Overview

Microsoft Research (MSR) is an academic research organization within Microsoft. Our mission is to generate positively impactful research and innovation. Our labs are interdisciplinary, including leading scholars in economics, computational social science, computer science (notably machine learning), applied mathematics, and sociotechnical systems. We warmly welcome applicants who bring interests and skills that complement, challenge, and diversify our research. 
 
Postdoc Researchers participate in seminars and the intellectual life of the lab, but there are no corporate work responsibilities. Postdocs have opportunities to access Microsoft data, e.g. on online advertising auctions, search, or software usage. 
 
We are hiring in applied micro and theory, including behavioral, development, digitization, econometrics, game theory, health, labor, IO, machine learning, market design, public, and related fields. 
 
Postdocs are hired for one to two years in Cambridge, MA, or New York, NY. 
 
To learn more about our group, visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/theme/economics-and-computation/

Responsibilities

As a Postdoc, you define your research agenda in collaboration with other researchers, driving forward an effective program of basic, fundamental, and applied research.  We highly value collaboration and building new ideas with members of the group and others.  You have the direct opportunity to realize your ideas in products and services used worldwide. 

• PhD in Economics or relevant field (completed or close to completion by summer of 2026). 
• Research ability demonstrated by journal publications, working papers, and job market paper. 
• Research agenda that is complementary to Microsoft economics group. 

Qualifications

Required Qualification: 

•  PhD in Economics or relevant field (completed or close to completion by summer of 2026). 
•  Experience in applied theory or applied micro, including behavioral, development, digitization, econometrics, game theory, health, labor, IO, machine learning, market design, public, and related fields. 

 

Other Requirements: 

• In your application, in addition to details on your research agenda, please answer these questions in your cover letter: 
• How would your research agenda and/or life experiences complement our lab?  
• How would your research agenda benefit from being at MSR?  
• How does your research generate a positive impact on society? 

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.If you are having trouble submitting your application, please go to the bottom of the page and click "Support" and fill out the requested information. 

Research Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 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.