Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
Machine learning roles inside subscription platforms sit at the center of modern SaaS differentiation, where product value is delivered continuously and measured through real usage. This internship is notable because it explicitly spans experimentation with LLMs, prototyping, and evaluation—work that maps closely to how AI features are introduced and iterated in production-grade software rather than treated as standalone research.
For someone building a SaaS career, the program offers a practical view of the full lifecycle of applied ML: moving from ideas and proof-of-concepts into workflows that can be tested, assessed, and prepared for real-world constraints. Collaboration with engineering, product, and design partners is also a common pattern in SaaS organizations, and experience working across these interfaces tends to transfer well to later roles in ML engineering, applied research, and AI product development.
This role fits PhD candidates who prefer learning through hands-on exploration and are comfortable when project scope evolves with team needs. It will suit candidates who want exposure to how a large-scale, consumer subscription business thinks about deploying AI responsibly and iteratively, and who value an in-office environment with structured time alongside peers and mentors.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
Spotify is looking for enthusiastic students with a passion for music and an ambition to go far. This isn't just any internship! Our paid internship program will give you the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of what it's like to be a Spotify employee as well as get the opportunity to see the technology side of a fast growing company! Our summer internships will last for approximately 10 weeks this summer and start in mid-June.
We’re looking for Machine Learning PhD Interns who are excited about the fast-moving world of AI and eager to learn by doing. This internship is intentionally exploratory: the specific projects and scope may evolve over time based on team needs, emerging ideas, and your interests.
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What You'll Do- Experiment with machine learning and modern AI tools, including large language models (LLMs).
- Prototype ideas, proof-of-concepts, or early-stage features using AI techniques.
- Explore new models, libraries, or workflows and share insights with your team.
- Learn how AI systems are evaluated, improved, and prepared for real-world use.
- Collaborate with engineers, researchers, designers, and product partners in a supportive, learning-focused environment.
Who You Are- You are pursuing a PhD degree in a related field of study.
- You have a graduation year date of 2026 or 2027.
- You currently have valid work authorization to work in the country in which this role is based that will extend from June to August or September 2026.
- You are available from June 15th onwards for a 10 or 12 week summer internship.
- You’re genuinely curious about AI and enjoy learning through hands-on experimentation.
- You have some experience programming (e.g., Python, Java, or similar) and basic exposure to machine learning concepts through coursework, projects, research, or bootcamp work.
- You’re interested in areas like machine learning, generative AI, or large language models.
- You’re comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the opportunity to help shape what you work on.
- You enjoy collaborating, asking questions, and learning from others.
Where You'll Be- This role will require you to work out of our New York City office
- Our internship program has a lot to offer with in office events and networking opportunities. To allow you to be fully immersed in our program and make the most of your time with us, we ask that you come into the office 3 days a week.
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The United States hourly rate for this position is $60 USD and is overtime eligible. These rates may be modified in the future. The role is eligible for select benefits such as Paid Public Holidays, and Learning and Development Trainings.
Our paid summer internships last for approximately 10 weeks and start in mid- June 2026. The last day to apply is February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
Spotify is an equal opportunity employer. You are welcome at Spotify for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what’s playing in your headphones. Our platform is for everyone, and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way the world listens.
At Spotify, we are passionate about inclusivity and making sure our entire recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We have ways to request reasonable accommodations during the interview process and help assist in what you need. If you need accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know - we’re here to support you in any way we can.
Spotify transformed music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the chance to enjoy and be passionate about these creators. Everything we do is driven by our love for music and podcasting. Today, we are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service.
