Research Scientist Intern, Applied Perception Science (phd)

Meta Meta · Big Tech · Redmond, WA

Research Scientist Intern focused on human visual perception and AR display technology, aiming to improve user experience and accessibility by defining and implementing perceptual models for chromatic contrast. The role involves experimental design, translating research into practical guidance, and collaborating across disciplines. It also emphasizes integrating AI tools for workflow optimization and adhering to ethical AI practices.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design and implement experiments or models focusing on chromatic contrast and salience in AR.
  2. Translate core research findings into practical guidance for product architecture, design guidance and accessibility features.
  3. Collaborate with researchers and engineers across various disciplines (human factors, optics, graphics, product design).
  4. Communicate research agenda, progress, and results throughout the duration of the project.

Skills

Required

  • PhD degree in Vision Science, Perceptual Psychology, Color Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics or relevant technical field
  • Experience in Color Science, Psychophysics, and/or Perceptual Modeling
  • Experience defining research problems, exploring solutions, analyzing and presenting results
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
  • Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op
  • Experience with visual perception, designing and performing psychophysical experiments
  • Demonstrated understanding of color image processing pipelines and display calibration
  • Knowledge of optics, signal processing, and mathematical modeling for visual perception
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
  • Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment

Nice to have

  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

What the JD emphasized

  • PhD degree in Vision Science, Perceptual Psychology, Color Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics or relevant technical field
  • Experience in Color Science, Psychophysics, and/or Perceptual Modeling
  • Experience defining research problems, exploring solutions, analyzing and presenting results
  • first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences

Other signals

  • AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows
  • responsible, ethical AI practices
  • ongoing AI skill development