Dropbox powers collaboration and cloud infrastructure for over 700 million registered users worldwide. We’re building the next generation of scalable storage, distributed compute, large-scale content processing, and secure infrastructure, with AI/ML workloads top-of-mind.
As a PhD Systems & AI/ML Research Intern, you’ll work on meaningful infrastructure problems at the intersection of distributed systems, backend services, and AI/ML workloads. Supported by senior engineers, you’ll own a project aligned with your research, that results in a working prototype with the goal of a submission for adoption internally and external publication. Come help us define and build the infra layer for our next-gen products.
Responsibilities- Execute a defined engineering/research project aligned with your research.
- Implement a prototype that addresses a concrete infrastructure or AI-systems challenge.
- Build and run benchmarks using realistic workloads to measure performance, reliability, or security improvements.
- Document the design and implementation, including assumptions, architecture, tradeoffs, and evaluation results.
- Deliver a final artifact that includes a working prototype, reproducible results, technical write-up, and internal presentation.
- Collaborate with mentors to refine the approach, validate results, and, if appropriate, prepare findings for internal adoption or external publication.
- PhD candidate in Computer Science or a related field graduating between Winter 2026 and Spring 2028.
- Proven experience in systems/infrastructure and/or AI/ML through research publications, significant projects, or internships where you built or tested advanced solutions.
- Strong coding skills (e.g., Python, Rust, Go, C++) plus an ability to quickly prototype and iterate on cutting-edge ideas.
- Curiosity and drive to explore novel systems methodologies and translate them into practical applications that solve practical needs.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in interdisciplinary teams.
- Prior systems publications, open-source contributions, or experience operating large-scale infrastructure
- Interest in translating research insights into product impact for real-world users
- Familiarity and passion for swiftly moving from idea to experiment, comfortable with ambiguous or evolving project goals
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What We Do
We're a global community of bold visionaries and resourceful doers who are shaping the future of Dropbox—and with it the future of work. Our Virtual First model combines the flexibility of a distributed workplace with the power of human connection, making space for both meaningful work and meaningful relationships. With our start-up mindset and enterprise-level opportunities, you can be who you are and grow into who you’re meant to be. Here, you can own your impact to make work more intuitive, joyful, and human—for you as a Dropboxer and for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. If you're ready to push boundaries—and yourself—Dropbox is ready for you.
Why Work With Us
We believe people do their best work when empowered with autonomy and harmony, and we understand there’s no substitute for human connection. Our Virtual First model combines the flexibility of remote work with the power of in-person collaboration to create the best of both worlds: a distributed workplace, anchored in community.
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While remote work is the primary experience for our employees, we also prioritize opportunities for quarterly in-person collaboration knowing that connection is vital to a thriving workforce. We focus on how we work, not where we work.
