Jason Pruet from OpenAI is a physicist and technology leader with more than two decades of experience spanning science, national security, and public service. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to using science and technology to strengthen national capabilities and serve the public good. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, where he studied astrophysics and nucleosynthesis, focusing on the physics of gamma-ray bursts and the role of weak processes in their engines and fireballs.
After earning his doctorate, Jason joined Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) as a postdoctoral researcher through a SciDAC Supernova grant. He later became group leader for computational nuclear physics, where he led research supporting national security missions, including stockpile stewardship, atomic detection technologies, and forensic attribution. His work at LLNL helped integrate advanced computational methods into nuclear research and applied defense programs.
In 2011, Jason Pruet transitioned to public service in Washington, D.C., joining the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). He managed major programs such as the Primary Assessment Campaign and the Physics and Engineering Models Campaign there. He also helped launch the Capabilities for Nuclear Intelligence program, an initiative connecting scientific research from national laboratories to vital intelligence missions. Later, as Chief of an intelligence branch within the DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, he led teams analyzing foreign nuclear weapons programs. His contributions were recognized with awards from the Secretary of Energy and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
After nearly a decade in Washington, he moved to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), where he led the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program. This role involved overseeing research to ensure the reliability and safety of the U.S. nuclear stockpile without underground testing. Working with leaders such as Brian Spears, Kevin Dixon, and Rick Stevens, Jason helped create a collaborative national effort to advance AI for Science, Energy, and Security. At LANL, he became the founding director of the National Security AI Office, which was designed to prepare for both the transformative potential and risks of artificial intelligence in national missions.
In 2025, he joined the Mission Alignment team, supporting the company’s goal of ensuring AI is developed responsibly and for the benefit of humanity. He collaborates with scientists, policymakers, and organizations in this role to align AI progress with human and societal needs.
Throughout his career, Jason Pruet has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and technical reports covering nucleosynthesis, nuclear material detection, and high-performance computing in national security. His career demonstrates a deep dedication to advancing science responsibly, guiding technology for public benefit, and bridging research with real-world impact.
