Senior Applied Scientist, AI Content Creation & Editing

Senior Applied Scientist, AI Content Creation & Editing

Shutterstock’s AI Content Creation & Editing team is dedicated to empowering customers to discover, create, and refine content using both generative and editing capabilities—connecting them with our expansive library and enabling them to customize assets to meet their exact needs. We streamline user workflows and offer a cohesive suite of AI-driven features that deliver exactly what customers need to “fuel great work.” As part of this team, you will develop and refine advanced AI systems that drive on-demand image, video and 3D generation, targeted editing, and seamless integrations with core product experiences. We have achieved continual growth by standing on the shoulders of giants. A key strategic focus area is building and optimizing our Generative Model Routing Selector, a recommender-style system that chooses the best generator or editing tools for a given user and input. This work is crucial to supporting Shutterstock’s broader mission of helping customers create, adapt, and succeed with innovative content solutions at scale.

Develop next-generation generative systems. Build and integrate cutting-edge ML models—ranging from transformer-based solutions to diffusion approaches—to enable the creation of new assets (images, 3D, and more) when existing content isn’t sufficient.
 

Implement and refine the Generative Model Selector. Design sophisticated recommender-style logic that selects the most suitable generative model for each user’s specific needs, optimizing for relevance, speed, and overall creative value.
 

Provide advanced AI editing capabilities. Create, deploy and iterate on targeted editing tools (background removal, upscaling, etc.) that enable customers to adapt Shutterstock assets quickly and easily, minimizing manual effort while preserving quality.
 

Collaborate with product and engineering. Partner with platform and product teams to integrate generative and editing features into user workflows, ensuring intuitive experiences within a unified creation and editing interface.
 

Drive real-world impact at scale. Translate emerging research into production-ready solutions that handle large volumes of content requests in near real-time, supporting a broad range of creative use cases.
 

Mentor and lead cross-functional teams. Guide junior scientists and engineers, fostering an environment of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and rapid prototyping.
 

Champion ethics and integrity. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure generative and editing tools are aligned with responsible AI principles, protecting artists and customers while pushing creative boundaries.
 

Measure and refine success. Work backward from our primary KPI—Download Rate of Generated or Modified Content—iterating on models, workflows, and user experiences to maximize the value and adoption of AI-driven features.
 

Publish and share insights. Present findings internally and externally (e.g., conferences, technical talks) to solidify Shutterstock’s leadership in AI for content creation and editing.
 

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience. A PhD or MS in machine learning or relevant experience in computer vision, NLP, or related fields, with 3+ years of experience applying AI customer facing solutions.
   

• Deep ML expertise. Proficiency in recommender systems, with a deep understanding of image and/or video. Strong Python skills, plus familiarity with frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
   

• Production-scale know-how. Demonstrated ability to build, deploy, and maintain large-scale AI systems using tools such as Kubernetes, AWS, MLflow, and Snowflake.
   

• Strong experimentation and research background. A track record of iterating solutions against real-world data, running experiments, and adapting to shifting creative or technical requirements.
   

• Collaboration and communication skills. Proven ability to partner with product, engineering, and design teams to translate customer needs into impactful AI features.
   

• Passion for generative AI and user empowerment. Commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology responsibly and ethically to help customers realize their creative visions.

• Immediate impact on a global scale. Your contributions to AI content creation and editing will empower millions of creators, brands, and customers across diverse industries.
   

• Support for your professional growth. We provide clear pathways for career development and continuous learning, backed by leadership invested in your success.
   

• Flexible work environment. Balance remote and in-office collaboration with a suite of tools that keep you connected and productive.
   

• Competitive rewards. Enjoy comprehensive healthcare, wellness programs, retirement plans, and numerous opportunities to learn and advance in the dynamic field of AI.
   

Join Shutterstock’s AI Content Creation & Editing team to shape the future of how content is generated and refined—bridging creativity and cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results for customers worldwide.

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Shutterstock Values

We are one team collectively focused on creating an unrivaled experience for our Customers and Contributors. Our Values represent the mindset of the employee who will thrive at Shutterstock.  If you are passionate about what you do, and want to become part of a cutting-edge technology company building industry leading products, please apply.

Shutterstock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Suitably qualified and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply  regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Shutterstock ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].