Associate Research Scientist

Overall purpose of role 

An Associate Research Scientist (ARS) is a researcher that contributes to DisneyResearch|Studios (DRS) projects, driving new technology applications for The Walt Disney Studios, based on areas of expertise available in the labs and knowledge of the research frontier. An ARS has the latitude to recommend research projects based on the needs gathered from the different studio units. She or he is expected to actively contribute to DRS projects, developing cutting-edge technology and applications for Disney’s animation and visual effects businesses in collaboration with a senior researcher. 

Areas of responsibility 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Conduct research on topics relevant to DRS in collaboration with a senior researcher aligned with DRS’s project portfolio and strategy. 

• Recommend new research projects to senior researchers  

• Serve as Principle Investigator on tactical projects in the DRS project portfolio 

• Contribute to forward-thinking blue-sky ideas and projects  

• Participate and collaborate in delivering technology prototypes for projects to internal stakeholders. 

• Develop new and advanced cutting-edge techniques and algorithms. 

• Survey relevant technologies and stay abreast of latest developments in the field. 

• Develop and implement demo systems and prototypes in software and hardware. 

• Independently make research contributions, including preparing reports, papers for publication, presentations, and technical documents. 

• Participate in relevant conferences, workshops and other academic-industrial events. 

• Draft and submit patent invention disclosures based on research in collaboration with senior researchers. 

• Mentor interns and students from DRS’s academic collaboration partner ETH. 

Required skills and experience 

Required skills, experience, and expertise include: 

• PhD in a fields relevant to DRS’s research groups 

• Strong academic record including published papers at top-tier venues relevant to DRS’s research portfolio 

• Strong implementation skills and knowledge of  mainstream programming languages 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Fluent (C1 or above) knowledge of English 

• Passion for solving challenging problems relevant to Disney’s businesses and ability to work in a team on collaborative projects