2026 PhD Residency, Research Scientist, Functional Glass & Photonics (Early Stage Project)

InternshipMountain View, CA

At X, we are researching volumetric light-matter interactions and laser induced material modifications in specialized glass materials. A core technical challenge we are tackling is the development of the material itself. In particular, we are engineering glass compositions that can reliably undergo these transitions.

The Role

As a Resident Research Scientist, you will develop new glass materials. You will be responsible for the end-to-end process, including design, high-temperature synthesis, and rigorous characterization & testing of their optical and structural properties for our application of interest.

This role is designed for active PhD students who want to apply their academic and research expertise in an industrial context. You will work independently, supported by a cross-functional team of optics and hardware engineers.

How you will make 10x impact:

  • Material synthesis: Design and execute synthesis protocols to generate novel glasses.
  • Dopant functionalization: optimize the incorporation of functional dopants to achieve targeted photosensitivity and refractive index modulation.
  • Advanced characterization: utilize analytical tools to evaluate performance: spectroscopic, thermal, and structural (XRD/SEM).
  • Experimental strategy: Design complex experimental matrices (DOE) to identify optimal formulations for laser-induced modification.
  • Cross-functional collaboration: Partner with engineers to test new materials.
  • IP generation: Document findings and contribute to the project’s IP portfolio by drafting invention disclosures and technical reports.

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 6 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

What you should have:

  • Actively pursuing or recently completed (within 2 years) a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with high-temperature synthesis and characterization of dielectric inorganic glasses or ceramic materials.
  • Understanding of glass structure-property relationships and how compositional changes affect optical behavior.

It’d be great if you also had these:

  • Current or prior research focuses on functionalizing transparent glass materials
  • Experience researching laser-induced modifications in glass and/or other transparent materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate fundamental research into scalable, repeatable preparation protocols.
  • Thriving in ambiguity and a desire to tackle 10X problems.

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 - $147,000 + 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.

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