Multimodal AI PhD Intern (Spring 2026)

📋 Description

• • Reality Defender Inc. is at the forefront of the fight against sophisticated AI-generated media, including deepfakes, and we are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Multimodal AI PhD Intern to join our world-class AI team for a 4-month internship commencing in Spring 2026.
• • As an award-winning cybersecurity company, we leverage a patented multi-model approach to detect generative content across video, audio, imagery, and text. Our API-first platform is trusted by leading enterprises, financial institutions, and governments worldwide to identify and combat fraud, disinformation campaigns, and malicious deepfakes in real time.
• • This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a rapidly evolving field. You will partner directly with our esteemed AI researchers, Surya Koppisetti and Yi Zhu, who will provide expert guidance and mentorship throughout your tenure.
• • Your primary focus will be to investigate, propose, and implement novel methods for detecting generative multimodal content. This will involve delving into the intricacies of audio and vision modalities, exploring advanced deepfake detection techniques, and contributing to complex reasoning tasks within multimodal AI.
• • You will be instrumental in performing in-depth research on multimodal deepfake detection, pushing the boundaries of current capabilities and contributing to the development of more robust and accurate detection systems.
• • Collaboration is key to our success. You will work closely with other talented researchers within the AI team, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment where ideas are shared and refined.
• • A significant aspect of this role involves documenting your research findings. You will be responsible for writing comprehensive internal reports detailing your methodologies, results, and insights. Furthermore, you will prepare and submit your research for publication in reputable academic journals and workshops, contributing to the broader scientific community.
• • You will gain hands-on experience implementing and evaluating your innovative ideas using a modern deep learning stack. This includes proficiency in Python, extensive use of PyTorch for building and training deep learning models, and leveraging GPU-enabled cloud computing platforms such as AWS and GCP for large-scale experimentation.
• • The internship is designed to provide a challenging yet rewarding research experience, allowing you to make tangible contributions to Reality Defender's mission of building a best-in-class, comprehensive deepfake and AI-generated content detection platform.
• • We are looking for individuals who are passionate about AI ethics and security, and who are eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems with significant societal impact.
• • This internship can be performed remotely from anywhere in the USA, offering flexibility and convenience. Alternatively, you are welcome to work from our headquarters in New York City, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in our vibrant company culture.
• • The ideal candidate will be a PhD student with a strong academic background and a proven track record in AI research, particularly in areas related to multimodal learning and deepfake detection.
• • You will have the opportunity to work on challenging problems that are at the forefront of AI research, contributing to solutions that protect individuals and organizations from the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation and malicious content.
• • This internship is an excellent stepping stone for aspiring researchers looking to gain industry experience and publish impactful work in top-tier venues.
• • We encourage proactive engagement with the research community, attending relevant workshops, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in generative AI and deepfake detection technologies.
• • Your work will directly influence the future development of our detection algorithms and contribute to the overall security and integrity of digital media.
• • We value intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative spirit, and we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching internship experience.
• • This is a paid internship, offering a competitive stipend commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
• • You will have access to state-of-the-art computational resources and datasets to facilitate your research endeavors.
• • The internship duration is a minimum of 4 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
• • Successful completion of the internship may lead to future opportunities within Reality Defender, including full-time employment or further research collaborations.
• • We are excited to welcome a talented intern who is eager to learn, contribute, and grow with our innovative team.