Algorithm Intern

For over 90 years, Topcon’s vision has been to solve societal challenges around the globe. In healthcare, we are developing innovations that improve patients’ health and quality of life.
We empower eye care providers with advanced imaging, diagnostic solutions, and intelligent data technology. Our robotic devices deliver simplicity without compromise, by capturing clear images with the push of a button.
By joining Topcon Healthcare, you become part of a growing, diverse, global team. With office locations throughout North America, whether you are on-site, remote, or hybrid, our culture empowers you to contribute to company and personal success each day. At Topcon Healthcare, you can grow your career, gain new perspectives, and help address society’s most pressing challenges. If you have drive, passion, and a desire to be part of a collaborative team, we want to hear from you.
At Topcon Healthcare, we don’t wait for the future. We invent it. Join us.
Learn more about working with us at topconcareers.com
Your eyes contain a map of your systemic health. Retinal imaging can reveal early signals of cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, diabetes and more, often years before symptoms appear. This emerging field known as oculomics is reshaping how we understand whole body health through ophthalmic data.
Topcon Healthcare is building the data infrastructure, foundation models, and clinical evidence required to bring oculomics to scale. With one of the largest connected device networks in eye care we are pioneering a new generation of clinically meaningful AI that leverages multimodal retinal imaging to drive innovation in diagnostics and personalized medicine.
Topcon Healthcare is looking to offer an internship program from June 1, 2026, until August 14, 2026. This is a paid program located in the La Jolla CA office. The hours for this program are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Come join the Topcon Healthcare team to help build real-world skills and knowledge to influence your education and career path.
We are seeking an exceptionally driven and innovative PhD level Algorithm Intern to join our AI Oculomics team for Summer 2026. The role is designed for candidates eager to advance deep learning medical imaging and translational AI research in ophthalmic diagnostics.
You will work alongside experienced researchers in AI imaging and clinical science to develop next generation algorithms that support both ophthalmic diagnostics and large scale oculomics research. This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful studies, build deployable diagnostic models and gain meaningful hands on experience that can shape your future research and career path.
Key Responsibilities

Develop and refine advanced AI/ML and deep learning models for ophthalmic and multimodal imaging.
Perform image processing, algorithm development, and model validation.
Execute data mining, data engineering, and large‑scale data analyses.
Design and implement deep learning pipelines for segmentation classification registration and feature extraction.
Develop custom annotation and labeling tools for imaging workflows.
Document algorithm development methods and workflows that ensure full traceability from raw acquisition through final analysis ready outputs
Collaborate closely with clinical researchers, imaging experts, product management and other cross-functional teams.
Contribute to scientific documentation including manuscripts presentations and conference abstracts.
Support exploratory and research driven projects as needed.

By the end of the summer, you will produce a clean, well-documented dataset and/or algorithm package that the team will actively use, including clear documentation of methods, assumptions, and results.
Benefits:

Hands‑on experience developing cutting‑edge AI and deep learning models for real‑world clinical use.
Full lifecycle exposure, from data acquisition and normalization through model evaluation and regulatory grade documentation. These skills transfer directly into careers in industry, academia, or med tech.
Strong mentorship through daily collaboration with clinical scientists, AI researchers, computer vision engineers, and biostatisticians. You will be part of a team that publishes at ARVO, builds production AI, and supports pharma clinical trials.
Exposure to collaborative research across AI, data science, imaging, and clinical science.
Opportunities to contribute to publications, clinical research, and translational diagnostic innovation.
Concrete project output. You will leave with a well-defined project outcome that you can discuss in depth during interviews or in graduate school or fellowship applications.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field
Proven hands‑on experience in deep learning model development, ideally in medical imaging or computer vision domains
Strong foundation in machine learning, computer vision, AI model architectures, and modern training techniques
Prior experience in research‑driven environments, particularly involving imaging analysis, algorithm development, or clinical/biomedical data workflows
Proficient in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting scientific findings, writing reports, and collaborating across disciplines
Demonstrated ability to work independently, and contribute effectively within a highly collaborative research setting

Base Pay:
Expected Base Pay Range: $22.00 to $25.00 hourly based on degree level.
The base pay range included is a projected hiring range for a position, level and potential work location(s) listed. Topcon provides the compensation range that it in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position. This compensation range is based on a full-time schedule.
Benefits:
This position is not eligible for benefits or time off.
EEO Statement:
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.