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Image Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Google

Image Processing Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

... image quality, computer vision, or related technical environment. * Experience with Python and C ... Teams across this area research, design, and develop new technologies to make our user ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking anImage Scientistto join our Image Science and Computer Vision team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This team advances the state-of-the-art ...

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Image Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do image researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for image 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Image Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Image Researcher, you need strong visual literacy, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of copyright and licensing, often supported by a degree in media, art history, or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, stock image databases, and metadata tagging tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and the ability to interpret creative briefs help you collaborate effectively with clients and creative teams. These skills ensure the efficient sourcing of high-quality, legally compliant images that meet project requirements and creative standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Image Researchers and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges for Image Researchers is sourcing high-quality, rights-cleared images that meet specific project requirements and tight deadlines. Navigating copyright restrictions and negotiating usage licenses can be complex, especially when working with rare or historical imagery. Effective organization, strong communication with licensing agencies, and staying up-to-date with copyright laws are essential strategies to address these challenges. Additionally, collaborating closely with editors, designers, and legal teams ensures that all images are suitable and cleared for intended use.

What does an Image Researcher do?

An Image Researcher is responsible for finding, sourcing, and licensing images for use in various media such as books, magazines, websites, films, and advertising. They work closely with editors, designers, and producers to identify the right visuals that meet creative and legal requirements. Their job often involves negotiating usage rights, ensuring proper credits, and maintaining an organized archive of images. Attention to detail and knowledge of copyright law are important aspects of this role.

What is the difference between Image Researcher vs Photo Editor?

AspectImage ResearcherPhoto Editor
Primary RoleConducts research to find suitable images, sources, and rights for projectsSelects, edits, and enhances photos for publication or presentation
Skills & CredentialsResearch skills, knowledge of image sources, copyright understandingPhoto editing, retouching, software proficiency (e.g., Photoshop)
Work EnvironmentResearch teams, media agencies, stock image companiesPublishing houses, media outlets, advertising agencies

While both roles involve working with images, an Image Researcher focuses on sourcing and rights clearance, whereas a Photo Editor handles editing and preparing images for final use. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the visual media industry.

More about Image Researcher jobs
What states have the most Image Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Image Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Image Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Image Researcher jobs are:
Image Researcher jobs near you

Image Processing Engineer

Google

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 186 rated software companies

Job description

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., optics, sensors, audio, or DSP), or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2 years of experience working in an image quality, computer vision, or related technical environment.
  • Experience with Python and C for algorithm development and implementation.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field (e.g., optics, sensors, audio, or DSP).
  • Experience with emerging technologies and new technical domains.
  • Ability to solve multi-layered technical problems on their own with a high degree of motivation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for cross-functional partners.

About the job
The Platforms and Devices team encompasses Google's various computing software platforms across environments (desktop, mobile, applications), as well as our first party devices and services that combine the best of Google AI, software, and hardware. Teams across this area research, design, and develop new technologies to make our user's interaction with computing faster and more seamless, building innovative experiences for our users around the world.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $132000 - $190000 (USD) 15% bonus target bonus equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Optimize image quality across the hardware and software stack, ensuring hardware capabilities are leveraged through software tuning.
  • Fine-tune 3A algorithms to ensure performance across lighting and environmental conditions.
  • Build software tools, utilizing machine learning (ML) automation to streamline image quality (IQ) tuning, testing, benchmarking, and calibration workflows.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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