2027 PhD Residency - Research Scientist (Functional Glasses)

THE FOUNDATION OF AN AMAZING JOURNEY

Our goal at X is to make the world a radically better place. In order to do that we seek fresh unexpected perspectives, from different fields, and that’s why we’re excited about you.

Life here isn’t easy, but it’s fun. We’re trying to build things most people can’t even imagine, and we’re doing it with the hope of making a huge, positive impact on the world. You’ll be embedded into a moonshot project, where you’ll partner with team members to solve key challenges.

This isn’t your ordinary internship. You’ll be positively challenged and pushed professionally, in ways that you may have never experienced. If this excites you - keep reading.

• Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
• Start Date(s): late 2026 or early 2027
• Duration: a flexible 6 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability

Throughout your 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 Interns and Residents
• To attend tech-talks with Leaders from across X

About the team: 

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.

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.

• 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.

• Actively pursuing 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.

• 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
• https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5493348/astro-teller-takes-us-inside-the-moonshot-factory-building-tech-ahead-of-its-time
• https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2024/7094574/x-taara/
• https://youtu.be/_iLJU4HORAA?si=aK8cHf64NUNcsZXr
• https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list/84

The US base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $157,000 + 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.