The Meta Reality Labs Research Team is pioneering the future of AR and VR by bringing together world-class researchers, developers, and engineers. Our mission is to advance computer graphics and display technologies, with a focus on perceptually optimized rendering, display hardware modeling, and generative AI for immersive experiences. We are currently seeking a Research Scientist Intern to contribute to our cutting-edge project on trainable perceptual metrics and end-to-end differentiable display waveguide models for AR/VR systems. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of computer vision, computational neuroscience, and hardware modeling. You will help develop perceptually driven, trainable image quality metrics grounded in human vision, and apply them to optimize AR/VR rendering and display pipelines. The work will involve building differentiable models of display hardware, integrating perceptual losses into machine learning workflows, and demonstrating practical improvements in image quality and power efficiency for next-generation AR/VR devices. Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long, with various start dates throughout the year.

Research Scientist Intern, Machine Learning and Perception Science (AR) (PhD) Responsibilities

Collaborate with researchers and engineers in graphics, vision science, and hardware modeling to develop differentiable display waveguide models.

Design and implement trainable loss functions based on human visual system principles.

Build and optimize differentiable simulators for display waveguides and hardware, enabling joint optimization of rendering and display parameters.

Review state-of-the-art research in perceptual modeling, display hardware simulation, and computation imaging/optics.

Evaluate and demonstrate improvements in perceptual image quality and power efficiency using developed models and metrics.

Prepare research results for publication in top-tier conferences (e.g., SIGGRAPH, CVPR, IEEE VR).

Minimum Qualifications

Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Vision Science, Computational Neuroscience, or a related field

Experience with Python (or similar) scripting and ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow

Experience in software design and programming in C/C++

Understanding of computer graphics, image processing, display hardware

Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications

Intent to return to a degree-program after the completion of the internship

Experience with perceptual modeling, computational neuroscience, or display hardware simulation

Track record of first-authored publications at leading conferences in computer vision, graphics, or machine learning (e.g., SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS)

Familiarity with differentiable simulation, hardware modeling, or ML-based optimization for physical systems

Experience with generative models (e.g., diffusion models, auto-regressive models) and perceptual loss functions

Understanding of waveguide optics and familiarity with simulation frameworks like Lumerical, Virtual Lab, FRED, LightTools or Zemax

Familiarity in using machine learning and deep neural networks for simulating or optimizing optical devices in distributed systems and parallel computing environments

Familiarity with code profiling, debugging, and optimization tools in the context of ML and hardware simulation

Ability to read, trace, and refactor code in complex research projects

Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information.

About 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.

$7,650/month to $12,134/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

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity 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 accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.

Research Scientist Intern

Machine Learning and Perception Science, AR, PhD

Meta

Compensation Overview