Overview

Microsoft Research New York City (MSR NYC) is seeking a Principal Researcher whose work focuses on understanding and influencing the ways that AI systems and society shape one another on multiple scales (e.g., individuals, groups, organizations, society as a whole) and over multiple timeframes. We are particularly interested in candidates who do interdisciplinary research on sociotechnical approaches to AI evaluation and measurement; AI and critical thought; and the challenges of responsible AI in industry. We especially encourage candidates with backgrounds in statistics, AI safety, HCI, and the social sciences to apply.

Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research with access to an extraordinary diversity of data sources, an open publications policy, close links to top academic institutions around the world, and opportunities to collaborate with industry-leading engineering and policy teams.

You will join a team that includes researchers in the Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FATE) and Social Media Collective (SMC) groups and applied scientists in the Sociotechnical Alignment Center. You will collaborate closely with other groups across Microsoft Research, as well as other teams within Microsoft. You must have a strong publication record at top research venues and an interest in putting your research into practice in a fast-paced industry environment.

Microsoft Research is committed to cultivating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the global communities we serve. We actively seek to build an inclusive and equitable research environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a broad range of experiences and perspectives. Our team works collectively to ensure that Microsoft Research remains a respectful, collaborative, and high-impact space for all researchers.

At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.

Responsibilities:

As a Principal Researcher, you will collaboratively define a research agenda with other researchers, applied scientists, engineers, and policy-makers. As a member of a world-class research organization, you will contribute to state-of-the-art research projects, and you will be able to realize your ideas in products and services that are used worldwide.

Qualifications Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in relevant field (e.g., AI/ML, NLP, statistics, HCI, information science, political science, sociology) and 3+ years related research experience on AI and societyOR Master's Degree in relevant field (e.g., AI/ML, NLP, statistics, HCI, information science, political science, sociology) and 4+ years related research experience on AI and society
• OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field (e.g., AI/ML, NLP, statistics, HCI, information science, political science, sociology) and 6+ years related research experience on AI and society,
• OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements

• How to Apply:To ensure we receive a complete application from you, please be sure to follow these instructions:
• Upload your CV.
• When prompted in your application, please provide the names and contact information for at least 3 reference letter writers.
• Upload (as separate attachments to your application) 2 conference or journal articles, book chapters, or equivalent writing samples of which you are most proud and that best demonstrate your research interests and expertise.
• Upload (as an attachment to your application) a statement (no more than 4 pages) that outlines your research achievements and agenda, your industry experience (if any) and interests, and your service/outreach activities and plans (e.g., mentoring, diversity and inclusion, conference organization).
• You can upload documents by going to your profile on the career site and clicking on the “Resume Manager” tab in the top right of the page, and from there selecting “Other Documents”. Note: If you are having trouble submitting your application materials, please go to the bottom of the page and click “Support” and fill out the requested information.
• After you submit your application, the system will send a request for letters to your list of references on your behalf.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor in top research venues.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience working in an industry research environment.
• Experience approaching AI from a sociotechnical perspective.
• Participation and activity in the research community.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

#Research

Research Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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

Research Sciences IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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.