Canva is looking to shape the future of AI by pushing the boundaries of foundational models and leading research that translates into practical, scalable impact for millions of users.
Requirements
- Deep expertise in machine learning and foundational model development - particularly in areas like LLMs, vision-language models, generative AI, or multi-modal systems
- Experience in developing and deploying generative AI models for video synthesis and audio generation
- A strong publication record or evidence of research impact in industry
- Experience owning research strategy and execution end-to-end — from problem formulation through to real-world deployment
- Proficiency in turning complex theoretical ideas into something tangible, and evaluating them with rigor
Responsibilities
- Lead high-impact research initiatives that drive the development of foundational models across Canva’s AI domains
- Design and execute experiments to validate hypotheses, optimize model behavior, and measure real-world performance
- Translate theoretical research and papers into robust, production-ready implementations
- Develop novel model architectures and training methodologies that advance state-of-the-art outcomes
- Partner closely with ML Engineers to scale models and integrate them into Canva’s product ecosystem
- Shape our research roadmap by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and open challenges
- Share your knowledge internally through documentation and cross-team collaborations, and externally through papers or talks where appropriate
Other
- You’re someone who thrives in ambiguity, loves connecting deep research with product application, and has a proven track record of driving scientific and technical excellence at scale.
- You can balance the long-term vision with practical delivery — influencing roadmaps, mentoring others, and making bold research bets when needed.
- Collaborative mindset — you work exceptionally well with engineers, product teams, and other researchers
- Opportunities to mentor and level up our research community
- Exposure to product impact at truly global scale (we’re talking hundreds of millions of users)
