At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in audio-visual avatar generation and innovate human-AI interactions.
- Company: Join Tavus, a pioneering research lab backed by top investors like Sequoia Capital.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI with your expertise and make a real impact on human-machine communication.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in generative models, plus 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 Sheffield 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 Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with Tavus employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects related to audio-visual generation or generative models. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just a CV.
✨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 of human-AI interaction.
✨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 team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in Sheffield
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. We love seeing specific projects or publications that align with our goals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Share your vision for the future of AI Humans and how your background makes you the ideal candidate to lead research efforts in this exciting field.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about 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 generative models, especially diffusion models. Be ready to discuss your past research and how it relates to audio-visual avatar generation. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about your previous work, especially any publications in top-tier venues. Highlight specific projects where you've pushed the boundaries of multimodal generation. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and innovation in the field.
✨Engage in Conversation
Since the role focuses on conversational settings, practice discussing complex topics in a clear and engaging way. Think about how you would explain your research to someone outside your field. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show your communication skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Tavus's vision for AI Humans and their approach to human-AI interaction. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a chance to assess if their goals align with your own aspirations.
