Head of AI Research - Remote

Overview

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

Hey, hello, hiya, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte!

Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.

Join the Revolution in Generative AI at Canva!

At Canva, we’re on a mission to empower the world to design with simplicity, innovation, and impact. As part of our Generative AI Supergroup, we’re shaping the future of AI creativity. In partnership with Leonardo.Ai, Australia’s leading generative AI startup with over 20 million users globally, we’re looking for a visionary Head of AI Research to join us.

As Head of AI Research, you’ll lead Canva’s efforts in developing and applying world-class generative AI capabilities. Working at the forefront of multimodal research, your leadership will bridge teams across Canva and Leonardo.AI to ensure groundbreaking discoveries are integrated into our products. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Leonardo.AI’s cutting-edge team while driving Canva’s innovation forward. 

This role combines technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a collaborative spirit to create products that enhance the creativity of millions globally.

In Short

• Drive the strategic vision and execution of Canva’s generative AI research in close partnership with Leonardo.AI.
• Oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, fostering a high-performing, innovative, and inclusive environment.
• Develop and manage a roadmap of AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with Canva’s and Leonardo.AI’s strategic goals.
• Lead collaborative research into multimodal intelligence (video, imagery, 3D, text), turning cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
• Translate research outcomes into actionable insights for Senior Executive Leaders across Canva and Leonardo.ai.
• Work closely with Canva’s leadership, product, engineering, design, and marketing teams to seamlessly integrate AI solutions.
• Champion ethical AI practices, ensuring responsible development that aligns with Canva’s values.
• Stay ahead of the latest trends in generative AI, bringing fresh insights and opportunities to the collaboration.

Requirements

• You have led a large research team in a high growth tech company before.
• You have developed leaders at all levels, from fresh managers to those running teams in their own right.
• You are able to provide your team with a healthy mix of challenges and support that enables them to perform at their best.
• You have proven experience in setting out and executing on a vision, strategy, and roadmap for research, covering everything from tooling and processes to the strategic value of data.
• You have the ability to work across the business, not just within research, but partnering with everyone from engineering to operations to founders.
• You are able to constructively resolve problems involving complex groups of stakeholders with competing priorities.
• You have previous experience at a tech company and are familiar with the way tech companies operate and some of the concepts particular to our industry (e.g. growth accounting, product funnels, designing analytic events, etc.)
• You are a great communicator, with the ability to break down complex topics into simple solutions and ideas.
• You have a proven record of influencing the business with data and directly contributing to company goals.

Benefits

• Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally