In a post on X, he explained, “Models are improving quickly and are now capable of many great things, but they are also starting to present some real challenges. The potential impact of models on mental health was something we saw a preview of in 2025; we are just now seeing models get so good at computer security that they are beginning to find critical vulnerabilities.” He stressed that the role is designed to limit harmful AI use without restricting the benefits of the technology.
The position will involve helping cybersecurity teams leverage advanced AI tools while preventing attackers from exploiting the same technology. It will also cover safe deployment of AI systems linked to biology and oversight of self-improving AI. Altman noted that the work is complex, as there are few precedents and solutions that appear beneficial at first can sometimes create unforeseen issues.
Concerns around AI misuse have risen sharply, with cybercriminals increasingly using AI for phishing, online fraud and other digital crimes. OpenAI has also faced scrutiny over the mental health impact of its products. Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of users display signs of psychosis, mania, or suicidal thoughts weekly. A separate incident involved a 16-year-old who shared suicidal plans with an AI chatbot, which failed to encourage seeking help. These developments underline the urgency of the newly created AI safety role.
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