Reality Labs is Meta's research and development division dedicated to building the future of immersive technologies. Our mission is to advance the state of the art in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and wearable devices to build systems that enhance human capabilities through intelligent machine collaboration and enable people to connect, collaborate, and experience the world in entirely new ways. Meta's Reality Labs Research is seeking Research Scientist interns to join our materials, manufacturing, and integration team. These roles are focused on the research and development of advanced materials, architectures, and integration technologies for next-generation soft robotics. Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.

Research Scientist Intern, Advanced Materials for Soft Robotics (PhD) Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners including communicating research plans, progress, and results
• Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
• Design and implement elastomeric materials used for soft robotics fabrication
• Synthesize, functionalize, and process polymer materials in the laboratory.
• Analyze material properties via a variety of in-house analytical techniques
• Process and integrate new materials to sub-component devices for further testing
• Transfer new materials and processes to the engineering team and assure successful implementation of new materials and processes
• Collaborate with and support other researchers across various disciplines
• Summarize and present research agenda, progress and results over the course of the intern project

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields
• 2+ years experience in at least one of the following areas of materials research: polymer synthesis, polymer formulation, compounding, molding, additive manufacturing (3D printing) or other advanced polymer manufacturing technologies
• Experience with handling softgoods, wovens and post-processing methods such as resin molding
• Experience with elastomeric materials development
• Experience with materials integration for functional devices
• Experience with optimization of material mechanical properties via molecular and microstructural design
• Hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industrial R&D setting
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by first-authored publications in high-impact journals, grants, fellowships and patents
• Experience developing multiphysics models relating to polymerization, diffusion, mechanical properties, or electrochemical properties, optical correction algorithms
• 2+ years experience with soft material characterization techniques (NMR, FT-IR, rheology, tensile test, dielectric spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, WVTR, thermal conductivity) or developing custom material testing hardware
• Experience developing polymer composites from synthesis, formulation to processing
• Experience sensor fabrication, integration, and testing

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 Whats App 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 accommodations-ext@meta.com.

$7,313/month to $12,134/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.