Senior+ AI Researcher (Large Language Models)

Join Tavus to lead foundational research on large language and vision-language models that power next-generation conversational avatars. You'll bridge verbal and non-verbal intelligence to shape how AI Humans think, adapt, and communicate in real time, setting the research agenda for making empathetic, capable AI available at scale.

What you'll do

• Lead research on LLMs and VLMs for conversational avatars, modeling verbal and non-verbal interactions.
• Design and implement fine-tuning, adaptation, and conditioning techniques to align LLM behavior with real-world conversational needs.
• Prototype, train, and optimize models for real-time generation under strict time budget constraints.
• Collaborate with Applied ML and Product teams to move research into impactful production systems.
• Mentor other researchers, set research directions, and foster scientific excellence.

What Tavus is looking for

• 2–3+ years of postdoctoral or industry research experience with LLMs and VLMs.
• Deep expertise in generative language modeling and a strong track record of innovation through prototyping.
• Proven experience in LLM adaptation, conditioning, or control methods.
• Hands-on experience training large models at scale with excellent programming skills in PyTorch.
• Publications in top-tier venues such as EMNLP, COLING, NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, or ICCV.
• Experience leading research efforts and directing technical agendas within teams.