Senior Research Scientist
Pixar
Emeryville, CA · $220k–$285k a year · Posted November 6, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
More in California job market · Senior Research Scientist jobs in California (26) · All Senior Research Scientist jobs (96) · Education & EdTech · Research jobs
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Where Emeryville, CA ranks
Where Emeryville, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #4Best cities for director and executive jobs in the West Coast27% · of 71
- #7Best all-round cities for new graduates in the West Coast61 / 100 · of 39
- #11Best cities for pay after cost of living in California$172k · of 32
- #13Best cities for pay after cost of living in the West Coast$172k · of 39
- #19Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the West Coast14% · of 66
- #20Best cities for junior jobs in California27% · of 54
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $252,330 a year. Across 30 open senior research scientist listings that state pay, the middle half runs $147,000 to $240,500 and the median is $206,500. That is 22% above the median, above the middle half of those listings.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
Senior Research Scientist salaries by state · Check your own pay
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among medical scientists, except epidemiologists is little observed so far. Measured exposure for medical scientists, except epidemiologists: 4% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Pixar has filed one layoff notice in the last twelve months, covering 108 workers, most recently July 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings
About the job
...Conduct world-class research in computer graphics and AI to develop innovative solutions for Pixar and Disney movie productions. This role bridges the gap between academic research and practical studio application. RESPONSIBILITIES: Research & Innovation: Identify...