Research Scientist - Hearing Assistance

Meta’s Reality Labs Research (RL-R) brings together a high-quality team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Wearable Artificial Intelligence (AI). Within RL-R, the Audio team solves complex challenges in spatial audio and amplified hearing. We leverage user and scene characteristics, and cutting edge machine learning, to deliver robust, efficient models to meet our goals. We are working for clarity on goals and priorities to move forward quickly, and escalating as needed to unblock Wearable AI, empowering everyone to harness the superpowers of this emerging technology in their daily lives.

We are looking for an experienced Research Scientist to develop state-of-the-art AI algorithms to infer user needs and device behavior. In this role, you will work closely across disciplines, contributing your domain expertise, to develop novel approaches to drive device behavior. You will learn constantly, dive into new areas with unfamiliar technologies, and embrace the ambiguity of AR, VR, and AI problem solving. Together, we are going to build cutting-edge prototypes, technologies, and toolsets that can define a paradigm shift in how we interact with our surroundings. We invite you to step into the adventure of a lifetime, as we make science fiction real and change the world.Research Scientist - Hearing Assistance Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and deliver results analysis of perceptual studies, evaluating new signal processing and AI approaches in the field of audio
• Build applications in Python, Bento, MATLAB, MaxMSP, and/or Unity to drive real-time audio prototypes, demonstrations, proof-of concept, and experiments
• Identify potential improvements in the company's software and technology products in the field of audio and AI
• Develop data collection strategies, benchmarks, and metrics to validate and improve efficiency, scalability, and stability of audio ML & AI models
• Collaborate with ML & AI researchers and engineers, software engineers, and program/project managers through all stages of project development to identify gaps, build solutions, and transfer technology
• Create tools, infrastructure, and documentation to accelerate research
• Learn constantly, dive into new areas with unfamiliar technologies, and embrace the ambiguity of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality problem solving

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta
• PhD degree or equivalent experience in Speech Language Pathology, Audiology, Linguistics, Hearing Science, or a related field
• 1+ year of experience in research at the intersection of speech, language, hearing, linguistics and AI, or similar experience bridging domain-specific knowledge and machine learning/AI techniques
• Experience solving complex challenges in speech, language, or hearing as demonstrated through grants, fellowships, patents, or publications
• Experience with core ML applications like Python and Bento
• Experience collaborating on projects leveraging domain-specific knowledge and ML/AI techniques (e.g., via data collection for training models, supporting evaluations with domain-specific metrics and datasets)
• Experience with prompt engineering to support research and creating experiences with LLMs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with biosignals, behavioral signals, or egocentric data from wearable sensors
• Experience with Multimodal Deep Learning approaches and research
• Experience with Large Language Models
• Experience with 3D engines such as Unreal or Unity
• Experience working in Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
• Experience developing software in a research environment
• Experience valuing a broad range of experiences, perspectives, approaches, and backgrounds

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.
$117,000/year to $173,000/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.

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.