Google Student Researcher (PhD) Winter/Summer 2026 — Research Internship at Google

Google’s Student Researcher Program gives PhD students (and in some variants MS/BS students) a chance to work on real-world, large-scale problems alongside world-class researchers and engineers. The 2026 Winter/Summer cycle is now open to eligible applicants.

Rather than a typical internship, this program allows you to engage in exploratory research—ranging from machine learning and AI to systems design, human-computer interaction, data science, and more — depending on project availability.

 Who Should Apply & Eligibility

To qualify for the 2026 Student Researcher (PhD) role at Google, you should:

• Be currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or a related technical/quantitative field (Applied Math, Statistics, Data Science, Natural Sciences, etc.)
• Have a strong background in at least one core research area (e.g., ML/Deep Learning, Computer Vision, NLP, Algorithms, Quantum Info, Systems, HCI) or similar technical competencies.
• Be available to be on-site in an eligible location in the U.S. (or specified country) for the duration of the placement.
• Have proficiency in English (for communication and collaboration).

Preferred (but not strictly required) qualifications include prior research experience (publications, labs), programming skills (e.g. Python, C/C++, Java), or contributions to research communities.

 What You Get: Role & Benefits

As a Student Researcher at Google you can expect:

• To work on real, impactful research projects across Google’s research divisions — including groups like Google DeepMind, Google Research, Google Cloud, etc.
• Exposure to large-scale systems, real-world data, state-of-the-art tools and collaboration with top scientists and engineers.
• A paid position, with salary depending on location and role level. For U.S.-based PhD roles, salary ranges listed are substantial (but vary with location) as per job posting.
• Flexible duration / timing (start between January–July 2026), accommodating academic calendars.

Please note: this role is a research placement, not a “full-time permanent job** — so typically your contract ends after the research period.

 Why This Programme Matters

• It’s an opportunity to bridge academic research and real-world application — working on impactful problems that affect billions of users.
• Gives you access to top-tier research environment and mentorship, which can significantly boost your PhD work, publications, or future academic/industry trajectory.
• Offers international exposure and networking: you collaborate across teams, disciplines, and possibly locations.
• Provides a prestigious credential — having “Google Research intern / Student Researcher” on your CV is widely recognized in academia and industry.
• For those interested in AI/ML, systems, data science — it’s a chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects and shape future technologies.

 Application Tips

If you consider applying, here are some recommended steps to maximize your chances:

• Prepare a strong CV/resume listing your degree, coursework, research experience, programming skills, publications if any.
• Provide a transcript (official or unofficial) in English, with graduation date(s) clearly indicated.
• Be ready to state your preferred working locations among the eligible sites (e.g. Mountain View, Seattle, New York, etc.).
• Highlight any research interest areas that align with Google’s domains — AI, ML, systems, privacy, cloud, data, etc.
• If you have prior research output (papers, projects, open-source contributions), mention them — that strengthens your application.
• Apply early — positions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and projects may fill up before the official deadline (for 2026 U.S. PhD role, July 17, 2026).