Research Intern - Algorithms Group: Generative Modeling

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

The Algorithms group at MSR Redmond is looking for Research Interns to advance research in generative modeling. Opportunities include fundamental algorithmic innovation to enhance the efficiency and generation quality of existing models (e.g., diffusion models, image auto-regressive models, language models) and the design of next-generation generative modeling techniques (see examples below).

• Latent Zoning Network: A Unified Principle for Generative Modeling, Representation Learning, and Classification (NeurIPS 2025)
• Distilled Decoding 1: One-step Sampling of Image Auto-regressive Models with Flow Matching (ICLR 2025)
• Distilled Decoding 2: One-step Sampling of Image Auto-regressive Models with Conditional Score Distillation (NeurIPS 2025)
• Weak-to-Strong On-Policy Distillation
• Can LLMs Learn by Teaching for Better Reasoning? A Preliminary Study (NeurIPS 2024)

Our researchers and Research Interns have been conducting influential research published in top-tier venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR. For more details on our research group and projects, please see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/algorithms-redmond/

For the fullest consideration, please apply by January 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a master's degree program in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.

Other Requirements

• Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
• In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Doctorate Degree program in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Publications at top theoretical CS or ML conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, etc.) or top journals.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Experience with training large foundation models such as diffusion models, image auto-regressive models, and large language models.

Applied Sciences IC2 - The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,690 - $11,210 per month.

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 $7,410 - $12,250 per month.

Applied Sciences IC3 - The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,810 - $13,480 per month.

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 $8,920 - $14,610 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar (September - April).

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.