About the role#
The Reality Labs Research Audio team builds virtual sounds and redefines human hearing. We look for interns to explore how people experience these audio technologies. You will study what users notice, what they struggle to describe, and what matters to them. This role requires a background in fields like psychology, cognitive science, anthropology, sociology, or human-computer interaction. You will work on projects designed to align your skills with our current research needs.
What you'll do#
- Conduct exploratory and generative qualitative research on how people emotionally experience audio in augmented and virtual reality.
- Design and execute qualitative studies, including interview protocols, diary studies, contextual inquiry, and participatory sessions.
- Analyze qualitative data using thematic, grounded-theory, or discourse-analytic approaches.
- Synthesize findings into frameworks, user journeys, and experiential models.
- Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and designers across disciplines.
- Communicate research framing and interpretation to influence product and research decisions.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in or pursuit of a PhD in psychology, cognitive science, anthropology, sociology, communication, human-computer interaction, or a similar field.
- At least 2 years of experience conducting qualitative or mixed methods human subjects research.
- At least 2 years of experience designing qualitative protocols and conducting interpretive analysis at the doctoral level.
- Hands-on experience with tools like Dovetail, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, or systematic spreadsheet coding.
- Expertise in areas such as emotion, presence, memory, attention, social closeness, or sensory experience.
- Experience studying sound, listening, or music is a plus.
- Familiarity with AR/VR technologies or wearable audio devices.
- Experience with longitudinal, diary, or in-the-wild research.
- Ability to elicit hard-to-articulate experiences using methods like think-aloud or photo diaries.
- A track record of results such as grants, patents, or first-authored publications.
- Intent to return to a degree program after the internship.
Location & details#
- Location: Redmond, Washington.
- Type: Full-time, on-site internship.
- Duration: 12 to 24 weeks with rolling start dates.
- Compensation: $7,650 to $12,667 per month.
- Requirements: Must obtain and maintain work authorization in the United States.
About Meta
Meta develops software and social media applications. It operates platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company maintains headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Current work focuses on augmented and virtual reality alongside artificial intelligence and machine learning.
How to get in at Meta
Landing an internship at Meta requires a proactive approach to the application process. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, allowing you to apply among the first. Early applicants often have their materials reviewed before the applicant pool grows significantly. You can use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind specific roles at Meta. Reaching out directly to these individuals to ask about the position or a referral often improves your response rates compared to applying into a queue.
