Job Specifications
Riot Research Scientists combine their wide technical expertise across data processing, automation, machine learning ("ML"), artificial intelligence ("AI"), and experimental design to inform decisions and develop robust research prototypes and inform data powered products.
The Technology Research team performs applied research to accelerate the pace of building amazing player experiences at Riot Games. As a Research Scientist Intern on Tech Research, you’ll contribute to a research team whose focus is to leverage generative AI to augment, evolve, and even revolutionize game development pipelines and/or player experiences. To this end, you and your team will track the latest research in relevant areas, work closely with teams to prioritize the most promising research, build prototypes to highlight the value of new capabilities, and in certain cases partner with game teams to create robust and efficient production versions of your prototypes.
Responsibilities
Partner with game teams and creators to shape the future of gameplay through next-generation technologies
Partner with artists, designers, and engineers to prototype new applications of research
Explore the application of large language models and state of the art content generation models to games in development and production
Required Qualifications
Enrolled in an M.S. or Ph.D. program in statistics, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related quantitative field (math, physics, etc.)
Graduating during the 2027 calendar year
Available to work full-time hours for the 12 week internship duration
Eligible to work in the country that you reside in during this remote program
Experience in deep learning, including frameworks such as Tensorflow or PyTorch
Experience processing data and build machine learning models using Python
Experience in machine learning techniques
Experience in statistical modeling and optimization
Desired Qualifications
Understanding of distributed systems and concurrent programming
Familiarity with cloud computing basics on AWS (EC2, S3)
Experience working with Linux operating systems
Experience in C++ and game development (Unreal, Unity, Godot)
Experience with version control systems. (We use Git)
Experience in large language models, diffusion models, neural radiance fields, or Gaussian splats
Experience in social network analysis, natural language processing, computer vision, or signal processing
For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will certainly be looking at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!
Applications close Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 11:59pm PT
Our Perks
Riot Internships are paid, and interns can also participate in our 401(k) plan. You can expect in-game perks, and the ability to participate in our Play Fund, so you can broaden and deepen your knowledge of our players and community through games. The University Programs team also invites you to intern focused events so you can connect with your fellow interns and Rioters to make the most out of your experience.
At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.
It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Duties
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
Safeguarding confidential and
About the Company
Since 2006, Riot Games has stayed committed to changing the way video games are developed, published, and supported for players. From our first title, League of Legends, to 2020's VALORANT; we have strived to evolve the community with growth in Esports, and expansion from games into entertainment. Players are the foundation of Riot's community and because of them, we're able to reach new heights. Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 4,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices ...
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