At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in audio-visual avatar generation and innovate human-AI interactions.
- Company: Join Tavus, a pioneering research lab transforming human computing with AI Humans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic, innovative environment with mentorship opportunities and a chance to publish impactful research.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and make a real impact on how humans connect with machines.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in generative models, plus 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 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 model in San Francisco or the upcoming London office, you can enjoy a flexible work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that redefine human-AI interaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with fellow researchers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to generative models and audio-visual generation. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of diffusion models and multimodal generation. Be ready to discuss your past research and how it aligns with Tavus's mission. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms—communication is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team at Tavus.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer
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 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 to catch our eye!
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 contributing to our team. 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 from our team. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
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 projects and how they relate to audio-visual avatar generation. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Tavus is all about pushing boundaries, so come prepared with innovative ideas. Think about how you can enhance human-AI interaction and be ready to share your vision. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute to their mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some deep dives into your programming skills, particularly in PyTorch and GPU-optimised workflows. Brush up on your coding knowledge and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Practising common technical interview questions can really help you shine.
✨Be a Team Player
Since mentoring and collaboration are key parts of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience leading research activities or working in teams. Share examples of how you've supported others in their growth and how you can bring that to Tavus.
