Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD Foundational AI

Visa; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 101,000; Part time

Job summary

Visa Research is seeking a PhD candidate for a 12-week internship to advance generative AI and large-scale ML research. You will conduct experiments, build prototypes, and collaborate with engineering and product teams in a dynamic, global environment. The role emphasizes publication, patents, and practical impact.

US applicants only; in-office schedule requires at least three days on site. The position offers a hands-on learning experience in a leading AI research program with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. candidate with graduation date in December 2027 or later.
• Publications, patents, presentations, or technical contributions indicate strong research.
• Experience in Generative AI, LLMs, deep learning, scalable ML, fine-tuning, model evaluation, or AI agents.
• Knowledge of large-scale model training, efficient inference, or distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct generative AI and LLM research focusing on scalable methods, model adaptation, evaluation, and applied use cases.
• Design, implement, and evaluate AI algorithms for enterprise-scale systems.
• Develop proof-of-concept prototypes to transition research into innovative products.
• Optimize workflows for model training, inference, and data pipelines.
• Prepare technical publications, reports, and intellectual property submissions.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and cross-functional partners to deliver impactful AI solutions.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Education

Ph.D. candidate with graduation after Dec 2027

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Job description

About Us

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale - tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters - to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Job Description

Visa's Internship Program offers a 12-week immersive experience where you'll work on impactful projects that advance Visa's mission. As a Visa intern, you'll build meaningful connections, strengthen your communication and business skills, and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, global environment.

You'll have access to interactive workshops and learning sessions designed to build expertise, expand industry knowledge, and elevate your professional skills. You'll not only learn, you'll contribute, collaborate, and innovate. Beyond professional development, enjoy social events that foster community and connection.

The program culminates in a final presentation, where you'll share your project achievements and recommendations with Visa leaders-a chance to demonstrate impact and growth.

Our Team

Visa Research expands Visa's technology research capabilities globally, conducting both applied and fundamental research. We partner closely with technology, product teams, academics, and governments to explore and develop technologies critical to the future of payments.

Artificial Intelligence

The GenAI Research team drives purpose-driven research to advance the next generation of AI for secure, intelligent, and scalable commerce. Our work spans:

• Foundational AI: large language models, representation learning, embeddings, adaptive model training, and methods to advance fraud detection, risk modeling, personalization, and commerce intelligence.

We unite long-term scientific inquiry with practical experimentation, partnering with product and engineering teams to translate research into real-world impact.

Job Duties

• Conduct generative AI and LLM research focusing on scalable methods, model adaptation, evaluation, and applied use cases.
• Design, implement, and evaluate AI algorithms for enterprise-scale systems.
• Develop proof-of-concept prototypes to transition research into innovative products.
• Optimize workflows for model training, inference, and data pipelines.
• Prepare technical publications, reports, and intellectual property submissions.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and cross-functional partners to deliver impactful AI solutions.

Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

All Visa roles require digital fluency

including the ability to work with emerging technologies such as Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) to support everyday work.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY:

The estimated hourly range for a new hire into this position is $66.00 to $73.00 which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Basic Qualifications

• Students pursuing a Ph.D. with a graduation date in December 2027 or later

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong research record demonstrated bypublications, patents, presentations, or technical contributions.
• Experience inGenerative AI, LLMs, deep learning, scalable ML, fine-tuning, model evaluation, or AI agents.
• Knowledge of large-scale model training, efficient inference, or distributed systems.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Java, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with big data frameworks (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) is a plus.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and collaborate effectively.
• Adaptability to evolving research priorities and problem-solving in an experimental setting.

Information for US Applicants

For roles located in the US, the estimated hourly rate is $66.00 to $73.00 USD. The hourly rate may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Work Hours

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.