Senior Research Scientist

Pixar; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville invites world-class researchers to advance computer graphics and AI for film production. This role blends academic research with practical studio applications, collaborating with artists, engineers, and production teams to push the boundaries of rendering, simulation, and intelligent systems.

You will lead projects, publish in top venues such as SIGGRAPH, and help shape studio strategy by identifying emerging technologies and driving adoption across

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in CS/AI or related field.
• 7+ years of post-graduate research experience.
• Sustained history of original research and publications in top-tier venues (e.g., SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS).
• Deep expertise in at least one area of graphics/AI, solid coding skills.

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, and maintain Pixar’s presence in the global research community.
• Strategy: stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for studio adoption.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science/AI

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.

Pixar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We know our storytelling is at its best when we include, celebrate and embrace difference. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Pixar participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. The Northern California studio has created some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL E,” “Up,” “Brave,” “Inside Out,” “Coco” and “Turning Red.” Its movies and technology have won 40 Academy Awards and the films have grossed more than $15 billion at the worldwide box office. “Elio,” Pixar's 29th feature, releases in theaters June 13, 2025. Pixar's objective is to combine groundbreaking technology and world-class creative talent to develop computer-animated feature films with memorable characters and heartwarming stories that appeal to audiences of all ages.

Pixar participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.