Research Scientist

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

• Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or a related field.
• Experience: 2+ years of post-graduate research experience in academia or industry R&D.
• Track Record: Sustained history of original research and publications in top-tier forums (ACM SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS) and recognized leadership in the field.
• Technical Skills: 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.

Pay

The hiring range for this position in Emeryville is $162,945.00 to $210,870.00 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.