Senior Research Scientist

What you’ll do

As a Senior Research Scientist on the Video team, you will be responsible for advancing core research initiatives and translating advanced computer vision and deepfake detection models into real-world, scalable enterprise solutions. In this role, you will:

• Drive forward-looking research that advances Pindrop’s core technologies in audio-visual deepfake detection, synthetic media identification, and real-time video processing.
• Design, implement, and evaluate novel machine learning and computer vision algorithms tailored for video data and meeting analytics.
• Partner closely with engineering teams to transition complex research prototypes and tools into efficient, production-ready systems across multiple platforms.
• Maintain high standards for model reproducibility, publish patents, and author peer-reviewed papers for top-tier computer vision, machine learning, and speech conferences.
• Act as a technical authority by conducting code and research reviews, mentoring junior researchers, and utilizing empirical data to influence product strategy.

Who you are

• You are energized by open-ended, ambiguous research problems. You maintain high focus and scientific rigor even when experiments fail, quickly incorporating negative findings to improve model strategy.
• You seamlessly bridge the gap between research and engineering teams. You can explain complex AI/ML and computer vision concepts with absolute clarity to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• You take complete ownership of your research projects from initial hypothesis to final evaluation. You excel at balancing long-term scientific exploration with near-term, tangible business outcomes.
• You operate with absolute technical integrity. You proactively document assumptions, risks, and experimental limitations while consistently delivering on your promises.
• You design and evaluate machine learning architectures with a sharp awareness of bias, drift, and operational deployment constraints, balancing rapid innovation with responsible AI principles.

Your skill-set

Must-Haves:

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent industry experience).
• 3+ years of professional research experience in Deep Learning, specifically focused on Computer Vision, image/video deepfake detection, facial recognition, or generative AI.
• Deep technical expertise in real-time video processing, video data acquisition, pipeline preparation, and model deployment across cloud or edge environments.
• Strong programming proficiency in Python, alongside hands-on mastery of modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Keras.
• A proven track record of successful project delivery and publication of peer-reviewed research or patents at prestigious scientific conferences.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ or experience working with deployment tools like Go, TF-Lite, and TF-Micro.
• Experience competing in or leveraging benchmarks from prominent Computer Vision and machine learning challenges (e.g., NIST FRVT, DFDC, Kaggle).
• Deep domain knowledge of biometrics, identity authentication, fraud patterns, or consumer security concepts.

What’s in it for you

This is a career-defining opportunity for a technical leader ready to drive enterprise-level security impact in the AI era. In an environment where synthetic media, deepfakes, and sophisticated identity manipulation are accelerating, our team ensures that every digital interaction involves the real human and the right human. Your work will directly defend global financial institutions, enterprise systems, and millions of consumers from identity fraud and deception. You will have extensive strategic scope and executive visibility, helping to architect the next generation of video security technologies. You will collaborate daily with some of the absolute best technical minds in AI, security, and signal processing. While we are intense about execution excellence, we value a sustainable culture that celebrates the journey—balancing ambitious breakthroughs with company-wide rest days and continuous learning. If you want to build technology that genuinely matters, this is that opportunity.

What we offer

As a part of Pindrop, you’ll have a direct impact on our growing list of products and the future of security in the voice-driven economy. We hire great people and take care of them. Here’s a snapshot of the benefits we offer:

• Competitive compensation package, including RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) for all employees, so everyone shares in our long-term success.
• Remote-first environment - giving you flexibility and autonomy in how you structure your day.
• While we work flexibly, we prioritize meaningful in-person moments through regular team on-sites, company-wide events, and intentional gatherings that foster connection, collaboration, and shared success.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Generous health and welfare plans to choose from - including one employer-paid “employee-only” plan!
• Best-in-class Health Savings Account (HSA) employer contribution
• Low-cost vision and dental plans for you and your family, providing comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
• Paid Parental Leave - Including birth, adoptive & foster parents
• One year of diaper delivery for your newest addition to the family! It’s our way of welcoming new Pindroplets to the family!
• Recurring monthly phone and internet allowance to help cover essential connectivity costs and support flexible work.
• Enhanced fertility and GLP-1 benefits to support family-building journeys and personalized health needs.
• Annual Learning & Development stipend to support your professional growth, skill-building, certifications, and continued education.

US Base Pay Range $185,000—$215,000 USD