Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist

Job : R-04102

Location: Emeryville, California, United States

Business: Pixar Animation Studios

Date posted: Mar. 17, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 $ to $ 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 Inc. 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. The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, please contact Candid This email address is for accommodation requests only and will not be used for general employment inquiries.