Overview

Microsoft AI is seeking a Senior Researcher with deep expertise in psychology, behavioral science, or human‑centered AI to advance research at the intersection of human cognition, AI behavior, safety, and long‑term societal outcomes.

This role sits on a multidisciplinary team focused on humanist superintelligence, long‑term AI futures, and the psychological and sociotechnical dynamics that shape how advanced AI systems interact with people, institutions, and society.

You will lead scholarship‑driven research using rigorous empirical methods translating foundational insights into product direction, governance frameworks, and external thought leadership.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on the psychological, behavioral, and societal impacts of advanced AI systems—near‑term and long‑horizon.

• Develop frameworks for human–AI interaction, AI psychology, alignment, and long‑term safety for increasingly capable AI models.

• Use empirical, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed UXR methodologies to generate insights for Microsoft AI product, design, and policy teams.

• Publish high‑quality research in academic venues, conferences, journals, and cross‑industry forums.

• Partner with engineering, product, Responsible AI, and policy teams to translate research into product roadmaps, safety evaluations, governance models, and long‑term planning.

• Engage external collaborators across academia, think tanks, civil society, and regulatory ecosystems to establish Microsoft as a leader in human‑centered AI psychology and safety research.

• Influence Microsoft’s research strategy on long‑term AI trajectories, societal flourishing, and resilient ecosystem design

Qualifications Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in relevant field - OR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience
• OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 4+ years related research experience
• OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated academic research background with emphasis on human behavior and intelligence, societal impact of technology, cognitive/behavioral sciences, or human‑centered AI.
• Published work exploring long‑term AI implications, alignment, safety, or human–machine systems.
• Skilled in synthesizing insights into frameworks that inform product teams, policymakers, and executive leadership.
• Thrives in multidisciplinary environments bridging research, engineering, and governance.

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.