Research Scientist Internships
Research scientist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working research scientists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in Technology & Software, with TikTok, ByteDance, and Meta among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Research Scientist Internships
Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD) Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners, including communicating research plans, progress, and results
- Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
- Develop next-generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts
- Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices
- Explore the application of at least one of the following: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design
- This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
- 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: physical optics, geometric optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping
- 2+ years of experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or similar
- 2+ years of experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
- 2+ years of experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of benchtop optical components
- Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment
- Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as JOSA, SPIE, OSA, IEEE, CLEO, or similar
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 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.
$7,313/month to $12,667/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.
Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD) Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners, including communicating research plans, progress, and results
- Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
- Develop next-generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts
- Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices
- Explore the application of at least one of the following: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design
- This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
- 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: physical optics, geometric optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping
- 2+ years of experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or similar
- 2+ years of experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
- 2+ years of experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of benchtop optical components
- Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment
- Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as JOSA, SPIE, OSA, IEEE, CLEO, or similar
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 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.
$7,313/month to $12,667/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.
Research Scientist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
Tips for Your Research Scientist Internship Search
Apply earlier than the academic calendar suggests
Large employers, national labs, major tech firms, and pharmaceutical companies, open summer internship applications the previous fall and close them before spring semester begins. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Check listings regularly from September onward so you catch structured cohorts before they close.
Build a portfolio before you send a single application
Hiring teams for research scientist internships expect limited work history, so projects carry the weight your resume can't. Document two or three complete projects with the tools and methods you used, and publish them somewhere reviewers can actually see the work, a linked GitHub repository, a published analysis write-up, or a documented experimental project works well.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles appear publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and gives you two parallel channels running simultaneously.
Practice the research scientist intern screen out loud before applying
Research scientist intern interviews typically include a technical screen covering quantitative reasoning, experimental design, or statistical analysis, depending on the subfield. Practice solving problems aloud and explaining your reasoning step by step, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you reach the right answer.
Target structured rotational and cohort programs first
Many larger employers run dedicated research internship cohorts or rotational programs built specifically to train people new to the field. These programs offer structured mentorship, defined project scopes, and clear timelines. They recruit early and fill in the first application wave, so identify the programs that fit your research area and apply before general postings open.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 83% of the research scientist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to, on-site, hybrid, or remote, before you start searching, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you are only reviewing roles you can actually take.
Research Scientist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research scientist internship?
Lead with coursework, independent projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited professional experience at the intern level. For research scientist candidates, a GitHub repository, published analysis, or documented experimental project gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a research scientist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for research scientist interns is performance on real project work, available team headcount at the end of the term, and how early you signal interest in returning. Treat the offer as a possible outcome to work toward, not a baseline expectation.
When should I apply for research scientist internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, national labs, pharmaceutical companies, and major tech firms, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing applications before the new year. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly and applying as soon as a role opens gives you the strongest shot.
Are research scientist internships paid?
Most professional research scientist internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, a large pharmaceutical firm in a high-cost city typically pays more than a small nonprofit or academic lab. Listings show compensation where the employer chooses to disclose it, so check each posting individually.
What should a research scientist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Feature two or three complete, documented projects with the tools and methods used and a link to where reviewers can see the work, for research scientist candidates, that means a linked GitHub repository, a published analysis, or a documented experimental write-up. Add relevant coursework, list technical skills, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote research scientist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 17% of the research scientist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill quickly because they attract applicants from every region, so apply early once you find a role that fits. Use the work-type filter to see only remote or hybrid listings and avoid sorting through positions you cannot take.
What is a research scientist rotational internship?
Rotational internship programs place interns on two or three different research teams over a single term, giving exposure to multiple projects and methodologies. They are designed specifically for people new to professional research environments and recruit early in the fall cycle. Spots are competitive and fill in the first application wave, so identify programs that match your research area and apply as soon as they open.
Can international students get research scientist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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