Research Intern - Office of Applied Research

Location: United States, Washington, Redmond Department: Research Sciences

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 Office of Applied Research in Microsoft seeks research interns to conduct state-of-the-art applied research. Applied research is impact-driven research. It applies empirical techniques to real world problems in a way that transforms theory into reality, advancing the state-of-the-art in the process.

The Office of Applied Research brings together experts in frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) model development and human-centered AI to tackle real-world challenges at scale in the enterprise AI space. We work closely with research and product partners to ensure Microsoft is advancing cutting-edge research aligned with our core product interests.

Ideal candidates have proven experience in various fields such as Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Reinforcement Learning (RL), Learning from human feedback and Human-centered AI. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in areas such as reinforcement learning and model mid- and post-training, continual learning, differential privacy, human-AI collaboration, or the development and evaluation of enterprise AI agents, including learning from user feedback in real-world deployments.

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, Information Science, Statistics, Information Systems, Economics, Operation Research 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

1+ year(s) of experience in conducting research and writing peer-reviewed publications.

Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.

Actively conducting research in at least one of the following areas:

Collaborative or Multi-party AI Agents (e.g. AI teammates)

Mid- and post-training for LLMs / Agents

Learning from user interaction or feedback

Synthetic data generation for LLM evaluation and fine-tuning

Understanding, verifying, or evaluating LLMs outputs

Differential privacy for LLM and data

Continual Learning / Test-time Training

Agents (e.g. Memory, Goal management, Inter-Agent conversations)

Multi Agent Simulations (e.g. evaluating or training AI agents in collaborative settings)

Forward deployment for enterprise AI

Ability to collaborate effectively with your mentor and others in Microsoft on research projects.

Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, cross-group, and cross-culture 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.