Overview:

The Microsoft AI Superintelligence (MAIST) Post Training team is dedicated to advancing post-training methods for both OpenAI and open-source models. Their work encompasses continual pre-training, large-scale deep reinforcement learning running on extensive GPU resources, and significant efforts to curate and synthesize training data. In addition, the team employs various fine-tuning approaches to support both research and product development.  The team also develops advanced AI technologies that integrate language and multi-modality for a range of Microsoft products. The team is particularly active in developing code-specific models, including those used in Github Copilot and Visual Studio Code, such as code completion model and the software engineering (SWE) agent models.   The team has also produced publications as by-products, including work such as LoRA, De Ber Ta, Oscar, Rho-1, Florence, and the open-source Phi models. We are looking for a Member of Technical Staff with significant experience in large-scale model training, data curation, and hands-on coding, ideally from leading research labs. You will develop LLMs, SLMs, multimodal, and coding models using both proprietary and open-source frameworks. Key responsibilities include improving model quality and training efficiency through advanced techniques and data strategies, and managing the full pipeline from data ingestion, evaluation, to inference. Our team values startup-style efficiency and practical problem-solving. We are seeking a curious, adaptable problem-solver who thrives on continuous learning, embraces changing priorities, and is motivated by creating meaningful impact. Candidates must be self-driven, able to write efficient code and debug training jobs, document findings, and demonstrate a track record in these fields. You may include information about any individuals who can serve as your referral in your application.  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. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities:

Design & Evaluate Datasets – Build high-quality datasets and benchmarks for training AI models; run ablation studies to measure impact and optimize data effectiveness.  Advance Model Training – Apply deep expertise in pre-training, post-training, and reinforcement learning (RL) for both language and multimodal models.  Develop Data Infrastructure – Create and maintain scalable pipelines for ingestion, preprocessing, filtering, and annotation of large, complex datasets.  Data Quality & Analysis – Assess real-world multimodal datasets (text, image, video, audio, code) for quality, diversity, and relevance; identify gaps and propose improvements.  Tooling & Workflows – Build lightweight tools for dataset auditing, visualization, and versioning to streamline experimentation.  Research & Innovation – Collaborate with cross-functional teams to push research and product boundaries, delivering models that make a real-world impact.  Other:

• Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:Doctorate OR equivalent experience.

Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. 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 $158,400 - $258,000 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
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.