Overview

Microsoft AI (MAI) is hiring a Talent Sourcer to identify and engage the rare, high-impact talent shaping the future of artificial intelligence. From research scientists to applied ML engineers, this role partners directly with technical leaders to source individuals capable of driving breakthroughs in foundation models, advanced reasoning systems, and core AI infrastructure.

This is not traditional sourcing. We operate with urgency and autonomy—balancing startup energy with Microsoft-scale resources. Our sourcing team executes in focused missions to solve hard hiring problems, unlock high-bar pipelines, and proactively identify talent beyond inbound channels or referrals. This is precision sourcing: research-led, multi-channel, and built for complexity.

If you thrive in technical ambiguity, enjoy deep collaboration with AI researchers and engineers, and bring energy to every search—this role offers the opportunity to work at the leading edge of talent strategy in artificial intelligence.

This role is for sourcers who see talent strategy as product strategy—those who move fast, go deep, and are energized by solving complex technical searches at scale.

Microsoft AI (MAI)'s Mission is to use AI responsibly to make everyone more informed, capable, and supported. We are creating unique, beautiful and powerful products that will change lives. We are proud of what we build, how we build it and that our products will define the AI era. It’s a time of huge change in the AI landscape, and this role will put you right in the heart of it. In Microsoft’s Global Talent Acquisition organization, our mission is to engage and hire the people who empower the planet. Find out more about us at Microsoft AI.

This is a hybrid role based in Redmond, WA or Mountain View, CA, with an expectation of being in-office at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as a consultative partner to technical and research leaders across MAI, influencing profile definition, funnel design, and prioritization.

• Present market insights, search progress, and candidate recommendations with clarity and confidence, particularly in ambiguous or evolving searches.

• Drive rigor in calibration: challenge assumptions, align early, and advocate for sourcing approaches that optimize for long-term outcomes.

• Guide hiring teams toward inclusive and differentiated sourcing strategies.

Market Intelligence & Strategic Planning

• Conduct deep landscape analysis across global AI talent markets—mapping top labs, research groups, startups, and open-source contributors.

• Build long-range pipelines around critical profiles using technical taxonomies, publication review, and trend-based forecasting.

• Collaborate cross-functionally on campaigns and outreach tied to MAI’s highest-priority initiatives.

• Identify gaps, opportunities, and competitive dynamics to continuously inform hiring strategy.

Outreach and Engagement

• Craft high-context, personalized messaging that resonates with deeply technical audiences—anchored in the work, not generic EVP.

• Engage talent through diverse channels: AMiner, GitHub, Arxiv, academic networks, niche communities, and technical events.

• Represent Microsoft AI at key industry forums and conferences, where applicable.

• Own early-funnel candidate experience—establishing trust, managing expectations, and minimizing friction.

Talent Sourcing Expertise

• Design and execute research-forward sourcing strategies to surface rare, highly specialized AI/ML talent.

• Lead sourcing missions that span 6–8 weeks with clear goals: mapped markets, validated pipelines, and calibrated submissions.

• Navigate multiple, concurrent searches across evolving profiles with urgency and precision.

• Contribute to team learning and global connectivity through knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Use data to prioritize efforts, monitor pipeline health, and guide sourcing strategy.

• Track mid-funnel performance metrics (e.g., resume pass-through, tech screen rates, offer conversion) to refine approach.

• Leverage Microsoft’s sourcing tech stack—CRM, analytics, and ML-enabled systems—while identifying opportunities for optimization.

• Translate sourcing signals into clear, actionable insights for planning and execution.

Other

• Embody our culture and values

Qualifications:

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 4+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role

OR equivalent experience.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 8+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role

OR Master's Degree AND 6+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role

• OR equivalent experience.

• 5+ years of end-to-end talent sourcing experience

5+ years of experience analyzing talent market trends to consult hiring managers on recruiting strategies

4+ years of technical talent sourcing experience

2+ years of experience sourcing Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent

• Experience sourcing for frontier AI labs, early-stage startups, or technical teams building large-scale ML systems

• Deep familiarity with open-source and research ecosystems: GitHub, Arxiv, Hugging Face, Stack Overflow, and academic conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR)

• Proven success using Boolean/X-ray logic, publication-based sourcing, and outreach beyond traditional channels

• Comfort working in fast-paced, dynamic environments where velocity, experimentation, and ownership are key

Talent Acquisition IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,100 - $169,800 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 $112,000 - $185,300 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.