Internship - Optical Computing and Computational Sensing

The Computational Sensing team at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to conduct fundamental research at the intersection of optical computing, computational imaging, and emerging image sensors. The research will explore how optical processing and novel detectors can jointly extract useful information from light, enabling efficient sensing and inference. Potential directions include programmable optical transformations, event-based sensing, and optical–electronic systems for spatial and temporal signal processing. The intern will work closely with MERL researchers to develop physical and computational models, build and characterize experimental prototypes, and design algorithms that connect optical measurements to sensing tasks. The position offers opportunities to combine hands-on experimentation with theoretical analysis and machine learning, and to prepare results for patents and publication. The internship is expected to last 3 months, with a flexible start date.

Required Specific Experience

• Experimental optics or novel detectors: Demonstrated hands-on research experience in at least one of the following:
  • Free-space optical systems using components such as spatial light modulators, digital micromirror devices, lasers, lenses, or diffractive optical elements.
  • Emerging detectors and imaging systems, such as event cameras, single-photon detectors, or time-resolved sensors.
  • Integrated photonic device characterization or photonic computing experiments.
• Physical and mathematical foundations: Strong understanding of relevant optics or detector physics, together with foundations in signal processing, linear algebra, and numerical methods.
• Scientific programming: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools for modeling, experimental control, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Research independence: Ability to formulate research questions, troubleshoot experiments, and communicate results clearly.
• Current enrollment in a PhD program in electrical engineering, optics/photonics, applied physics, computer science, or a closely related field.

The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.

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Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.

In addition to base pay, interns receive a relocation stipend, covered travel to and from MERL, and a monthly Charlie Card for local commuting. Interns are invited to participate in weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities, including research talks by both internal and external speakers. Interns who meet the 90-day waiting period are also eligible for health insurance coverage. MERL provides immigration support for qualified candidates as needed. Employment is considered “at-will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.