Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist (Deepfake Video)

Remote US and Canada

Please note this is a full time position not a part-time or contract role. We are looking for candidates located within the United States and Canada, this is a requirement. We are open to considering work authorization and relocation to the United States or Canada if you are able and interested in relocating.

Who we are

Are you passionate about innovating at the intersection of technology and personal security? At Pindrop, we recognize that the human voice is a unique personal identifier, increasingly susceptible to sophisticated fraud, including the threat of deepfakes. We're leading the way in developing cutting-edge authentication, fraud prevention, and deepfake detection. Our mission is to provide seamless and secure digital experiences, safeguarding the most personal aspect of our identity: our voice. Here, you'll be part of a team driven by values of Innovation, Customer Advocacy, Excellence, and Impact. We're not just creating a safer digital landscape by fortifying trust and integrity with those we serve, we're also building a dynamic, supportive workplace where your contributions make a real difference.

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Pindrop is backed by world-class investors such as Andreessen-Horowitz, IVP, and CapitalG.

We are looking for a Senior Deepfake Research Scientist/Engineer to join the Research team to help us explore exciting research ideas in the area of audio-visual deepfake detection. This candidate will work in a world-class team of researchers and will play a key role in developing the next generation of voice and video experiences.

What you'll do

• Conduct experimental studies on various computer vision tasks to assess accuracy and quality of pre-existing models
• Help the transition of research models into production on different platforms including embedded systems
• Conduct proof-of-concept experiments on lab and customer data
• Publish patents and peer-reviewed papers in top computer vision conferences
• Help your teammates in reviewing their research projects
• Propose new ML models that improve Pindrop products

Who you are

• You are a creative problem solver who is excited about building amazing products that add real value to millions of people
• You are enthusiastic about Biometric security as well as developing research ideas into products
• You can explain complex topics in simple terms, and you love building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• You are a self-starter and excel in a fast-paced dynamic environment that often includes ambiguity
• You are resilient in the face of challenges, change, and ambiguity
• You are optimistic and believe that you can make a problem into a solution
• You are resourceful, excited to uncover innovative solutions and teach yourself something new when needed
• You take accountability, do the things you say you'll do, under-promise and over-deliver
• You are nimble and adaptable when priorities change and continue to see the "forest through the trees"

Your skill-set:

Must Haves:

• PhD in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, etc.) required
• 3+ years of professional experience as a researcher in Computer Vision, Image/video deepfake detection, speech synthesis, speaker recognition and/or generative AI required
• Experience with image/video deepfake detection is required
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications at prestigious conferences and journals required
• Experience with video data acquisition and preparation required
• Strong Python skills required
• Experience with ML frameworks: PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras required
• Proven track record of successful and timely project delivery required
• Strong collaboration & proven success in partnering with stakeholders required

Nice-to-haves:

• Preferably, you have experience with Computer Vision challenges (NIST FRVT, DFDC, Kaggle, etc.)
• Preferably, you have experience with C/C++
• Preferably, you have deep knowledge of biometrics, authentication, fraud, or customer experience concepts
• Preferably, you have experience communicating with internal and external customers around proof-of-concepts, issues, etc.

What's in it for you:

As a Pindropper, you join a rapidly growing company making technology more human with the power of voice. You will work alongside some of the best and brightest. We're a passionate group committed to excellence - but that doesn't stop us from enjoying the journey as a team with chess and poker tournaments, catered lunches and happy hours, wellness programming, and more. Because we take our jobs seriously, we add in time for rest with Unlimited PTO, Focus Thursday, and Company-wide Rest Days.

• Within 30 days you'll have been introduced to your team, colleagues and have 1:1's to assimilate into the company culture. You will have the opportunity to learn the product in and out through training and a variety of resources
• Within 60 days you'll understand expectations for the team, and be able to start a research project agreed upon with your direct manager.
• Within 90 days you'll have an intermediate level of familiarity with the products and corresponding research initiatives. You will develop a strong relationship with the team and you will be able to begin executing against the research roadmap.

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, including equity for all employees
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 4 company-wide rest days in 2024 where the entire company rests and recharges
• Generous health and welfare plans to choose from - including one employer-paid "employee-only" plan
• Best-in-class Health Savings Account (HSA) employer contribution
• Affordable vision and dental plans for you and your family
• Employer-provided life and disability coverage with additional supplemental options
• Paid Parental Leave - Equal for all parents, 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
• Identity protection through Norton LifeLock
• Remote-first culture with opportunities for in-person team events
• Recurring monthly home office allowance
• When we need a break, we keep it fun with happy hours, ping pong and foosball, drinks and snacks, and monthly massages
• Remote and in-person team activities (think cheese tastings, chess tournaments, talent shows, murder mysteries, and more)
• Company holidays
• Annual professional development and learning benefit
• Pick your own Apple MacBook Pro
• Retirement plan with competitive 401(k) match
• Wellness Program including Employee Assistance Program, 24/7 Telemedicine

What we live by

At Pindrop, our Core Values are fundamental beliefs at the center of all we do. They are our guiding principles that dictate our actions and behaviors. Our Values are deeply embedded into our culture in big and small ways and even help us decide right from wrong when the path forward is unclear. At Pindrop, we believe in taking accountability to make decisions and act in a way that reflects who we are. We truly believe making decisions and acting with our Core Values in mind will help us to achieve our goals and keep Pindrop a great place to work:

• Audaciously Innovate - We continue to change the world, and the way people safely engage and interact with technology. As first principle thinkers, we challenge standards, take risks and learn from our mistakes in order to make positive change and continuous improvement. We believe nothing is impossible.
• Evangelical Customers for Life - We delight, inspire and empower customers from day one and for life. We create a partnership and experience that results in a shared passion. We are champions for our customers, and our customers become our champions, creating a universal commitment to one another.
• Execution Excellence - We do what we say and say what we do. We are accountable for making the tough decisions and necessary tradeoffs to deliver quality and effective solutions on time.
• Win as a Company - Every time we win, we win as a company. Every time we lose, we lose as a company. We break down silos, support one another, embrace diversity and celebrate our successes. We are better together.
• Make a Difference - Every day we have the opportunity to make a positive impact. We operate with dedication, passion, and uncompromising integrity, creating a safer, more secure world.

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.

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.

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