Head of AI Research

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

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Join the Revolution in Generative AI at Canva!

At Canva, we’re on a mission to empower the world to design with simplicity, innovation, and impact. As part of our Generative AI Supergroup, we’re shaping the future of AI creativity. In partnership with Leonardo.Ai, Australia’s leading generative AI startup with over 20 million users globally, we’re looking for a visionary Head of AI Research to join us.

As Head of AI Research, you’ll lead Canva’s efforts in developing and applying world-class generative AI capabilities. Working at the forefront of multimodal research, your leadership will bridge teams across Canva and Leonardo.AI to ensure groundbreaking discoveries are integrated into our products. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Leonardo.AI’s cutting-edge team while driving Canva’s innovation forward. 

This role combines technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a collaborative spirit to create products that enhance the creativity of millions globally.

What You’ll Do

• Drive the strategic vision and execution of Canva’s generative AI research in close partnership with Leonardo.AI.
• Oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, fostering a high-performing, innovative, and inclusive environment.
• Develop and manage a roadmap of AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with Canva’s and Leonardo.AI’s strategic goals.
• Lead collaborative research into multimodal intelligence (video, imagery, 3D, text), turning cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
• Translate research outcomes into actionable insights for Brendan (CTO), Paul Thompson (Gen AI Lead), and cross-functional teams.
• Work closely with Canva’s leadership, product, engineering, design, and marketing teams to seamlessly integrate AI solutions.
• Champion ethical AI practices, ensuring responsible development that aligns with Canva’s values.
• Stay ahead of the latest trends in generative AI, bringing fresh insights and opportunities to the collaboration.

What We’re Looking For:

Leadership:

• You have led a large research team in a high growth tech company before.
• You have developed leaders at all levels, from fresh managers to those running teams in their own right.
• You are able to provide your team with a healthy mix of challenges and support that enables them to perform at their best.

Strategy:

• You have proven experience in setting out and executing on a vision, strategy, and roadmap for research, covering everything from tooling and processes to the strategic value of data.
• You have the ability to work across the business, not just within research, but partnering with everyone from engineering to operations to founders.
• You are able to constructively resolve problems involving complex groups of stakeholders with competing priorities.
• You have previous experience at a tech company and are familiar with the way tech companies operate and some of the concepts particular to our industry (e.g. growth accounting, product funnels, designing analytic events, etc.)
• You are a great communicator, with the ability to break down complex topics into simple solutions and ideas.
• You have a proven record of influencing the business with data and directly contributing to company goals.

Craft:

• Deep understanding and experience in Multimodal AI (image, video, audio)
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field, with expertise in generative AI and image generation technologies.
• Strong technical acumen, comfortable engaging in discussions with experts across disciplines.
• Analytical and strategic thinker, adept at solving challenges and driving impactful outcomes.
• Advocate for ethical AI practices, ensuring responsible and thoughtful implementation.
   

What's in it for you?

Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a stack of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.

Here's a taste of what's on offer:

• Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
• Health benefits plans to support you and your wellbeing
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.

At Canva we value fairness, and we strive to provide competitive, market-informed compensation whilst ensuring internal equity within the team in each region. We make hiring decisions based on your skills, experience and our overall assessment of what we observed and learnt in the hiring process. The target salary range for this position is $284,000 to $432,000. When calculating offers, we make salary decisions based on market data and candidates' skills and experience.

Other stuff to know

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.