Research Intern - GenAI

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.

In the GenAI team, we are at the forefront of advancing both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Systems, particularly focusing on LLM and multimodal AI technologies. Our work bridges the gap between large language models (LLMs) and other modalities such as vision, audio, and text to enable richer, more integrated solutions. By developing cutting-edge multimodal models and techniques, we are enhancing Microsoft’s leadership in AI and establishing the company as a pioneer in next-generation AI products. We work in close collaboration with research teams and product groups across the globe, leveraging expertise in machine learning, cloud systems, and software engineering. Our research is shared through peer-reviewed publications, open-source contributions, blog posts, patents, and presentations at major industry conferences.

For this position, we are looking for candidates with a background in artificial intelligence/machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or related fields. Some of the exciting research challenges we are currently tackling include: adapting large language models (LLMs) for new domains, creating multimodal agent solutions for workflow automation, using LLMs and multimodal models for intelligent service monitoring and anomaly detection, leveraging models like Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPT) for debugging and program synthesis, and advancing the integration of language, vision, and other modalities in AI systems.

As a Research Intern, you will have the opportunity to conduct both fundamental and applied research in close collaboration with our team of researchers and scientists. Most importantly, you will help push the boundaries of current technologies and make a tangible impact on millions of users.

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 or accepted in a PhD program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field. 
• At least 1 year of experience in conducting research and authoring peer-reviewed publications.

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

• Experience with machine learning, natural language processing, and/or multimodal AI technologies.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional and multi-disciplinary environment, working across both research and product teams.
• Publications in leading venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, or similar.

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.