At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and develop cutting-edge AI models for conversational avatars.
- Company: Join Tavus, a pioneering research lab in human computing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and enhance human-machine interactions.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields, with strong skills in LLMs.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the AI Researcher (Large Language Models) role at Tavus.
About Us
Tavus is a research lab pioneering human computing. We’re building AI Humans: a new interface that closes the gap between people and machines, free from the friction of today’s systems. Our real‑time human simulation models let machines see, hear, respond, and even look real—enabling meaningful, face‑to‑face conversations. AI Humans combine the emotional intelligence of humans with the reach and reliability of machines, making them capable, trusted agents available 24/7, in every language, on our terms. Imagine a therapist anyone can afford. A personal trainer that adapts to your schedule. A fleet of medical assistants that can give every patient the attention they need. With Tavus, individuals, enterprises, and developers can all build AI Humans to connect, understand, and act with empathy at scale. We’re a Series A company backed by world‑class investors including Sequoia Capital, Y Combinator, and Scale Venture Partners. Be part of shaping a future where humans and machines truly understand each other.
The Role
We’re looking for an AI Researcher to join our core AI team and push the boundaries of large language modeling in the context of conversational AI. If you thrive in fast‑moving startup environments, enjoy experimenting with new ideas, and love seeing your work come to life in production then you’ll feel right at home.
Your Mission
- Conduct research on large language modeling and adaptation for Conversational Avatars (e.g. Neural Avatars, Talking‑Heads).
- Develop methods to model both verbal and non‑verbal aspects of conversation, adapting and controlling avatar behavior in real time.
- Experiment with fine‑tuning, adaptation, and conditioning techniques to make LLMs more expressive, controllable, and task‑specific.
- Partner with the Applied ML team to take research from prototype to production.
- Stay up to date with cutting‑edge advancements — and help define what comes next.
You’ll Be Great At This If You Have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field, or equivalent research experience.
- Hands‑on experience with LLMs or VLMs and a strong foundation in generative language models.
- Experience in fine‑tuning/adapting LLMs for control, conditioning, or downstream tasks.
- Solid background in deep learning and familiarity with foundation model methods.
- Strong PyTorch skills and comfort building deep learning pipelines.
Nice‑to‑Haves
- Knowledge of large‑scale model training and optimization.
- Broader understanding of generative AI across modalities.
- Exposure to software development best practices.
- A flexible, experimental mindset i.e. comfortable working across research and engineering.
- (Bonus) Publications at EMNLP, COLING, NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV.
Location Preferred: San Francisco (hybrid) or London (office opening soon). Remote within the U.S. or Europe available for exceptional candidates.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Software Development
AI Researcher (Large Language Models) employer: Tavus
Contact Detail:
Tavus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Researcher (Large Language Models)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at Tavus. Referrals can double your chances of landing that interview, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with someone from Tavus, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with LLMs and deep learning. Share specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to conversational AI. We love seeing passion and expertise!
✨Stay Updated
Keep yourself in the loop with the latest advancements in AI and large language models. Follow relevant blogs, join online forums, and participate in discussions. This not only boosts your knowledge but also gives you great talking points during interviews.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Tavus team. Let’s shape the future of AI together!
We think you need these skills to ace AI Researcher (Large Language Models)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the AI Researcher role. Highlight your experience with large language models and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're doing at Tavus!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for conversational AI and how you can contribute to our mission. We love seeing enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Research Experience: If you've got publications or research projects, make sure to include them! We’re keen on candidates who have hands-on experience with LLMs and can demonstrate their understanding of generative language models.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tavus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in large language models and conversational AI. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with LLMs, as well as any fine-tuning or adaptation techniques you've used. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Show Your Passion for Experimentation
Tavus is all about pushing boundaries, so highlight your experimental mindset. Share examples of projects where you tried new ideas or approaches, even if they didn’t work out as planned. This demonstrates your willingness to innovate and learn from failures.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Understand Tavus's vision of creating AI Humans that can engage in meaningful conversations. Be prepared to discuss how your research aligns with this mission and how you can contribute to making AI more empathetic and effective in real-world applications.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their current projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Tavus is the right fit for you.