Staff Research Scientist, Intern - PhD

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description

Visa Research is an organization that focuses exclusively on the scientific foundations of existing, emerging and future commerce-related technologies. With the establishment of a formal research organization and the associated long-term commitment to technology research, Visa joins the ranks of a small number of industry leaders with both the insight and ability to substantially influence and systemically impact the future.

The Research Intern will work with a team to conduct world-class research on data analytics and contribute to the long-term research agenda in large-scale data analytics and machine learning, as well as deliver innovative technologies and insights to Visa's strategic products and business. This role represents an exciting opportunity to make key contributions to Visa's strategic vision as a world-leading data-driven company. The successful candidate must have a strong academic track record and demonstrate excellent software engineering skills. The successful candidate will be a self-starter comfortable with ambiguity, with strong attention to detail, and excellent collaboration skills.

This role represents an exciting opportunity to make key contributions to Visa's strategic vision as the world-leading digital payments company. The successful candidate must have an outstanding academic track record in fundamental and applied research with participation in developing innovations. The candidate will be a self-starter comfortable with ambiguity, with strong attention to detail, and excellent collaboration skills.

Job duties and projects could include:

As a Research Intern, you will engage in advanced research projects aimed at pushing the boundaries of Generative AI. Your responsibilities will encompass conducting comprehensive literature reviews to identify gaps and opportunities in existing research, designing and implementing complex AI models, and experimenting with novel algorithms. You will work closely with senior researchers to analyze experimental results, refine models, and optimize performance. A significant part of your role will involve drafting and co-authoring research papers for submission to top-tier conferences and journals, contributing to the academic community. Additionally, you will present your findings in internal seminars, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and potentially develop applications that showcase the practical impact of your research.

Past intern projects have included:

• GenAI and LLM research projects
• Privacy AI
• Active learning
• Bias mitigation in AI models

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Students pursuing a Ph.D. with a graduation date in December 2025 or later
• Strong communications skills, specifically, the absence of repeated grammatical or typographical errors, clear and concise written and spoken communications that demonstrate professional judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong track record in research and impact in the research community in highly reputed journals and conferences through multiple publications, patents and/or presentations at conferences.
• Research experience in GenAI, LLM, AI Alignment, Fine tuning LLM, improving LLM training or inferencing efficiency, model structures like MOE or MAMBA.
• Proficiency with object oriented programming languages, such as Python, C , Java, and Lua.
• Experience with large scale data processing using Hadoop and MapReduce.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and an eagerness to collaborate with members of your team as well as other Visa teams.
• Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and innovate.
• The ability to take on challenges and address problems head-on

Additional Information

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated hourly range for a new hire into this position is $46/hr to $55/hr 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. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

This is a hybrid position: Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

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 protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.