Overview:

Come build community, explore your passions and do your best work at Microsoft with thousands of University interns from every corner of the world. This opportunity will allow you to bring your aspirations, talent, potential—and excitement for the journey ahead.

As a Research Science PhD Intern, you will conduct research and leads research collaborations that yield new insights, theories, analyses, data, algorithms, and/or prototypes that advance the state-of-the-art of incorporating AI capabilities into Azure SQL Database platform. You will formulate research problems in an area of study and initiates the design, development, execution and implementation of a research agenda to further academic knowledge and close identified gaps and provide expertise to product or business groups and may create long-term business opportunities through research outcomes, but not responsible for addressing immediate product needs or demonstrating a clear path to product.

We are seeking candidates excelling in deep thinking research aspects and fast-paced entrepreneurial execution, specifically in the area of databases, distributed systems and AI. The ideal candidates should have the ability to work with researchers and product team colleagues at Microsoft to push forward research agendas, being a team player in a collaborative and supportive environment with outstanding programming skills. We are seeking candidates with research skills and technical backgrounds. Applicants should demonstrate depth of knowledge in Natural Language Understanding, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Algorithmic Foundations of Optimization, Data Mining or Machine Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence) as well as strong academia experience in data processing, experimentation, and modeling.

Microsoft works with the world’s best researchers, moving with the current of technology as it rapidly evolves. Together we share the motivation to seek innovative solutions to the world’s toughest challenges and improve the lives of people everywhere. Microsoft provides a nurturing environment to support passionate researchers and engineers in AI technology innovation.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities-
Analyze and improve performance of advanced algorithms on large-scale datasets and cutting-edge research in machine intelligence and machine learning applications.

• Implement prototypes of scalable systems in AI applications.

• Collaborate closely with team members on developing systems from prototyping to production level.

• Develop solutions for real world, large-scale problems.

• Under instruction from others, research new tools, technologies, and methods being used in the research community and contribute your knowledge around a specialized tool/method to support planning for research projects.

• Gain an understanding of their research as it relates to Microsoft products or business groups and assists in technology transfer attempts, participating on standards organizations, filing patents, authoring white papers, developing or maintaining tools/services for internal Microsoft use, or consulting for product or business groups.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications (RQs)

• Currently pursuing a Master's or a Doctorate Degree in a relevant field

• Must have at least one additional quarter/semester of school remaining following the completion of the internship

Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

• Experience in designing scalable data systems, applying Large Language Models (LLMs) and machine learning techniques to large-scale data applications, or integrating both approaches.

• Experience with Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.

• Proficient interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.

• Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.

Other Requirements

• In addition to the qualifications above, 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.

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.