Research Intern - Efficient AI Software Systems

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.

Researchers in artificial intelligence (AI) are building systems that can reason, plan and act on behalf of the people who use them, from writing software to automating complex, multistep tasks. As these systems become more capable and more widely used, making them efficient matters more and more. That means getting the most value from the compute they use, choosing the right capabilities for each task, and adapting to the needs of the people and environments they serve.

Microsoft's deep investments in the field are advancing the state of the art in efficient and agentic AI. Its researchers combine machine learning, systems research and rigorous empirical evaluation to understand how intelligent systems can balance quality, speed and cost, and how they can improve with experience. The research, tools and services that result are woven into existing and new products and, at the same time, made open and accessible to the broader community in a bid to accelerate innovation, democratize AI and help developers and organizations do more with the resources they have.

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 Doctorate Degree program in Computer Science, STEM, or a relevant 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

• 1+ year(s) of experience (classroom or work-related) in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, large language models, AI agents, or machine learning systems.
• 1+ completed courses in probability and statistics, machine learning, or optimization.
• Experience conducting research on the efficiency, cost, or performance of machine learning models or systems (e.g., inference optimization, model selection, model compression, or adaptive computation).
• Experience building or evaluating applications or agents that use large language models.
• Experience designing benchmarks or experiments to evaluate machine learning systems, and analyzing quantitative results.
• Experience comparing alternative methods, prototypes, or analytical approaches to address a research or applied problem.
• Experience collaborating with researchers or engineering teams on a research or applied project.
• Prior research experience evidenced by publications, preprints, or open-source research projects.
• Experience communicating research findings through a presentation, poster, report, or publication.

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.