PhD Systems & AI/ML Research Intern (Summer 2026)

Role Description

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 infra

structure

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.

Requirements

PhD candidate in Computer Science or a related field graduating between Winter 2026 and

Spring

202

8

.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation

US Pay Range

$12,500

—

$12,500 USD