Senior Research Scientist

Who We Are Pindrop is the Real Human + Right Human® Identity Trust Platform for the AI era. As AI-driven fraud and deepfakes erode trust in digital communication, Pindrop delivers continuous identity verification and deepfake detection across voice, video, and digital interactions in real time. Enterprises rely on Pindrop to secure billions of high-risk customer interactions each year, including top U.S. banks, as well as leading insurers and healthcare providers. Powered by models trained on more than 1.5 billion real-world interactions annually and protected by 300+ patents, Pindrop restores trust while reducing fraud, lowering operational costs, and improving customer experience. Recognized by TIME as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Software Companies of 2026 and by Inc. for Best in Business for Innovation, Pindrop is backed by leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz, IVP, and CapitalG. What you’ll do As a Senior Research Scientist on the Video team, you will be responsible for advancing core research initiatives and translating advanced computer vision and deepfake detection models into real-world, scalable enterprise solutions. In this role, you will: Drive forward-looking research that advances Pindrop’s core technologies in audio-visual deepfake detection, synthetic media identification, and real-time video processing. Design, implement, and evaluate novel machine learning and computer vision algorithms tailored for video data and meeting analytics. Partner closely with engineering teams to transition complex research prototypes and tools into efficient, production-ready systems across multiple platforms. Maintain high standards for model reproducibility, publish patents, and author peer-reviewed papers for top-tier computer vision, machine learning, and speech conferences. Act as a technical authority by conducting code and research reviews, mentoring junior researchers, and utilizing empirical data to influence product strategy. Who you are You are energized by open-ended, ambiguous research problems. You maintain high focus and scientific rigor even when experiments fail, quickly incorporating negative findings to improve model strategy. You seamlessly bridge the gap between research and engineering teams. You can explain complex AI/ML and computer vision concepts with absolute clarity to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. You take complete ownership of your research projects from initial hypothesis to final evaluation. You excel at balancing long-term scientific exploration with near-term, tangible business outcomes. You operate with absolute technical integrity. You proactively document assumptions, risks, and experimental limitations while consistently delivering on your promises. You design and evaluate machine learning architectures with a sharp awareness of bias, drift, and operational deployment constraints, balancing rapid innovation with responsible AI principles. Your skill-set Must-Haves: PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent industry experience). 3+ years of professional research experience in Deep Learning, specifically focused on Computer Vision, image/video deepfake detection, facial recognition, or generative AI. Deep technical expertise in real-time video processing, video data acquisition, pipeline preparation, and model deployment across cloud or edge environments. Strong programming proficiency in Python, alongside hands-on mastery of modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Keras. A proven track record of successful project delivery and publication of peer-reviewed research or patents at prestigious scientific conferences. Nice-to-Haves: Strong programming skills in C/C++ or experience working with deployment tools like Go, TF-Lite, and TF-Micro. Experience competing in or leveraging benchmarks from prominent Computer Vision and machine learning challenges (e.g., NIST FRVT, DFDC, Kaggle). Deep domain knowledge of biometrics, identity authentication, fraud patterns, or consumer security concepts. What’s in it for you This is a career-defining opportunity for a technical leader ready to drive enterprise-level security impact in the AI era. In an environment where synthetic media, deepfakes, and sophisticated identity manipulation are accelerating, our team ensures that every digital interaction involves the real human and the right human. Your work will directly defend global financial institutions, enterprise systems, and millions of consumers from identity fraud and deception. You will have extensive strategic scope and executive visibility, helping to architect the next generation of video security technologies. You will collaborate daily with some of the absolute best technical minds in AI, security, and signal processing. While we are intense about execution excellence, we value a sustainable culture that celebrates the journey—balancing ambitious breakthroughs with company-wide rest days and continuous learning. If you want to build technology that genuinely matters, this is that opportunity. What we offer As a part of Pindrop, you’ll have a direct impact on our growing list of products and the future of security in the voice-driven economy. We hire great people and take care of them. Here’s a snapshot of the benefits we offer: Competitive compensation package, including RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) for all employees, so everyone shares in our long-term success. Remote-first environment - giving you flexibility and autonomy in how you structure your day. While we work flexibly, we prioritize meaningful in-person moments through regular team on-sites, company-wide events, and intentional gatherings that foster connection, collaboration, and shared success. Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) Generous health and welfare plans to choose from - including one employer-paid “employee-only” plan! Best-in-class Health Savings Account (HSA) employer contribution Low-cost vision and dental plans for you and your family, providing comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. Paid Parental Leave - Including birth, adoptive & foster parents One year of diaper delivery for your newest addition to the family! It’s our way of welcoming new Pindroplets to the family! Recurring monthly phone and internet allowance to help cover essential connectivity costs and support flexible work. Enhanced fertility and GLP-1 benefits to support family-building journeys and personalized health needs. Annual Learning & Development stipend to support your professional growth, skill-building, certifications, and continued education. This position will be posted for 90 days after 6/1/26. #LI-Remote Please note that the base pay range is a general guideline only. Pindrop considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills, as well as market and business considerations, when extending an offer. US Base Pay Range $185,000 — $215,000 USD Not sure if this is you? We want a diverse, global team, with a broad range of experience and perspectives. If this job sounds great, but you’re not sure if you qualify, apply anyway! We carefully consider every application and will either move forward with you, find another team that might be a better fit, keep in touch for future opportunities, or thank you for your time. AI - A Transformative Force At Pindrop, we view artificial intelligence as a transformative force that, when harnessed responsibly, can unlock unprecedented value for our customers, partners and society and enable and empower us to continue to deliver cutting-edge technology to combat fraud and unblur the lines between what it means to be human versus machine. Pindrop may use AI tools to help prioritize job applications for human review. The AI tool may analyze your work experience and skills to assess fit for the role, but does not consider your name or contact details. Applications with the strongest match to job requirements are prioritized for human review; not all applications may be individually reviewed. Pindrop is an Equal Opportunity Employer Here at Pindrop, it is our mission to create and maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, marital and/or veteran status.