At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on audio-visual avatar generation and innovate in human-AI interaction.
- Company: Join Tavus, a pioneering research lab backed by top investors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI with meaningful human-machine connections.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in generative models and strong programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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 hiring a Senior AI Researcher to lead research in audio-visual avatar generation. This role is for someone who thrives in ambiguity, has a track record of pushing generative models to new frontiers, and wants to define what human–AI interaction looks like in practice.
Your Mission 🚀
- Lead research efforts on audio-visual generation for avatars (Neural Avatars, Talking-Heads), with a focus on conversational settings.
- Design models that are coupled with conversation flow — capturing and generating verbal + non-verbal signals in sync.
- Drive innovation in diffusion models, long-video generation, and audio-visual modeling.
- Translate research into production by partnering with Applied ML and engineering.
- Mentor researchers, set research directions, and publish impactful work.
You’ll Bring:
- A PhD or equivalent research experience, plus 2–3+ years of hands-on experience applying generative models at scale.
- Expertise in diffusion models and awareness of the latest efficiency techniques.
- Experience in multimodal generation — spanning video, audio, and language.
- Proven innovation in long-video generation and/or audio generation.
- Excellent programming skills — fluent in PyTorch and GPU-optimized workflows.
- Track record of publications in top-tier venues (CVPR, NeurIPS, BMVC, ICASSP, etc.).
- Experience leading research activities or mentoring teams.
Nice-to-Haves
- Skills in 3D graphics, Gaussian splatting, or large-scale training setups.
- Broad exposure to generative AI models beyond your specialty.
- Familiarity with software development best practices.
Location
Preferred: San Francisco (hybrid) or London (office opening soon). Remote within U.S. or Europe considered for exceptional candidates.
Research Engineer in Birmingham employer: Tavus
At Tavus, we are not just pioneering human computing; we are creating a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior AI Researcher, you will have the opportunity to lead groundbreaking research in a supportive environment that values mentorship and professional growth. With our hybrid work model in dynamic locations like San Francisco and London, you can enjoy a flexible work-life balance while contributing to meaningful advancements in AI technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engineer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current Tavus employees on LinkedIn. A personal introduction can make all the difference when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects related to audio-visual generation and generative models. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Tavus' work. Understand their AI Humans concept and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their innovative research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Tavus team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and human-computer interaction shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the work we do at Tavus and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in generative models and audio-visual generation. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’ve got what it takes to lead research efforts in this area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior AI Researcher role and how your background aligns with our goals. Don’t forget to mention any innovative projects you’ve worked on!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tavus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in generative models, especially diffusion models. Be ready to discuss your past research and how it relates to Tavus's mission of creating AI Humans. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with multimodal generation and long-video generation. Bring examples of your previous projects or publications that highlight your expertise. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their innovative research.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Tavus values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in your past roles. Share specific instances where you mentored researchers or worked alongside engineering teams to translate research into production. This demonstrates your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Tavus's current projects and future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals. Asking about their approach to human-AI interaction can spark a great conversation!