Research Scientist Intern, Applied Vision (PhD)

Reality Labs brings together a diverse team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. We are developing all the technologies needed to enable breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence. Some of those will advance much faster than others, but they all need to happen to enable AR and VR that are so compelling that they become an integral part of our lives.

Join the Display Systems Research (DSR) team, whose work spans next-generation VR headsets, new types of computational displays, novel experimental systems, and AI-driven graphics. We are seeking a research scientist intern to work at the intersection of basic and applied science with the goal of passing the Visual Turing test. Members of our team have the opportunity to collaborate with academic institutions and publish their work. Projects can be studied with a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach thanks to internal resources in mechanical, electrical, optical, and software engineering. The ideal applicant for this role is either an expert in visual perception with engineering and coding experience or an applied graphics or hardware researcher with past projects related to visual perception and vision science.

Our internships are sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.Research Scientist Intern, Applied Vision (PhD) Responsibilities

• Work on topics in vision science (image quality, motion perception, binocular vision, eye movements, color vision, multisensory cue combination, etc.) to support novel research in AR/VR head-mounted display technologies.
• Conceive, develop, and conduct psychophysical user studies on both benchtop testbeds and head-mounted prototypes to help guide emerging AR/VR display technologies.
• Conceive and develop novel simulations and models of visual perception to help guide emerging AR/VR display technologies.
• Collaborate and communicate with scientists and engineers across a variety of disciplines to design vision science studies in an applied context

Minimum Qualifications

• In the process of obtaining a PhD degree in Vision Science, Computer Graphics, or related field.
• Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing the results of psychophysical experiments related to visual perception, computer graphics, and/or display systems.
• Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., Python and Matlab) including their use to script psychophysical experiments.
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leveraging vision science data and principles to guide visual perception research in applied settings, especially for head-mounted displays.
• Experience with Unity/C#, particularly including the development of psychophysical experiments.
• Experience with C++ (or similar) programming languages, as demonstrated by software engineering experience via an internship, work experience, coding competitions, or PhD papers.
• Experience working with benchtop stereoscopic displays, head-mounted displays, or other hardware to study the visual system (e.g., novel 3D display systems including highly precise perspective-correct or multifocal plane displays, adaptive optics systems, mobile 3D environment mapping systems with gaze tracking, and advanced eye tracking systems).
• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at journals or conferences such as Journal of Vision and SIGGRAPH.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
• Intent to return to degree-program after the completion of the internship

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. LocationsAbout Meta Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
$7,800/month to $11,293/month + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations) in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to [email protected].