Research Intern - Audio and Acoustics

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 Audio and Acoustics Research Group has several openings in the areas of generative audio, artificial intelligence (AI) for audio, speech enhancement, spatial audio, and audio devices for communication and interaction. The group actively publishes in scientific conferences and journals, and has created technologies for many Microsoft products, including Kinect for Xbox and Microsoft HoloLens. You can find more about the group at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/audio-and-acoustics-research-group/. 

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.

Research Interns in Audio and Acoustics Research Group work on well framed projects that allow for open exploration and collaboration, under the guidance of their mentors. The Research Internship ends with a final presentation open to all Microsoft employees, and ideally results in a peer-reviewed scientific publication. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
• 1 year of experience with signal processing of audio, video, multimedia, or other signals.

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

• Good publication record. 
• Experience with AI and machine learning for signal processing for audio and related sensor data is strongly preferred.
• Experience applying algorithms within practical systems is a big plus.
• Hands-on design and system implementation skills, including real-time data processing.
• Proficient coding skills preferred in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. 

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,550 - $12,880 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 $8,480 - $13,920 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.

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.