Conversational Modelling Research Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level AI Research role at Tavus. Remote, United States · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $135,000–$232,000 across the United States.
Tavus has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Study large multimodal models for conversational avatars, including neural avatars and talking-head systems
- Build ways to model spoken and nonverbal interaction while controlling avatar responses in real time with low delay
- Adapt audiovisual models through fine-tuning and conditioning so they become more expressive and task-specific
- Work with Applied ML to move research prototypes into production and track emerging research
- Develop methods that let avatar behavior respond to conversational context and user needs
What you bring
- A doctorate, near-completion doctorate, or equivalent research background in a relevant area
- Practical work with large multimodal models and a strong grounding in generative language models
- Experience adapting vision-language models for control, conditioning, or downstream applications
- Strong deep learning fundamentals and the ability to build pipelines with PyTorch
Who this fits
This role suits a researcher who wants to combine model experimentation with engineering work that reaches production. It is a mid-level, full-time position, with remote work available in the United States or Europe for exceptional candidates; San Francisco hybrid or London is preferred.
From the employer
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 friend who can discuss any topic with you. 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 B 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 looking for an AI Researcher to join our core AI team and push the boundaries of Foundation Multimodal Conversational Models. If you thrive in fast-moving startup environments, enjoy experimenting with new ideas, and love seeing your work come to life in production then you’ll feel right at home.
Your Mission 🚀
Conduct research on Large Multimodal Models in the context of Conversational Avatars (e.g. Neural Avatars, Talking-Heads).
Develop methods to model both verbal and non-verbal aspects of conversation, adapting and controlling avatar behavior in real time, with low-latency.
Experiment with fine-tuning, adaptation, and conditioning techniques to make AudioVisual Multimodal Models, more expressive, controllable, and task-specific.
Partner with the Applied ML team to take research from prototype to production.
Stay up to date with cutting-edge advancements — and help define what comes next.
You’ll Be Great At This If You Have:
A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field, or equivalent research experience.
Hands-on experience with Large Multimodal Models and a strong foundation in generative (language) models. This could be in the context of tasks such as VQA, Audio/Video understanding tasks, captioning behavioral analysis, Translation tasks, Speech to Speech systems.
Experience in fine-tuning/adapting VLMs for control, conditioning, or downstream tasks.
Solid background in deep learning and foundation modes.
Strong PyTorch skills and comfort building deep learning pipelines.
Nice-to-Haves
Knowledge of large-scale model training and optimization.
Experience in duplex-conversational model.
Broader understanding of generative AI across modalities.
Exposure to software development best practices.
A flexible, experimental mindset i.e. comfortable working across research and engineering.
(Bonus) Publications at EMNLP, COLING, NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV.
Location
Preferred: San Francisco (hybrid) or London.
Remote within the U.S. or Europe available for exceptional candidates.