PhD Intern, AI Applied Scientist (2027)

The shape of it

In the posting’s own words

We are seeking PhD interns with expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop innovative AI solutions for design and creative products. Through both fundamental and applied research, your work will contribute to new AI-driven features in Figma products.

What it asks for · 5

• Are a 4th or 5th year senior Ph.D student in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Human Computer Interaction or a related field
• Proven expertise in AI through publications on recent advancements in AI, such as Large Language Models or Agentic systems
• Track record in applying machine learning techniques to projects in academia or industry
• Experience in Python and machine learning frameworks (such as PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Experience solving sophisticated problems and comparing alternative solutions, trade-offs, and diverse points of view to determine a path forward

Also a plus

• Related industry experience via a past internship or full-time role
• Experience communicating your solutions effectively to different audiences
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude) to write, debug, and optimize code

What the job covers

• Drive fundamental and applied research in Generative AI with Figma product use cases in mind
• Formulate and implement new modeling approaches both to improve the effectiveness of Figma’s current AI models as well as enable the launch of entirely new AI-powered product features
• Explore the boundaries of what is possible with the current technology set and experiment with novel ideas
• Depending on your project, you may have the opportunity to publish your research in leading AI/ML conferences

Degree language

• Are a 4th or 5th year senior Ph.D student in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Human Computer Interaction or a related field

Tools and skills named

Words the posting leans on

• design7×
• experience7×
• product5×
• research5×
• machine learning4×
• excited3×
• ideas3×
• models3×
• solutions3×
• agentic systems2×
• applied research2×
• code2×
• computer2×
• creative2×
• current2×
• develop2×

Counted from the posting after the mission statement and the legal notices are set aside. The ones near the top are the ones a screener is looking for.

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