2025 PhD Residency - Machine Learning, Hyperspectral Imaging & Optical Engineering

How You Will Make 10x Impact

This project aims to push the limits of science and modeling as we know them and to prove how ML can radically accelerate our understanding of the world

• Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
• Start Date(s): Year-round rolling basis
• Duration: a flexible 4 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability
  
  

Throughout Your AI Residency You Can Expect

• To be embedded into one of our confidential or public X projects
• To get paid competitively and receive benefits
• To be a part of a lively community of AI and ML Residents
• To attend tech-talks with AI leaders from across X
  
  

Responsibilities

A machine learning/artificial intelligence specialist with experience in machine learning(ML), computer vision(CV), multi/hyper-spectral imaging and/or optical engineering for materials characterization and identification.

• Collaborating with the X Project team to design and develop machine learning approaches/algorithms to the project's mission
• Understanding the project’s goals and challenges and conduct relevant literature survey
• Suggesting ML/AI/CV solutions in which machines/approaches/algorithms can apply to those challenges
• Prototype/train/evaluate ML/CV models and data engineering pipelines
• Work closely with hardware team to inform hardware and optimization efforts
• Engaging with the Intern community during the program, engaging with the X community, attending colloquia and tech talks.
  
  

What You Should Have

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in a STEM field such as CS, Physics, Engineering or Mathematics/Statistics with a strong interest in machine learning.
• Experience with self-supervised machine learning systems, algorithms or applications.
• Deep domain knowledge in at least one of the following:
• Strong interest in rapid prototyping (e.g. electromechanical design and assembly) and physical experimentation.
• Experience with one or more general purpose programming languages such as Python, C/C .
  
  

It’d Be Great If You Also Had These

• Open-source projects that demonstrate relevant skills and/or publications in relevant conferences and journals (e.g. NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, ICASSP).
• Experience working with hyperspectral cameras, in contexts like quality assurance, material characterization and waste management.
• Experience working with optics systems such as linear polarization imaging and infrared cameras.
  
  

Additional Public Information

https://www.wired.com/video/watch/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x-speaks-at-wired25

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-10-10/alphabet-x-s-astro-teller-on-bloomberg-studio-1-0-video

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $145,000 benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include benefits.

Please Note

This role requires exposure to technologies subject to heightened controls under US export laws. Due to our immediate need to fill this role and the lengthy process required to obtain export licenses, we will not be able to move forward with anyone requiring a license for such technologies . This applies to individuals ineligible for license exception "TSR" (commonly described as "controlled-country nationals") under the US Commerce Department's Export Administration Regulations . As of July 2018, a controlled country national is anyone who is a national of one of the following countries ( excluding US green card holders and US citizens with dual citizenship ): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cuba, the People's Republic of China, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Libya, Macau, Moldova, Mongolia, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam . Please review up-to-date information about the Commerce Department's export regulations, including the current list of countries, here .