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Animation Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CREA Interactivity

Animation Teacher

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Children also participate in STEAM-inspired educational research and creative arts, crafts and ... We are seeking enthusiastic and experienced animators to teach children ages 4-12 in STEAM-based ...

Fox

AI Supervisor, Animation - FoxNXT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Built around four integrated pillars, including R&D, Production, Talent, and Education, FoxNXT develops and deploys AI powered pipelines that redefine creative workflows across animation, unscripted ...

fox com

AI Supervisor, Animation - FoxNXT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Built around four integrated pillars, including R&D, Production, Talent, and Education, FoxNXT develops and deploys AI powered pipelines that redefine creative workflows across animation, unscripted ...

Weekday AI

Character and Facial Animation Consultant

$60 - $90/hr

This role is for one of our clients Compensation: $60-$90 per hour A leading AI research ... We are seeking experienced Character and Facial Animation Consultants to help establish rigorous ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Conduct exploratory research to pioneer and develop innovative animation systems and techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in real-time production What we're looking for * Extensive ...

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Animation Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do animation researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animation researcher?

Animation researchers are professionals who conduct thorough investigations to support the creative and technical aspects of animation production. They gather reference materials, study movement, behavior, and environments, and provide accurate information to animators and production teams. Their work ensures that animated content is realistic, consistent, and grounded in factual or stylistic research, enhancing the quality and believability of the final product. Animation researchers may work on topics ranging from character design and historical authenticity to the physics of motion.

How does an animation researcher typically collaborate with animators and directors during a production?

Animation Researchers play a key support role by gathering visual and factual references, historical context, and technical information that help animators and directors achieve authenticity and accuracy in their work. They frequently consult with creative teams to clarify specific needs, present their findings in accessible formats, and attend production meetings to ensure their research aligns with the project's artistic vision. Strong communication and adaptability are essential, as Animation Researchers must translate complex information into practical insights while responding to evolving creative directions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Researcher, you need strong research skills, knowledge of animation history and techniques, and typically a degree in animation, film studies, or a related field. Familiarity with animation software, databases, and digital asset management systems is often required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help an Animation Researcher excel in gathering and presenting relevant information to creative teams. These skills are vital for ensuring the accuracy, innovation, and authenticity of animated projects.

What is the difference between Animation Researcher vs Animation Artist?

AspectAnimation ResearcherAnimation Artist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in animation, film, or related field; strong research skillsDiploma or degree in animation, fine arts, or related field; strong artistic skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, studios, production companiesAnimation studios, post-production houses, freelance work
Employer & Industry UsageFilm, TV, gaming, animation production companiesAnimation studios, advertising agencies, entertainment industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Animation Researchers focus on gathering and analyzing information to support animation projects, often working in research or pre-production phases. Animation Artists create the visual content, bringing characters and scenes to life through their artistic skills. While both roles are essential in animation production, they differ in their primary responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities are hiring for Animation Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Animation Researcher job openings:

What states have the most Animation Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animation Researcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Researcher jobs?

For Animation Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Animation Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Supervisor, AI & Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Promise Advanced Imagination
See more jobs at Promise Advanced Imaginationexternal

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Promise
Promise is a pioneering film and TV studio at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. Our mission is to reimagine what's possible in entertainment by bringing together the world's most visionary storytellers and GenAI creators, empowered by cutting-edge tools and proprietary workflows. Through bold collaborations and a forward-thinking approach to sourcing IP, we are building a dynamic slate of original and licensed projects that push creative boundaries. Backed by premier VC firms, Promise is shaping a new era in GenAI-powered storytelling, where creativity knows no limits.
Role Overview
As the Supervisor, you will be the key technical and creative innovative thinker driving the integration of Animation and GenAI technologies into our production workflows. This leadership role is responsible for researching new methods in AI, animation, ensuring our productions maintain visual excellence while leveraging the efficiency of modern tools. You will shepherd the visual quality of our projects from concept through final delivery, acting as the bridge between creative vision, AI animation, and our proprietary GenAI R&D initiat
Key Responsibilities
  1. Generative AI & Pipeline Advancement
    • Research and implement new methodologies in animation, with a core focus on Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI applications.
      • Work closely with R&D teams to prototype and integrate AI tools with standard VFX software to accelerate asset creation, character animation, and compositing.
  2. Virtual & Hybrid Production Leadership
    • Lead and supervise methodology of complex Animation and/or Anime that can include character animation, digital environments, etc...), ensuring seamless technical and creative execution on set.
      • Knowledge of facial animation
      • Knowledge of character animation
      • AI integration with traditional animation
      • Character and creature design
    • Architect hybrid workflows that successfully bridge traditional animation and AI workflows.
  3. Creative Supervision & Project Execution
    • Provide world-class artistic and technical direction for all animation projects, ensuring the final output aligns with the Director's vision.
      • Oversee talent selection for large-scale, AAA film and television projects.
      • Mentor and lead internal and external VFX teams and supervisors, fostering an environment of technical excellence and creative problem-solving.

Qualifications
  • Experience in animation, including a significant tenure as a HOD on large-scale, AAA feature films or premium episodic content.
  • Proven leadership role experience, with the ability to inspire and manage highly skilled creative and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated history of advancing technology or implementing innovative workflows within a major Animation or VFX studio or production company.
  • Expert-level knowledge of cinematic techniques, lighting, and color science.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience acting as the primary creative liaison with Directors and Producers.
Technical Skills / Qualifications
  • Deep, practical expertise in Machine Learning/Generative AI techniques as they apply to VFX (e.g., neural rendering, content generation, data management).
  • Strong command of industry-standard software packages.
  • Solid understanding of ML/data pipelines and asset management in a high-volume production environment.

Compensation
We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including equity.
Benefits
We believe in supporting our team's well-being and growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, with employee premiums covered 100%.
  • Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays and sick leave.
  • Financial Security: 401(k) matching program to help you plan for your future.
  • Work Environment: A dynamic, creative, and inclusive hybrid work environment based out of our innovative studio.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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