AI Applied Scientist – PhD Intern

About the team

We’re a specialized, Munich-based team focused on applied generative modeling and 3D computer vision. While we began as an independent startup, we joined Zillow in October 2024—combining the agility and ownership of a startup environment with the stability, resources, and long-term vision of an established company. This blend gives our team the freedom to innovate with the confidence that comes from being part of a big and diverse organization.

Our diverse expertise combines academic excellence with real-world impact; the combination of access to internet-scale real estate data of diverse modalities, expertise in both generative and classical computer vision methods, unique access to consumers, and large-scale compute resources makes our position exceptionally unique. We’re excited to build upon this foundation—and we hope you’ll join us in pushing the boundaries of AI at Zillow!

About the role

We are seeking remote PhD interns for Summer 2026!

As a PhD Research Intern, you will help train and adapt large models that better understand homes and users, advancing representation learning, multimodal modeling, computer vision and graphics for real‑world problems at Zillow scale. You’ll tailor and evaluate computer vision and generative models to our domain, build workflows that plan and act across multi‑step tasks, and define success via domain‑specific metrics. You’ll move quickly from prototype to impact, running rigorous offline evaluations and online experiments, collaborating with applied scientists, engineers, and product partners, and contributing to platform capabilities that power experiences like Zillow Copilot. Along the way you’ll author clear research docs, share results internally, and have opportunities to publish and present your work.

Responsibilities include:

• Research and develop methods for adapting 2D and 3D foundation models with Zillow’s domain-specific data

• Build and evaluate 3D computer vision and generative models 

• Prototype generative and ML workflows; define metrics and run rigorous evaluations

• Partner across science, engineering, product, and design; share results via docs, presentations, and publications

Key Details

• 12-week paid internship during Summer 2026

• Based in Munich, Germany with flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid, or in-person)

• Direct supervision from experienced Applied Scientists with publications in top-tier conferences (CVPR, ICCV, NeurIPS, 3DV etc.)

• Access to Zillow's unique large-scale indoor datasets and computer resources

• Opportunity to contribute to research projects that could lead to publications

• Integration into Zillow's vibrant research community through:

  • Biweekly Applied Science Guild meetings

  • Weekly demo sessions

  • Research presentations and collaborations

This role has been categorized as a Remote position. “Remote” employees do not have a permanent corporate office workplace and, instead, work from a physical location of their choice, which must be identified to the Company. U.S. employees may live in any of the 50 United States, with limited exceptions.

Who you are

• Currently enrolled as a PhD student in computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or a related field, with strong publication record

• Candidates should have a background in one or more of the following areas:

  • Sparse-view reconstruction, camera localization and scene understanding 

  • 3D Representations (Point Clouds, NeRFs, 3DGS) 

  • Representation learning with limited labels (self/semi/weakly-supervised)

  • 2D, 3D or video Diffusion Models

  • Evaluating generative/agentic systems; privacy‑aware and responsible AI practices (e.g., fair‑housing considerations) are a plus

• Proficiency in Python and modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face)

• Clear communication and a collaborative mindset; motivated to publish at top venues

​Here at Zillow - we value the experience and perspective of candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. We encourage you to apply if you have transferable skills or related experiences.

Get to know us

At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality.

Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow.

No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together.

Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.