Demo

Senior Research Scientist

The Walt Disney Company
Emeryville, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/9/2026
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.

Salary : $219,980 - $284,680

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