# Researcher, Synthetic RL

**Company:** [OpenAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/openai)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** AI Research
**Salary:** $295k – $445k/yr
**Skills:** Reinforcement Learning, Machine Learning, Python, Statistical Analysis, Experiment Design, Synthetic Data, Self-Play, Simulators, Ai Training Pipelines, Research
**Posted:** 2026-01-09

> Develops novel reinforcement learning techniques using synthetic environments and feedback to enhance large-scale AI models. Designs experiments, analyzes dynamics, and integrates research into production systems; requires strong RL/ML background and engineering skills.

## Job Description

## In this role, you will:
- Research and develop reinforcement learning algorithms
- Design and run experiments to study training dynamics and model behavior at scale
- Collaborate with engineers and researchers to integrate successful approaches into model training pipelines

## You might thrive in this role if you:
- Have a strong background in reinforcement learning, machine learning research, or related fields
- Have strong engineering and statistical analysis skills
- Enjoy exploring new problem spaces where data, objectives, and evaluation are imperfect or evolving
- Are motivated by seeing research ideas influence real-world AI systems

## Similar roles

- [Researcher, Misalignment Research](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/a3216578-b6a0-4e63-95b9-226fbf1ddfc8) - OpenAI - San Francisco, CA - $295k – $445k/yr
- [Researcher, Loss of Control](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/c0b2fb0d-2ac2-4d91-b893-9e38f4cfccc7) - OpenAI - San Francisco, CA - $295k – $445k/yr
- [Research Engineer / Research Scientist, Post-Training](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/84dfac6b-2704-4ec9-ac6c-666459514793) - OpenAI - San Francisco, CA - $295k – $555k/yr
- [Researcher, Pretraining Safety](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/5fa53d44-8b74-4ff3-9fc4-5eb917519229) - OpenAI - San Francisco, CA - $295k – $445k/yr
- [Research Engineer, Codex](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/9ccc8d20-02eb-474a-a9ad-68333add9933) - OpenAI - San Francisco, CA - $295k – $445k/yr

**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/1d48e4f7-9589-45b3-96ed-05276e32344e
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/1d48e4f7-9589-45b3-96ed-05276e32344e