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Animation Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NetEase Games

Character Performance Animator

Powered by industry-leading in-house R&D capabilities in China and globally, NetEase creates ... Lead the design and execution of performance animation for key story sequences and interactive ...

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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.

Character Performance Animator

Remote

NetEase Games
See more jobs at NetEase Gamesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

About NetEase Games:

As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX:9999, "NetEase") provides premium online services centered around content creation. With extensive offerings across its expanding gaming ecosystem, the Company develops and operates some of China's most popular and longest-running mobile and PC games. Powered by industry-leading in-house R&D capabilities in China and globally, NetEase creates superior gaming experiences, inspires players, and passionately delivers value for its thriving community worldwide. By infusing play with culture and education with technology, NetEase transforms gaming into a meaningful vehicle to build a more entertaining and enlightened world.

NetEase's ESG initiatives are among the best in the global media and entertainment industry, earning it a distinction as one of the S&P Global Industry Movers and an "A" rating from MSCI. For more information, please visit: http://ir.netease.com/

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and execution of performance animation for key story sequences and interactive cinematics, overseeing facial performances, dialogue scenes, and action-driven performances to ensure emotional authenticity and cinematic quality.

  • Collaborate closely with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to establish and maintain production pipelines and quality standards for performance animation, ensuring consistency in character emotions and visual storytelling.

  • Define production guidelines and animation standards for facial performances, dialogue scenes, and character acting, driving scalable and efficient content creation workflows while continuously improving quality and productivity.

  • Leverage experience from the film and game industries to optimize motion capture and keyframe animation pipelines, solve technical challenges, and enhance the overall quality and expressiveness of character performances.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or above in Animation, Film, Directing, Digital Media Arts, or related disciplines preferred.

  • 3+ years of experience as an Animation Director, Action Director, Performance Animator, or related role in the film or game industry. Candidates must provide portfolio examples demonstrating both action-oriented and subtle dramatic performances.

  • Deep understanding of cinematic language, character acting, and emotional storytelling. Ability to independently deliver high-quality performances ranging from facial animation and dialogue scenes to action-driven sequences.

  • Proficiency in motion capture data processing, keyframe animation, and in-engine performance integration. Ability to solve technical challenges throughout the animation production pipeline.

  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to drive production standards and pipeline execution.

  • Strong industrialized production mindset. Experience establishing animation standards, optimizing workflows, and improving team-wide delivery quality is highly preferred.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced production environment. Prior experience in film production studios or cinematic teams is a plus.