When it comes to recruiting and retaining artificial intelligence researchers, OpenAI has faced tougher competition this year from old and new rivals. Now it's facing pressure from a very recent former employee: ex-chief technology officer Mira Murati.

Murati, whose last day was Friday, October 4 and now is as an advisor to the company, has been speaking with OpenAI employees about potentially joining her next venture, though she hasn't disclosed exactly what that venture would be, according to two people familiar with these conversations. Spokespeople from OpenAI and representing Murati declined to comment.

Whether Murati will join former OpenAI vice president Barret Zoph at his likely new startup, found one of her own or join an existing AI developer is anyone's guess.

But researchers may be susceptible to her pitch. OpenAI's research organization is in upheaval after the promotion of Liam Fedus to lead post-training, according to three people with knowledge of the situation. Several researchers have asked to switch teams, as sometimes can happen in these situations, two of these people said.