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 70000 - 90000 € 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 Derby 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 Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and research. We want to see what you can do, so make it easy for potential employers to check out your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to AI and generative models. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the process.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Tavus.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're 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 is tailored to highlight your experience with generative models and audio-visual generation. Use specific examples from your past work that align with the role of Senior AI Researcher, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your journey in research, your innovative ideas, and how you envision pushing the boundaries of AI at Tavus. Keep it engaging and personal!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tavus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in audio-visual generation and diffusion models. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to Tavus's mission of creating AI Humans. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share innovative ideas on how to push generative models further. Tavus is looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and propose unique solutions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since the role involves mentoring and leading research efforts, be prepared to discuss your experience in guiding teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or mentored others, highlighting your leadership style and impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about Tavus's current projects and future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.
