Careers in research
Join a brilliant team of researchers working to solve technology’s most exciting challenges.
New roles at Microsoft Research
Microsoft Research provides a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized research scientists and engineers. Our researchers and engineers 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.
About our roles
Research internships
Research interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Interns not only advance their careers but also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, students are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Internships are available virtually, at our locations around the world, and in all areas of research. During the application process, we’ll work with you to find the opportunity that best aligns with your interests. Internships are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer. All internships are paid. We’ll also help with visa applications where needed.
Postdoctoral researcher positions
Microsoft Research provides a vibrant research environment, with an open publications policy and close links to top academic institutions across the world. Postdoctoral researcher positions provide an opportunity to develop your research career and to interact with some of the top minds in the research community, with the potential to have your research realized in products and services that will be used worldwide. Postdoc researchers are expected to demonstrate both independence in defining their own research strategy within a domain as well as an ability to drive forward an effective program of research. Postdoc researchers receive a competitive salary and benefits package and are eligible for relocation expenses. Our Postdoc positions are typically for a one-year or two-year fixed-term appointment.
Full-time academic research positions
Microsoft research teams are built with the world’s best researchers, engineers, program managers and designers who work together to seek innovative solutions to the world’s toughest challenges and improve the lives of people everywhere. We seek research candidates with PhDs and a proven track record of published papers and participation on program committees and editorial boards for our academic research positions. Microsoft Research has lab locations around the world and provides a collaborative, supportive and open academic environment.
Working at Microsoft Research
Our culture, your future
Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for both theoretical and empirical cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, with access to an extraordinary diversity of big and small data sources, an open publications policy, and close links to top academic institutions around the world.
We need your passion for science and your commitment to working on world-class research projects.
To help the researchers with their projects and unleash their full potential, we provide an open interdisciplinary research atmosphere with sufficient computational resources. Worldwide collaborations within Microsoft and with other institutes are encouraged and supported.
As a researcher, you have the opportunity to create and pursue a research agenda with our group’s diverse array of researchers and practitioners, as well as contribute to ongoing research projects.
Our researcher community
Here are just a few of the people doing research at Microsoft in a vast array of disciplines and roles. Learn more about the people who make it all possible.
We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and pluralistic research environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, as well as students with non-traditional backgrounds. We work collectively to make Microsoft Research a welcoming and productive space for all researchers.
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.
Stephanie Nyairo
Senior Designer, Microsoft Research Africa
Ramakrishna Bairi
Principal Research Software Development Engineer
Zinan Lin
Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Asia
Maya Murad
Senior Technical PM, AI Frontiers