PhD Intern, Data Science (2027)

What you'll do at Figma

• Partner with cross-functional teams to turn ambiguous product, platform, or business questions into well-defined data science problems
• Analyze user, product, or business data to uncover insights and recommend actions
• Design and evaluate experiments, metrics, statistical or machine learning models, and analytical frameworks
• Communicate assumptions, tradeoffs, limitations, and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical partners
• Own a focused internship project end-to-end, from problem framing and technical execution through final recommendations, with potential to continue toward publication after the internship

We'd love to hear from you if you have

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Economics, Operations Research, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative field; with demonstrated experience conducting independent research (e.g. thesis or equivalent research milestone)
• Demonstrated fluency in one or more research methodologies or technical areas, such as statistics, experimentation, machine learning, causal inference, econometrics, optimization, user research methods, or AI/LLMs
• Experience using a scripting language such as Python or R, as well as proficiency with SQL, for analysis, modeling, or work with complex or large-scale datasets through research, internships, or applied projects
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly and connect analysis to decisions, recommendations, or product/business impact
• A curious, rigorous, and self-starting mindset, with the ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments and translate research into real-world impact

While it's not required, it's an added plus if you also have

• Prior industry or applied research experience with experimental design, causal inference, forecasting, product measurement, user research, or applied machine learning to influence product, business, platform, or stakeholder decisions
• Publications or research relevant to applied data science
• Experience or interest in AI product measurement, LLM analytics/evaluation, recommendation systems, search, personalization, or evaluating AI-powered features

Additional information

At Figma, one of our values is Grow as you go. We believe in hiring smart, curious people who are excited to learn and develop their skills. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the points outlined in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Pay and benefits

This internship role is based in either Figma's San Francisco or New York hub offices, and has the hourly base pay rate stated below. Figma also offers interns a housing stipend and travel reimbursement. Figma's compensation and benefits are subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Examples of accommodations include but are not limited to

• Holding interviews in an accessible location
• Enabling closed captioning on video conferencing
• Ensuring all written communication be compatible with screen readers
• Changing the mode or format of interviews

To ensure the integrity of our hiring process and facilitate a more personal connection, we require all candidates keep their cameras on during video interviews. Additionally, if hired you will be required to attend in person onboarding.

By applying for this job, the candidate acknowledges and agrees that any personal data contained in their application or supporting materials will be processed in accordance with Figma's Candidate Privacy Notice.

Application limits: To help candidates focus on the opportunities most relevant to their skills and experience, Figma limits the number and frequency of applications. These limits apply to all roles:

• Candidates may submit up to 5 applications during any rolling 30-day period.
• Candidates may not reapply to the same role while an application is active or within 90 days of receiving a rejection.

Once the applicable days has passed, candidates are welcome to apply again.