OPT AI Research Scientist Jobs
AI Research Scientist roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in tech, most require advanced degrees in computer science, machine learning, or a related field, which aligns well with F-1 students. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization, and many employers in this space actively recruit international researchers.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Research Science Lead to spearhead our initiatives in Social Intelligence within complex multi-agent ecosystems. In this pivotal leadership role, you will bridge the gap between centrally orchestrated multi-agent systems and social reasoning paradigms within cognitive science. You will direct a portfolio of research focused on enabling autonomous agents to navigate the "coordination bottleneck" through the development of Theory of Mind (ToM), intent modeling, and emergent social behaviors such as cooperation, coordination, negotiation, persuasion, etc. By synthesizing principles from reinforcement learning, game theory and behavioral science, you will lead an experienced team to make agents capable of sophisticated alignment, ensuring that agents can operate seamlessly—and ethically—within the intricate social fabric of human-centric environments.
AI Research Scientist - FAIR Social Intelligence Responsibilities:
- Perform research to advance the state of the art in our multi-agent ecosystem
- Work with researchers and engineers in a highly collaborative environment to achieve goals and milestones
- Influence the future of research in frontier modeling with detailed technical reports
- Work towards long-term goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
- Influence progress of relevant research communities by producing publications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- A PhD in AI, computer science, data science, science/engineering, or related technical fields
- First-authored or last-authored publications at peer-reviewed conferences, such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and other similar venues
- 2+ years experience holding an industry, postdoctoral, faculty, or government researcher position
- Research background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational statistics, or applied mathematics
- Experience in developing and debugging in Python or similar programming languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research and engineering experience demonstrated via publications, grants, fellowships, patents, open source code
- Experience collaborating in a team environment on research projects
- Experience in applying AI systems to solve science and engineering problems
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.
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, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + 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.
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Research Science Lead to spearhead our initiatives in Social Intelligence within complex multi-agent ecosystems. In this pivotal leadership role, you will bridge the gap between centrally orchestrated multi-agent systems and social reasoning paradigms within cognitive science. You will direct a portfolio of research focused on enabling autonomous agents to navigate the "coordination bottleneck" through the development of Theory of Mind (ToM), intent modeling, and emergent social behaviors such as cooperation, coordination, negotiation, persuasion, etc. By synthesizing principles from reinforcement learning, game theory and behavioral science, you will lead an experienced team to make agents capable of sophisticated alignment, ensuring that agents can operate seamlessly—and ethically—within the intricate social fabric of human-centric environments.
AI Research Scientist - FAIR Social Intelligence Responsibilities:
- Perform research to advance the state of the art in our multi-agent ecosystem
- Work with researchers and engineers in a highly collaborative environment to achieve goals and milestones
- Influence the future of research in frontier modeling with detailed technical reports
- Work towards long-term goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
- Influence progress of relevant research communities by producing publications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- A PhD in AI, computer science, data science, science/engineering, or related technical fields
- First-authored or last-authored publications at peer-reviewed conferences, such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and other similar venues
- 2+ years experience holding an industry, postdoctoral, faculty, or government researcher position
- Research background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational statistics, or applied mathematics
- Experience in developing and debugging in Python or similar programming languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research and engineering experience demonstrated via publications, grants, fellowships, patents, open source code
- Experience collaborating in a team environment on research projects
- Experience in applying AI systems to solve science and engineering problems
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.
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, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + 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.
See all 138+ OPT AI Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT AI Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an AI Research Scientist
Target research-heavy employers
Companies with dedicated AI research labs, think large tech firms and university spinouts, are far more likely to sponsor OPT than generalist employers. Their hiring pipelines are built around international researchers with advanced degrees.
Lead with your research output
Publications, conference presentations, and GitHub repositories carry more weight for AI Research Scientist roles than job history. Highlight first-author papers and accepted submissions to NeurIPS, ICML, or ICLR prominently on your resume and application.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
Most AI Research Scientist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years total. Verify your degree program CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can communicate your full authorization window to employers.
Address OPT timing proactively
Employers worry about authorization gaps more than the visa itself. Know your OPT start date, expiration, and STEM extension deadline, and be ready to walk a hiring manager through the timeline clearly during early conversations.
Align your specialty with employer roadmaps
Generative AI, reinforcement learning, and multimodal systems are active research priorities at many labs. Framing your PhD work or postdoc research around a specific technical area an employer is investing in strengthens your case significantly.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-ready roles
Not every employer understands OPT. Migrate Mate surfaces AI Research Scientist positions from companies already familiar with sponsoring international researchers, so you spend less time filtering and more time applying to genuinely viable opportunities.
AI Research Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do AI Research Scientist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. AI Research Scientist positions typically fall under CIP codes in computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics, all STEM-designated fields. If your degree program is STEM-classified, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization total. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Do I need a PhD to get an AI Research Scientist job on OPT?
A PhD is standard for research scientist roles at major AI labs, but some companies hire MS graduates into research scientist or associate researcher positions. If you hold an MS, focus on employers with applied research teams rather than pure research labs. Your publication record and demonstrated research output will matter more than the degree level alone.
How do I find AI Research Scientist jobs that sponsor OPT?
The challenge isn't finding AI research roles, it's identifying which employers already understand OPT authorization. Migrate Mate filters for companies with a track record of hiring international researchers on OPT and H-1B visa, so you can focus your applications on employers who won't drop you at the offer stage over visa questions.
Can I work on a research project independently while on OPT?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree field, but independent consulting or contract research can qualify as long as it's legitimate work in your field and you track your employment properly. Unpaid self-directed projects don't count toward your employment requirement. Any gap of 90 days or more of unemployment while on OPT can jeopardize your status.
What happens to my OPT if my employer's H-1B petition for me isn't selected in the lottery?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf and it isn't selected, your OPT remains valid until its expiration date. If you have a STEM OPT extension, you can continue working under that authorization. Many AI research employers will refile in the next lottery cycle. It's worth discussing this scenario openly with your employer before accepting an offer.