2027 PhD Residency - Computer Architecture & Emerging Systems Early Stage Project

About the Role:

X is seeking a PhD Resident with deep domain expertise in next-generation computer architecture to collaborate on moonshot computing paradigms. In this role, you will focus on specialized domain accelerators (XPUs), advanced memory hierarchies, and disaggregated compute clusters-pushing the boundaries of physical computing substrates and hardware-software co-design.

How you will make 10x impact:

• Engage in hardware-software co-design to evaluate new computing paradigms and map non-standard model architectures onto physical substrates.
• Partner closely with AI research teams to profile and map emergent workloads onto specialized hardware substrates.
• Model, simulate, and analyze high-performance domain accelerators, memory hierarchies, and memory-interface bottlenecks.

Details:

• Location: X''s headquarters in Mountain View, CA
• Start Date(s): Year-round rolling basis
• Duration: a flexible 6 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability

Throughout your Residency you can expect:

• To be embedded into one of our confidential or public X projects
• To get paid competitively and receive benefits
• To be a part of a lively community of Interns and Residents
• To attend tech-talks with Leaders from across X

What you should have:

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Deep domain expertise in next-generation computer architecture, focusing on specialized domain accelerators (XPUs), advanced memory hierarchies (HBM, CXL-attached, non-volatile fabrics), and disaggregated compute clusters.
• Proven track record in hardware-software co-design, evaluating new computing paradigms, and mapping non-standard model architectures onto physical substrates.
• Proven capability to work closely with AI research teams to profile and map emergent workloads onto specialized hardware substrates.

It'd be great if you also had these:

• Extensive background in emerging memory fabrics, including non-volatile fabrics, photonic interconnects, dynamic near-memory processing units, and high-bandwidth disaggregated fabric topologies.
• Experience with XPU-memory interfaces, disaggregated compute systems, and advanced accelerator modeling and simulation frameworks.

Additional public information:

• https://www.wired.com/video/watch/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x-speaks-at-wired25
• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-10-10/alphabet-x-s-astro-teller-on-bloomberg-studio-1-0-video
• https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5493348/astro-teller-takes-us-inside-the-moonshot-factory-building-tech-ahead-of-its-time
• https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2024/7094574/x-taara/
• https://youtu.be/_iLJU4HORAA?si=aK8cHf64NUNcsZXr

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $157,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include benefits.