Student Researcher, PhD, Winter/Summer 2026

The Student Researcher Program fosters academic collaborations by hiring students onto research projects aligned to company priorities in scientific advancement. The program offers placements on teams across Google, for research, engineering, and science roles. As a Student Researcher, you will have the opportunity to participate in research projects focused on developing solutions for real-world, large-scale problems.

Student Researcher projects are exploratory and experiences that drive scientific advancement across a multitude of research areas. Students will work collaboratively on projects that explore innovative research challenges and support the creation of breakthrough technologies.

Projects vary in duration and location based on team and student requirements. It is required that you are located in one of the specific country locations identified for this role for the full duration of the engagement. When you apply, you will be considered for Student Researcher positions across all of Google's research teams including Google DeepMind, Google Research, Google Cloud and more. This allows us to find the right project match for your skills and interests.

Researchers across Google are working to advance the state of the art in computing and build the next generation of intelligent systems for all Google products. To achieve this, we invest in foundational research and work on projects that utilize the latest computer science techniques developed by skilled software developers and research scientists. Whether we're shaping the future of sustainability, optimizing algorithms, or pioneering AI systems, our teams strive to continuously progress science, advance society, and improve the lives of billions of people.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $118000-$157000 (USD)

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research to develop solutions for real-world, large-scale problems.

Minimum qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a PhD degree in Computer Science, Linguistics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Economics, Natural Sciences, or related technical field.
  
• Experience in one area of computer science (e.g., Natural Language Understanding, Human Computer Interactions, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Algorithmic Foundations of Optimization, Quantum Information Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or similar areas).
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a full-time degree program and returning to the program after completion of the internship.
  
• Currently attending a degree program in the United States.
  
• Experience as a researcher, including internships, full-time, or at a lab.
  
• Experience contributing to research communities or efforts, including publishing papers in major conferences or journals.
  
• Experience with one or more general purpose programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, etc.).
  

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Mountain View, CA, USA; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Austin, TX, USA; Cambridge, MA, USA; Chicago, IL, USA; Irvine, CA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; New York, NY, USA; Palo Alto, CA, USA; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Goleta, CA, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Washington D.C., DC, USA.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and it’s in the applicant's best interest to apply early. The anticipated application window is open until July 17, 2026, but may close earlier if all available projects are full. Applications submitted after the application window or once the role is closed/projects are full will not be considered.

Participation in this program requires that you are located in the United States for the duration of the engagement.

This opportunity is intended for students who are pursuing a PhD degree program in Computer Science or a related field. Our Student Researcher opportunities are flexible in time commitment, length of opportunity, and onsite/remote nature, depending on the specific project and host needs. Start dates for this role are typically January through July.

This program is intended for students who will not be seeking full time employment following this role, as this program is non-conversion eligible.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for this internship program.

To start the application process, you will need an updated CV or resume and a current unofficial or official transcript in English (PDFs preferred).

Please ensure your anticipated graduation dates (in MM/YY) and any proficiency in coding languages are listed on the resume.

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in San Francisco: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include: