Research Scientists lead DisneyResearch|Studios projects as a principal investigator, driving innovation to solve complex production challenges that have no market solutions. Guided by rigorous academic practices, they develop and validate prototype technology designed for direct integration into our business units consisting of real film and television productions. The research scientists collaborate closely with production partners and adapt quickly to evolving business needs.  We hire research scientists at various levels.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with The Walt Disney Studios leadership and domain experts to pinpoint high-impact research opportunities.
• Design and propose technical solutions tailored to challenges identified by Studio partners.
• Contribute to and drive key strategic initiatives across DisneyResearch|Studios.
• Lead and execute research initiatives focused on these key challenge areas.
• Conceptualize, build, and deliver functional tech prototypes.
• Present research roadmaps, project proposals, and findings to key stakeholders.
• Publish research through internal technical reports, peer-reviewed journals, and patent filings.
• Partner with The Walt Disney Studios to transition research breakthroughs into practical, production-ready tools.
• Provide specialized technical consulting to internal teams across The Walt Disney Studios.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership in the computer graphics, vision, media and AI or closely related research communities
  Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or a related field
• Sustained history of original research and publications in top-tier forums (ACM SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS)
• Deep expertise in at least one area of graphics/AI, solid coding skills, and the ability to analyze cutting-edge technologies

Skills:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across diverse roles (artists to executives)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and within a team
• Strong presentation and technical writing capabilities
• Commitment to diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation

About Us
For over 15 years Disney Research has been at the forefront of technological innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible to help the Walt Disney Company differentiate its entertainment products, services, and content. Our mission is rooted in the long Disney tradition of inventing new technologies to contribute to the magic of the stories we tell and the characters we all love. Our inventions are used in almost every Disney feature film production and have dazzled hundreds of millions of people in audiences worldwide. DisneyResearch|Studios is part of a wider innovation ecosystem operating in close partnership with our technology units at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm/ILM, Marvel Studios, and Walt Disney Pictures.

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