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Animation Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motion Design & Animation: Design and animate high-quality 2D and 3D motion graphics. * Core Design ... Research & Innovation: Explore, research, and apply cutting-edge design techniques to produce ...

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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.

Senior Cinematics Animator - Treyarch - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Treyarch
PC Games • 201 - 500 employees

$114K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title:Senior Cinematics Animator - Treyarch - Los Angeles, CARequisition ID:R028107Job Description:

Treyarch is looking for a world-class, industry-leading Senior Animator for our future projects. In this role, you will help inspire the team by creating the highest quality animations while pushing the boundaries of gameplay, storytelling, and technology. The ideal candidate is passionate about animation and has a strong understanding of animation principles, body mechanics, Cinematography, Maya, and motion-capture editing techniques.

A successful Senior Animator will bridge animation, engineering, and design to identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions. You must be highly organized and have outstanding communication skills. While working with a Lead Animator, you will champion the animation vision and become an essential pillar of the animation team. Additionally, a Senior Animator will provide relevant input that will influence animation technology development, resources, and tool development.

This role can be based in either our Playa Vista, CA or our Vancouver, BC office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company's discretion to meet business needs.

What you'll do...

  • Produce high-quality animations using the tools at your disposal, with a focus on character performances and gameplay.
  • Collaborate with animators, designers, artists, and software engineers to identify and address areas of need or concern.
  • Contribute to the development of new techniques and processes involved in the implementation and creation of animations.
  • Participate in the planning and directing process of motion capture shoots.
  • Identify potential areas of risk, create/implement mitigation plans before issues happen, and keep yourself operating at a high level of productivity.

To succeed you should have...

  • A great understanding of realistic body mechanics as well as animation principles.
  • Mentorship skills.
  • Facial animation experience.
  • Expert knowledge of Maya.
  • Expert knowledge of animation implementation and debugging techniques.
  • Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and be a self-starter and problem solver.
  • 8+ years of proven experience in the game industry, with experience shipping AAA titles, ideally at least one as a Senior Animator.

We'd love it if you also have...

  • Creature animation experience.
  • Storyboard skills.
  • Mentorship skills.
  • Strong film language, composition, and camera animation skills.
  • Experience working with outsourcing.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

About Treyarch

Founded in 1996, Treyarch is a videogame studio whose purpose is to create awesome games for the world to enjoy. With this purpose in mind, we crafted the award winning Call of Duty: Black Ops series and pioneered the fan favorite Zombies mode.

At Treyarch, we empower the team to be individually driven to innovate on our games, processes, and culture. How we do things is just as important as what we do.

Studio culture and development, we believe it's a team effort and that collaboration and hearing one another is key. Every day we face the large and small challenges together and every voice matters.

These values guide us in our mission to create moments that matter. Both to the players and to us, the creators. In an era where triumphs and defeats are readily shared, seeing players engage with our creations gives us great pride. Come help us create that next moment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to candidate-accommodations@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.treyarch.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/treyarch, and @treyarch on Twitter.

PS, we've also got some pretty amazing office perks and benefits, like 20 vacation days and 16 holidays, 10 weeks of family leave, free lunches and snacks at our office, comprehensive healthcare, and more! Check out all the details here for more information: https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $82,240.00 - $152,160.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.Employment Type: OTHER