Head of Applied AI

Our Vision

We aim to build the next-generation platform for fast and easy creation of audio and video content. In November 2022, we took a major step forward with the launch of Storyboard, our video editing foundation. We’re excited to expand it with AI capabilities like Overdub, Studio Sound, and other generative AI features.

Some of the world's top podcasters, influencers, and businesses—including BBC, ESPN, HubSpot, Shopify, and The Washington Post—use Descript for video communication. We've raised $100M from leading investors like Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI Startup Fund, Redpoint Ventures, and Spark Capital.

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About the Role

We’re looking for a strategic leader with deep technical and product expertise to drive our AI strategy and lead our Applied AI Research team. You will stay at the forefront of AI advancements, shaping our product and business for the future. This role involves managing a talented team of AI researchers specializing in generative models and deep learning, reporting directly to the VP of Engineering.

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Some of Our Research Publications

• SampleRNN: An Unconditional End-to-End Neural Audio Generation Model
• Char2Wav: End-to-End Speech Synthesis
• ObamaNet: Photo-Realistic Lip-Sync from Text
• MelGAN: Generative Adversarial Networks for Conditional Waveform Synthesis
• Chunked Autoregressive GAN for Conditional Waveform Synthesis
• Wav2CLIP: Learning Robust Audio Representations From CLIP

This role can be based in the San Francisco Bay Area or remote within the United States.

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Job Responsibilities

• Define and execute research strategies aligned with business goals
• Stay at the forefront of AI advancements and apply them to our work
• Lead research initiatives and ensure timely execution
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate AI into products
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of AI researchers and engineers
• Represent Descript in the AI community to attract top talent and foster industry partnerships
• Showcase AI advancements at conferences and industry events

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Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in deep learning, AI, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years leading AI teams and 8+ years developing deep learning models
• Proven track record of leading research initiatives and deploying models in production
• Experience mentoring and managing research scientists and engineers
• Deep expertise in generative models, including architectures, training techniques, and real-world applications
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to align AI research with business strategy

The base salary range for this role is $265,000 - $350,000 per year. Final offer amounts will consider multiple factors, including prior experience, expertise, and location.

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About Descript

Descript is building a simple, intuitive, fully powered editing tool for video and audio—an editing tool designed for the age of AI. We are a team of 150, led by a proven CEO, with backing from top investors like OpenAI, Andreessen Horowitz, Redpoint Ventures, and Spark Capital.

We have achieved product-market fit and possess the raw materials for significant growth, including a passionate user community, a strong product, and a large market. As we continue to scale, each new employee will have a measurable impact on the company’s direction.

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Benefits

• Generous healthcare package
• Catered lunches
• Flexible vacation time
• Headquarters in the Mission District of San Francisco, with flexibility for remote work

While we offer flexibility, we value in-person collaboration for moments of discovery and innovation.

Descript is an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where employees, products, and communities can thrive.