Research Scientist Intern, Audio, Numerical Acoustics (PhD)

Meta; Redmond; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta Reality Labs Research invites PhD candidates to intern on the Audio, Numerical Acoustics team. You will design and implement novel algorithms for audio research problems and collaborate with researchers across audio and acoustic engineering disciplines.

You will perform experimental design, evaluation, and integration with software engineers, contributing to flagship AR/VR audio efforts. Internship durations range 12–24 weeks with various start dates.

Qualifications

• PhD student or candidate in Acoustics, CS, Mechanical or Electrical Eng or related STEM field.
• 1+ years experience with wave phenomena, acoustic simulation, numerical modeling, or AI for numerical methods.
• Proficient coding in C/C++, CUDA C/C++, MPI, OpenMP, Python or MATLAB.
• Experience in numerical simulation of acoustics, spatial rendering, or vibroacoustics.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, implement, and optimize novel audio algorithms.
• Perform experimental design and evaluation of new audio technologies.
• Collaborate with researchers across audio and acoustic engineering disciplines.
• Work with software engineers to integrate algorithms into systems or prototypes.
• Communicate research plans, progress, and results clearly.

Skills

C/C++ (≥ v.11)

CUDA C/C++

MPI

OpenMP

Python

MATLAB

Wave phenomena

Numerical modeling

AI/deep learning for numerics

Education

PhD in Acoustics, CS, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng or related STEM fields

Tools

MPI

OpenMP

CUDA

Job description

The Meta Reality Labs Research Team brings together a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. And just as personal computers have done over the past 45 years, AR, VR and MR will ultimately change everything about how we work, play, and connect. We are developing all the technologies needed to enable breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interfaces, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence. Some of those will advance much faster than others, but they all need to happen to enable AR, VR and MR that are so compelling that they become an integral part of our lives.In particular, the Meta Reality Labs Research audio team is focused on two goals; creating virtual sounds that are perceptually indistinguishable from reality and redefining human hearing. See more about our work here: https://tech.facebook.com/reality-labs/. These two initiatives will allow us to connect people by allowing them to feel together despite being physically apart and allow them to converse in even the most difficult listening environments.Specific projects will be designed in collaboration with successful applicants to align the intern’s skills and experience with current research needs. Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.

Research Scientist Intern, Audio, Numerical Acoustics (PhD) Responsibilities

• Design, document, implement, integrate, and optimize novel algorithms to solve audio research problems.
• Experimental design, implementation, and execution to evaluate new audio technologies.
• Collaboration with and support of other researchers across audio and acoustic engineering disciplines.
• Collaborate with other software engineers in the team to seamlessly integrate, solve, or optimize research and/or algorithms.
• Communication of research agenda, progress, and results.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a PhD degree in the field of Acoustics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related STEM fields
• 1+ years experience working with wave phenomena, acoustic simulation techniques, numerical modeling, applied numerical mathematics, physics-based modeling, or AI/deep learning applied to numerical methods
• Coding experience in one or more languages, including but not limited to: C/C++ (≥ v.11), CUDA C/C++, MPI, OpenMP, Python, or MATLAB
• Expertise in one or more of the below research areas: Numerical Simulation of Acoustics such as Raytracing and/or Wave-based modeling techniques, Spatial Rendering, Vibroacoustics, Verification and Validation (V&V) of mathematical models, augmenting numerical modeling with machine learning / deep learning techniques
• 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 results as demonstrated in accepted papers in top conferences or journals such as DAFx, WASPAA, Journal of Computational Acoustics, JASA, JAES, Journal of Computational Physics, ICASSP, etc
• Strong mathematical fundamentals, including linear algebra, computational physics, numerical methods, statistical analysis, computer graphics
• Experience with parallel computing, algorithm design, data structures, and/or large-scale data/compute systems
• Proven experience with psychoacoustics, deep learning techniques, and/or DSP fundamentals
• Demonstrated experience with physical modeling (particularly in the context of waves and acoustics) with a strong, intuitive understanding of core physics concepts—including the physical interpretation of mathematical operators and the ability to connect mathematical formulations to real-world phenomena
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
• Intent to return to a degree-program after the completion of the internship/co-op

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 proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmatively action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

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 [e-mail].

$7,650/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.