PhD Research Intern - Audio Technology (Summer '26)

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. The Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is the research division of the company. ATG’s mission is to look ahead, deliver insights, and innovate technological solutions that will fuel Dolby’s continued growth. As a valued member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continuously push the boundaries of audio, imaging, and cloud technology to create spectacular entertainment experiences.  

 

As a diverse and dynamic group, our ATG researchers work on cutting-edge projects related to computer science and electrical engineering for audio, video, and cloud technologies, exploring exciting domains such as AI/ML, algorithms, digital signal processing, audio processing, image processing, computer vision, AR/VR, data science & analytics, distributed systems, cloud, edge & mobile computing, computer networking, and IoT. 

 

What is the Research Internship Program?  

As a Research Intern at Dolby, you will have the opportunity to define and lead your own pioneering research project that connects big-picture change with the meticulous detail of technological innovation. Our intern research projects are driven by a greater purpose: enhancing the human experience. 

 

With the guidance of Dolby’s leading media technology experts, you will delve into your own innovative projects across exciting domains, which could include, but not limited to: Bringing Human Perception into Digital Experiences, Personalizing Content, Enhancing Wellbeing and Healthcare, Nurturing Deeper Connections, and Enhancing Education and Learning Experiences. 

 

This opportunity will be based out of our research offices in San Francisco or Atlanta. 

 

What are we looking for in candidates? 

We are seeking current PhD students with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. To be eligible, you should have completed at least one year of your doctoral program. Along with solid technical skills, candidates should demonstrate problem-solving and analytical abilities, good communication and collaboration skills, a curiosity for how and why things work as they do, and a passion for audio, video, movies, music, or game technology. You have a desire to bring in new ideas and are open to learning from others. 

 

Summary of Position: 
We are a key research team within Dolby’s Advanced Technology Group, focused on creating cutting edge audio technologies that drive next generation experiences.  

 

Requirements: 

• Working towards a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Music Technology, or related field 

• Demonstrated application of machine learning and signal processing to real-world audio problems 

• Solid background in the theory of audio signal processing, linear algebra, probability, and machine learning 

• Proven ability to demonstrate results through projects, prototypes, patent filings, and papers in peer reviewed journals and conferences 

• Proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, or Python 

 

Highly Desired Experience in one or more of the following: 

• Real-time implementation of audio algorithms 

• Practical use of audio playback and recording equipment 

• Spatial audio reproduction and perception 

• Room and transducer acoustics 

• Acoustic measurement techniques 

• Optimization theory 

• Critical listening 

• Music performance or production 

• Audio content creation and rendering with game engines 

• Practical experience in one or more of the aforementioned innovation zones  <