Senior Research Scientist

Pixar Animation Studios; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 223,000 - 289,000; Full time

Job summary

Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville seeks a senior researcher to lead graphics/AI research, collaborating with artists, TDs, and engineers to deliver production-ready innovations.

This role emphasizes publishing in top venues, strategic technology adoption, and leadership in ongoing projects.

PhD in CS/AI, 7+ years post-graduate research, and a strong publication record are expected.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in the computer graphics or closely related research communities
• Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or a related field
• 7+ years of post-graduate research experience in academia or industry R&D
• Sustained history of original research and publications in top-tier forums (ACM SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS) and recognized leadership in the field
• Deep expertise in at least one area of graphics/AI, solid coding skills, and the ability to analyze cutting-edge technologies

Responsibilities

• Research & Innovation: Identify and solve complex graphics/AI problems; design, develop, and deploy scalable algorithms and prototype software.
• Production Collaboration: Work directly with artists, technical directors, and engineers to address real-world production challenges under tight deadlines.
• Leadership & Publication: Lead research projects, publish results in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., SIGGRAPH), and maintain Pixar’s presence in the global research community.
• Strategy: Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for studio adoption.

Job description

• Research & Innovation: Identify and solve complex graphics/AI problems; design, develop, and deploy scalable algorithms and prototype software.


• Production Collaboration: Work directly with artists, technical directors, and engineers to address real-world production challenges under tight deadlines.


• Leadership & Publication: Lead research projects, publish results in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., SIGGRAPH), and maintain Pixar’s presence in the global research community.


• Strategy: Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for studio adoption.

Responsibilities

• Research & Innovation: Identify and solve complex graphics/AI problems; design, develop, and deploy scalable algorithms and prototype software.


• Production Collaboration: Work directly with artists, technical directors, and engineers to address real-world production challenges under tight deadlines.


• Leadership & Publication: Lead research projects, publish results in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., SIGGRAPH), and maintain Pixar’s presence in the global research community.


• Strategy: Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for studio adoption.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in the computer graphics or closely related research communities


• Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or a related field


• 7+ years of post-graduate research experience in academia or industry R&D


• Sustained history of original research and publications in top-tier forums (ACM SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS) and recognized leadership in the field


• Deep expertise in at least one area of graphics/AI, solid coding skills, and the ability to analyze cutting-edge technologies

Skills

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across diverse roles (artists to executives)


• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and within a team


• Strong presentation and technical writing capabilities


• Commitment to diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation

The hiring range for this position in Emeryville is $223,295.00 to $288,970.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Disclaimer

This position is with Pixar, which is part of a business we call PIXAR Animation Studios.

To learn more about Disney's guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here.

Pixar is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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