Aesthetics Scientist

Summary

iPhone is the most popular camera in the world, and Aesthetics Science is focused on understanding human perception and artistic intent with enough precision for scientists, engineers, designers and artists to work on it together. This role joins a team that strives to understand why people take pictures and what they like about them, in order to infuse that knowledge directly into the software development process. We are feature developers who bring rigorous research and photographic principles to how Apple builds the camera and visual experiences that people rely on every day.

Description

We are seeking an Aesthetics Scientist who brings deep domain expertise in aesthetics research or research in photography, recommendation algorithms, or image processing to translate that understanding directly into feature development: working at the intersection of imaging technology, human behavior, and design.

You will lead the day-to-day design and execution of an imaging aesthetics research program, running user studies that inform R&D across Camera and Photos software teams. You'll take complex, open-ended questions about aesthetics and taste and distill them into effective, well-scoped engineering solutions — developing and shaping new functionality that pushes imaging technology forward in ways that feel both practical and delightful. Your research shapes decisions that reach every iPhone shipped — we're looking for someone ready for that scale of impact.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct user studies — covering participant recruitment and quantitative/qualitative analysis — to understand the complex preference space of photographic renderings, individual differences in preference, visual trends, and customer behavior, while building the tools, analytics frameworks, and dashboards that surface these insights at scale.
Manage research operations end to end, including protocol development, approvals, and vendor management.
Apply rigorous statistical standards across the work of the broader team.
Scope, propose, and run research projects that inform feature development in collaboration with research leads and cross functional teams.

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of relevant experience, including 1+ years conducting research on a product development team.
A demonstrable track record conducting perceptual or aesthetics research.
Programming experience in R, Python, MATLAB, or similar and experience with research software tools.
Experience designing and conducting human perception experiments and/or working with algorithmic recommendation systems.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in aesthetics, vision science, cognitive science, psychology, or a related field.
Subject-matter expertise in contemporary photography, visual storytelling, or photographic aesthetics.
Understanding or experience in UX design principles and UX research.
Programming experience in SWIFT
Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish) to support user research across global markets.
Willingness to travel.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with AI tools and incorporating them into research workflows.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences.

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.