Senior Research Scientist
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID R-04102 Location Emeryville, California, United States Business Pixar Animation Studios Date posted Mar. 17, 2026Job Summary:
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.
About Pixar Animation Studios:
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renoinswned 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,” “Toy Story 3,” “Brave,” “Inside Out,” and “Coco.” Its movies have won 35 Academy Awards® and have grossed more than $13 billion at the worldwide box office to date.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Pixar Inc., which is part of a business segment we call Pixar Animation Studios.
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. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
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