Researcher II

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a groundbreaking productivity tool that leverages the power of large language models, user data, Microsoft Graph, and the web to drive unparalleled creativity and productivity. We are a small, nimble team that is advancing the state of the art of models in M365 Copilot. Come join our team and help transform the Large Language Model (LLM) experience in the enterprise.

We are seeking a Researcher with stellar research and system building skills and the desire to pursue the cutting edge in model development that pushes technological boundaries. We are looking for candidates with interest and experience in language model training, reinforcement learning, and supervised fine-tuning.

We provide a nurturing environment to support passionate researchers and engineers in technology innovation. We seek candidates that excel in deep thinking, advanced development, and fast-paced entrepreneurial execution in a collaborative setting. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with researchers and engineers at Microsoft to push forward the product roadmap and to impact businesses.

We firmly believe in building and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We support multiple social and career building opportunities in our team.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Train and deploy Language Models adapted to specific industry needs.
• Create and adapt novel training and fine-tuning algorithms for language models.
• Identifies, researches, and implements machine learning solutions given product requirements.
• Brings a research project to successful completion yielding new algorithms, prototypes, theories, tools, methods, analyses, insights, or collections of data which solve one or more open research problems.
• Document and share best practices across the organization.
• Supports mentorship by assisting with onboarding of research interns or other early in career team members.
• Embody our culture and values.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in relevant field AND 1+ year(s) related-research experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 6 months+ of experience training/fine tuning AI/ML models, preferably LLMs/ Small Language Models (SLMs).
• 1+ years of experience with statistics and core data science concepts, including data preprocessing, feature engineering, and predictive modeling.
• 6 months+ practical experience in building and optimizing Generative AI pipelines, including techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), model deployment, function calling, and grounding.

Other Requirements

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in relevant field
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.
• Experience participating in a top conference in relevant-research domain.

Research Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $98,300 - $193,200 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 $127,200 - $208,800 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      Microsoft will accept applications for the role until April 15, 2025.  

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

 

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

 

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