At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge 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 meaningful human connections and impactful technology.
- 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 in Southampton 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 Southampton
✨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 us a tangible way to see your expertise and creativity in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Tavus' work and the latest trends in AI and human-computer interaction. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission and can discuss how their experience aligns with our goals.
✨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’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to shape the future of AI with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and human-computer interaction shine through. We want to see how your experiences and interests align with our mission at Tavus, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience with generative models and any projects that showcase your skills in audio-visual generation. We love seeing how you fit into our vision!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Tavus!
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 activities, be ready to talk about your experience in guiding teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or mentored others in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare 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.
