2026 PhD Residency, Research Scientist, Functional Glass & Photonics (Early Stage Project)
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 RoleAs 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 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.
Skills Required
- Actively pursuing or recently completed Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field
- Hands-on experience with high-temperature synthesis and characterization of inorganic glasses
- Understanding of glass structure-property relationships
X, The Moonshot Factory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about X, The Moonshot Factory and has not been reviewed or approved by X, The Moonshot Factory.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive for core technical and senior roles, with employer-posted ranges and clear statements that total compensation includes base, bonus, equity, and benefits. Feedback suggests posted bands and explicit structure provide clarity on how pay is constructed.
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Parental & Family Support — Family support is described as generous, including paid parental leave, baby bonding, and transitional support for parents returning to work. Fertility treatments and maternity care are also covered, indicating depth in family-focused provisions.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with a notable company match and immediate vesting of matched funds. Additional financial supports such as student loan reimbursement and coaching strengthen long-term financial security.
X, The Moonshot Factory Insights
What We Do
We create breakthrough technologies to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Born at Google, we got our start creating self-driving cars and smart glasses. Since then, we’ve continued to bring sci-fi ideas into reality.
