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Applied Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Research Scientist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$166K - $300K/yr

We are a group of research scientists and engineers building cutting edge technology at the intersection of machine learning and adtech. The core of our work is focused on: * Building ads delivery ...

Director Applied R&D

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$183K - $244K/yr

The Director of R&D is a senior technical and business leader responsible for shaping and growing UL Solutions' applied research capability. This role leads multidisciplinary teams working across ...

We are a group of research scientists and engineers building cutting edge technology at the intersection of machine learning and adtech. The core of our work is focused on: * Building ads delivery ...

Director Applied R&D

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$183K - $244K/yr

The Director of R&D is a senior technical and business leader responsible for shaping and growing UL Solutions' applied research capability. This role leads multidisciplinary teams working across ...

Director Applied R&D

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$183K - $244K/yr

The Director of R&D is a senior technical and business leader responsible for shaping and growing UL Solutions' applied research capability. This role leads multidisciplinary teams working across ...

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Applied Research information

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How much do applied research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Applied Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, a solid background in scientific methodology, and typically an advanced degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, or social sciences. Proficiency with statistical analysis software, programming languages (like Python or R), and data visualization tools is often required. Creative problem-solving, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are essential soft skills. These competencies enable Applied Researchers to design impactful studies, extract actionable insights from data, and drive innovations that address real-world challenges.

How does an Applied Researcher typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project outcomes?

Applied Researchers often work closely with product managers, engineers, and data analysts to ensure that research findings are effectively integrated into product development or business strategies. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to align on project goals, sharing interim results, and iterating on experimental designs based on team feedback. Open communication and the ability to translate complex research insights into actionable recommendations are key to success in this role. This collaborative approach helps ensure that research has a tangible impact and supports organizational objectives.

What is applied research?

Applied research is a type of research focused on solving practical problems and developing new technologies, products, or processes. Unlike basic research, which aims to expand fundamental knowledge, applied research is driven by real-world needs and aims to find solutions that can be directly implemented. Professionals in this field often work in industries such as healthcare, engineering, education, and technology to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Their work frequently results in innovations that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall quality of life.

What is the difference between Applied Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectApplied ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in relevant fields (e.g., science, engineering)Bachelor's or Master's in data science, statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsBusiness, finance, healthcare, tech companies
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, private research firmsCorporate sectors, consulting firms, tech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, academic careersData analysis, business insights, reporting

Applied Research involves developing new knowledge or solutions through scientific methods, often in academic or research settings. Data Analysts focus on interpreting existing data to inform business decisions, typically within corporate environments. While both roles require analytical skills, Applied Research emphasizes experimental design and innovation, whereas Data Analysts concentrate on data interpretation and reporting.

More about Applied Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Applied Research jobs? The most popular types of Applied Research jobs are:
What states have the most Applied Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Applied Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Applied Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Research Scientist Intern PhD, Applied Research

Research Scientist Intern PhD, Applied Research

Meta

Menlo Park, CA

Internship

Posted 18 days ago


Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 186 rated software companies


Job description

Meta was built to help people connect and share, and over the last decade our tools have played a critical part in changing how people around the world communicate with one another. With over a billion people using the service and more than fifty offices around the globe, a career at Meta offers countless ways to make an impact in a fast growing organization.Meta is seeking Research Interns to join our Products and Applied Research team. We are committed to advancing the field of artificial intelligence by making fundamental advances in technologies to help interact with and understand our world. We are seeking individuals passionate in areas such as deep learning, computer vision, audio and speech processing, natural language processing, machine learning, reinforcement learning, computational statistics, and applied mathematics. Our interns have an opportunity to make core algorithmic advances and apply their ideas at an unprecedented scale.Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.
Research Scientist Intern PhD, Applied Research Responsibilities:
  • Develop novel state-of-the-art generative AI algorithms and corresponding systems, leveraging various deep learning techniques
  • Help analyze and improve safety and robustness of corresponding deployed algorithms based on the project
  • Perform research to advance the science and technology of intelligent machines
  • Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners including communicating research plans, progress, and results
  • Disseminate research results
  • Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Audio Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, or relevant technical field
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
  • Research experience in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and/or natural language processing
  • Experience with Python, C++, C, Java or other related languages
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch or Tensorflow

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as NeurIPS, ICLR, AAAI, RecSys, KDD, IJCAI, CVPR, ECCV, ACL, NAACL, EACL, ICASSP, or similar
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
  • Publications or experience in machine learning, AI, computer vision, optimization, computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or data science
  • Experience solving analytical problems using quantitative approaches
  • Experience setting up ML experiments and analyzing their results
  • Experience manipulating and analyzing complex, large scale, high-dimensionality data from varying sources
  • Experience in utilizing theoretical and empirical research to solve problems
  • Experience with explainable AI methods and topics around LLM safety alignment
  • Demonstrated software engineer experience via an internship, work experience, coding competitions, or widely used contributions in open source repositories (e.g. GitHub)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$7,650/month to $12,134/month + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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