Lead Research Scientist - Video & Audio Generative AI

As Canva continues to expand its AI capabilities, we’re seeking a Research Science Lead to spearhead AI video generation initiatives. In this role, you’ll lead a team of research scientists focused on working with cutting-edge models that transform text and images into high-quality videos. Your leadership will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and practical application, ensuring our AI-driven video tools are both innovative and user-centric.

You will lead and grow a team of high-performing research scientists who are advancing the future of AI at scale. Your focus will be on setting strategic research direction, coaching others to deliver impactful scientific contributions, and ensuring the translation of research into meaningful product capabilities. You’ll champion both scientific excellence and scalable impact, bridging foundational model innovation with real-world deployment across Canva’s platform.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is passionate about cultivating talent, shaping a research vision, and partnering cross-functionally to embed cutting-edge AI into delightful user experiences.

At the moment, this role is focused on:

• Team Leadership: Coaching and mentoring a team of research scientists specializing in video generation.
• Strategic Direction: Defining research agendas aligned with Canva’s product goals, particularly in AI-driven video creation.
• Technical Oversight: Guiding the development of models utilizing diffusion transformers, GANs, and autoregressive architectures for video and audio synthesis.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering with engineering and product teams to integrate research outcomes into Canva’s platform.
• Thought Leadership: Representing Canva in the AI research community through publications, conferences, and open-source contributions.

You’re probably a match if you:

• Have led research teams in the field of AI video an/or audio generation or related areas.
• Possess deep expertise in machine learning techniques pertinent to video synthesis, such as diffusion models and GANs.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of translating research into scalable, user-facing products.
• Excel in setting strategic research directions and aligning them with business objectives.
• Are an effective communicator, capable of articulating complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in AI and are passionate about applying them to enhance user experiences.