Research Scientist Intern, Interactive Physics Simulations (PhD)

Reality Labs Research is seeking a research intern to help develop the next generation of interactive physics simulators for VR interactions. We are seeking candidates with experience in physics simulations, computational mechanics, and computer graphics, as well as knowledge of machine/deep learning methods to devise acceleration strategies for high-fidelity simulations in real-time.


The intern will be part of a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers working on breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence.


Work with researchers to help enable their work across the following research disciplines:
- Interactive Physics Simulations
- Interface Physics


Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year. Some projects may require a minimum of 16 consecutive weeks.

Research Scientist Intern, Interactive Physics Simulations (PhD) Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and test novel numerical methods for the interactive simulation of soft deformable bodies, fluids, and physics-based sound to enable realistic virtual interactions.
• Implement and develop numerical methods for numerical optimization, numerical linear algebra, numerical PDEs, and AI/ML, as well as performing analysis on these methods.
• Implement and optimize the methods devised in a larger software infrastructure and collaborate with research scientists and software engineers to build demos and experiences based upon the developed tools.
• Design and build integrated devices for novel AR/VR experiences.
• Collaborate with the larger Reality Labs team and provide creative solutions to challenges in soft robotics and active material technologies.
• Communicate or publish research activities and findings to collaborators across a variety of disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD degree in computer graphics, computational mechanics, machine learning, computational mathematics, mechanical engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, bioengineering, materials science, or relevant technical field.
• 1+ years experience with hardware prototyping, microstructure design and fabrication, polymeric additive manufacturing, materials synthesis and formulation, building novel testing setups, implementing numerical methods, or performing analysis on these methods.
• Research skills involving defining problems, exploring solutions, and analyzing and presenting results.
• Proficiency in implementing numerical methods in a large-scale code.
• Experience with implementing, training/testing AI models.
• Proficient in C/C++ and python.
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

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 such as SIGGRAPH, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, or similar.
• Experience with high-performance/parallel computing (e.g., CUDA), C# and game engines (e.g., Unity).
• Proficiency in implementing numerical methods in a large-scale code, and experience with implementing, training/testing AI models.
• Demonstrated experience via an internship, work experience, or widely used contributions to open-source projects.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
• Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op.
• Availability for minimum 16 consecutive week internship.

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. LocationsAbout 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 support (called accommodations) in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to accommodations-ext@fb.com. $7,500/month to $11,333/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.