Principal Applied Scientist- Office AI Platform team

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. At the heart of this innovation is the Office AI Platform team, which plays a crucial role in the aid of development of Copilot experiences in Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and assists teams across Microsoft. We own the infrastructure and base AI platform that enables complex orchestration of Copilot workflows to put powerful AI capabilities at the user’s fingertips.    

We leverage the most advanced, large language models (LLMs) to develop cutting-edge Copilot experiences. We are hands-on, assist our partner teams in their Machine Learning (ML) efforts and set guidance on best practices through detailed experimentation and research. We have important AI skills like PowerPoint Summary, Q&A, Podcast generation, among others. We have shipped the first fine-tuned model for M365 and are working on multiple fine-tuning scenarios for o3, CUA, and others.   

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist with expertise in machine learning. As a Principal Applied Scientist in Office AI, you will work in an exciting and fast-paced environment, collaborating closely with teams across the company, including Microsoft Research and various product groups. You will work as part of an organization that brings together talent in the areas of large language models, deep learning, information retrieval, software engineering, and responsible AI. We value and encourage Inclusivity in the belief that it leads to both great workplaces and great products. 

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

• Research and develop an understanding of the state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and methods being used in the research community and product groups.  
• Advance research agenda through one or more projects, fine tuning models, yielding new algorithms, prototypes, theories, tools, methods, or collections of data. 
• Lead and mentor team of applied scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. 
• Provide technical guidance and support to team members, helping them grow in their careers and achieve their goals. 
• Drive the team's strategic vision and align it with the overall company objectives.  
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals, success criteria, and deliverables.  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
  • OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
  • OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
  • OR equivalent experience. 
• 2+ years experience with transformer-based models (e.g., GPT, Llama).
• 6+ years experience with Python and relevant ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch). 
• 6+ years experience in coding and design, specifically in the development of AI models for scaled production services.  
• 6+ years experience in shipping applied research to production, highlighting a track record of combining coding skills with advanced expertise in AI model development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 9+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR equivalent experience.
• Masters or Doctorate in Computer Science, Math, Statistics, or related areas with industry experience or publication record in the areas of Large Language Models, Machine Learning, or Natural Language Processing.   
•  5+ years experience creating publications (e.g., patents, libraries, peer-reviewed academic papers).
• Experience presenting at conferences or other events in the outside research/industry community as an invited speaker.
• 5+ years experience conducting research as part of a research program (in academic or industry settings).
• 3+ years experience developing and deploying live production systems, as part of a product team.   
• 3+ years experience developing and deploying products or systems at multiple points in the product cycle, from ideation to shipping.
• Experience demonstrating problem solving and data analysis skills, with expertise in developing or applying predictive analytics, statistical modelling, data mining, or machine learning algorithms.
• Experience demonstrating leadership skills to influence others, with the ability to understand team dynamics, retain, attract, and develop team members.   
• Experience demonstrating a growth mindset, customer obsession, and Inclusion.   
• Demonstrated passion for product impact, including state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and methods being used in the research community and product groups.

Applied Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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 July 10, 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.