Research Scientist Intern, Robotic End Effector (PhD)

At Reality Labs Research, we are at the forefront of pioneering research into new technologies aimed at revolutionizing user interface technologies for the next generation of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences. Our focus is on developing soft and conformable wearables that provide seamless user experiences, addressing both integration and manufacturing challenges to shape the future of XR interactions.As a Research Scientist Intern, you will work at the intersection of advanced transducers, novel electromechanical design, robotic control, machine learning, and human-robot interaction, and you will have the opportunity to work with world-leading collaborators and mentors in these fields. Your primary focus will be on developing new end effectors for dextrous manipulation and teleoperation applications based on an innovative mixture of passive and active technologies.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, Robotic End Effector (PhD) Responsibilities:

• Conduct collaborative research on developing novel end effectors for robotic dexterous manipulation.
• Rapid prototype end effector mechatronic design and test.
• Develop benchmarks as needed to assess the performance of each prototype.
• Apply design-in-simulation and other optimization techniques to rapidly iterate through the design space for end effectors, using physics models as appropriate.
• Design fabricate and test novel end effectors that leverage advanced transducers.
• Collaborate with SW researchers to create frameworks to train state-of-the-art control policies for control of the end effectors.
• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners including communicating research plans, progress, and results.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or relevant technical field.
• Understand state of the art in robotic manipulation and advancing the technological frontier in an impactful and efficient way.
• Experience with rapid prototyping spanning both hardware and software.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
• Interpersonal skills: cross-group and cross-culture collaboration.
• 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 Robotics (RSS, ICRA, IROS, CoRL, T-RO, IJRR), Machine Learning (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, JMLR), and Computer Vision (CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, TPAMI), or similar.
• Experience working with robot manipulation.
• Experience with RoS, Python, PyTorch or JAX, or other related languages.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
• Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op.
• Availability for minimum 16 consecutive week internship.

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 Affirmative 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 [email protected].

$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.