OpenAI is hiring a new Head of Preparedness to try to predict and mitigate AI's harms (www.engadget.com)

OpenAI is actively seeking a new Head of Preparedness to enhance its ability to predict and mitigate the potential harms posed by its AI models. The announcement follows a tumultuous year for the company, marked by allegations regarding the negative effects of ChatGPT on users' mental health and associated wrongful death lawsuits. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted the significance of this role, indicating that the new hire will guide the company's safety strategy during challenging times as it grapples with the real-world implications of its technology. The Head of Preparedness will be responsible for leading the technical strategy and implementation of OpenAI's Preparedness framework, which aims to proactively address the emerging risks linked to advanced AI capabilities. The role, offering a salary of $555K plus equity, is considered high-pressure and crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of AI ethics and safety. This comes during a period of instability within OpenAI's safety teams, with recent leadership changes underscoring the urgency and complexity of ensuring that AI development aligns with robust safety protocols.