Senior Research Scientist

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; Emeryville (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company is seeking a candidate to conduct cutting-edge research in computer graphics and AI for movie productions. This role involves identifying and solving complex problems, collaborating with artists and engineers, and leading publications in peer-reviewed journals. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. and over 7 years of industry experience. The salary range for this position in Emeryville is $219,980 – $284,680 per year, based on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in computer graphics or closely related research communities.
• 7+ years of post-graduate research experience in academia or industry R&D.
• Deep expertise in at least one area of graphics/AI with solid coding skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and solve complex graphics/AI problems, developing scalable algorithms.
• Collaborate with artists, technical directors, and engineers to address production challenges.
• Lead research projects and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks independently

Strong presentation and technical writing capabilities

Commitment to diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation

Education

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

Job description

Conduct world‑class research in computer graphics and AI to develop innovative solutions for Pixar and Disney movie productions. This role bridges the gap between academic research and practical studio application.

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 $219,980.00 to $284,680.00 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.