Research Scientist Intern, Diffractive Optical Elements (PhD)

Meta Reality Labs unites a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to shape the future of virtual and augmented reality, aiming to make them as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. Just as personal computers have transformed our lives over the past 45 years, AR and VR are poised to revolutionize how we work, play, and connect. We are pioneering the development of technologies necessary for groundbreaking AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interfaces, haptic interaction, and comprehensive tracking of eyes, hands, face, and body, as well as perception science and true telepresence. These technologies are advancing rapidly, creating AR and VR experiences so compelling that they become integral to our daily lives.

Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.Research Scientist Intern, Diffractive Optical Elements (PhD) Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the broader Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore innovative solutions for AR/VR devices.
• Communicate research plans, progress, and results effectively with researchers and cross-functional partners.
• Present and publish research findings, contributing to research that can be applied to Meta's product development.
• Develop advanced materials and components for next-generation AR/VR displays to validate new concepts and understand their perceptual impact.
• Utilize and develop combined experimental and computational methods to expand the performance space of diffractive optical elements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently holds or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. in Material Science, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Must have work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization throughout employment.
• 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following research areas: Diffractive Optics, Liquid Crystal Devices, Holography or a similar field.
• Experience with experimental optics and conducting laboratory work including metrology of custom optical devices (i.e. demonstrated ability to construct proof-of-concept systems and to evaluate performance).
• Ability to solve analytical problems using both analytic and quantitative approaches.
• Proficiency in coding with Matlab, Python, or similar programming languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intention to return to the degree program upon completion of the internship.
• Experience in working and communicating effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
• Proven track record of achieving outstanding research results, demonstrated through first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences, as well as through fellowships or patents.
• Experience with hands-on fabrication of diffractive optical elements.
• Hands-on experience with liquid crystal polymers, particularly for advanced optical applications.
• Experience with optical simulation methods such as RCWA or FDTD using commercial or open-source software packages.

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.
7.313 $/month to 11.293 $/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.

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