Overview

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

The AI Interaction and Learning team in Microsoft Research studies and builds next-generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that help people accomplish more valuable work. Our research spans understanding how people use AI in real-world settings, evaluating agents in realistic workflows, and developing methods that make AI systems more capable, adaptive, and effective collaborators. Current research directions include agent evaluation and environments, reinforcement learning and post-training, user modeling and simulation, agent and group memory, personalization and continual learning, analysis of large-scale interaction logs, and human-AI collaboration.

We are particularly interested in candidates with research experience in one or more of the following areas: Foundation Models, Reinforcement Learning and Post-Training, Agents, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Interactive or Continual Learning, User Modeling and Simulation, Evaluation, Computational Social Science, Human-AI Interaction and Collaboration, or related areas of Artificial Intelligence. Candidates are encouraged to browse some of our recent publications for examples of active research in the group.

Responsibilities

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Doctorate Degree program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field.

Other Requirements

Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

Preferred Qualifications

2+ years of experience conducting research, developing research software, and/or writing peer-reviewed publications.
Ability to identify important research problems and develop creative, rigorous approaches to addressing them.
Active research experience in one or more of the following areas: Foundation Models, Reinforcement Learning and Post-Training, Agents, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Interactive or Continual Learning, User Modeling and Simulation, Evaluation, Computational Social Science, Human-AI Interaction and Collaboration, or related areas of Artificial Intelligence.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a research mentor and with researchers, engineers, and product partners across Microsoft.
Proficient interpersonal, cross-group, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,810 - $13,480 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those

locations is USD $8,920 - $14,610 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar (September - April).

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.