Overview

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 Office of Applied Research brings together experts in Machine Learning (ML) (including reinforcement learning and synthetic data generation), Large Language Models (LLM) (development, evaluation, and fine-tuning), and Human-Centered AI (such as collaboration intelligence and team science). We work closely with research and product partners to ensure Microsoft is advancing cutting-edge research aligned with our core product interests.

Our team is looking for candidates that have proven experience in various fields such as Generative AI, LLMs, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Reinforcement Learning (RL), Learning from human feedback and Human-centered AI. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in Reinforcement Learning, including methods (RLHF, RLVR, RFT), Environment (Arena, Gym) and Learning from User Feedback in the Wild.

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

Accepted or currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Information Science, Statistics, Information Systems, Economics, Operation Research or a related STEM field.
At least 1 year of experience in conducting research and writing 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

Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.
Actively conducting research in at least one of the following areas:
Collaborative or Multi-party AI Agents (e.g. AI teammates)
Multi Agent Simulations (e.g. evaluating or training AI agents in collaborative settings)
Tool-Use and Multi-Turn Reinforcement Learning
Learning from user interactions or human feedback in the wild
Synthetic data generation for LLM evaluation and fine-tuning
Rubric-based LLM graders for reward models
Evaluation and Benchmarking of LLM Agents
Agents (e.g. Memory, Goal management, Inter-Agent conversations)
Model finetuning
Ability to collaborate effectively with your mentor and others in Microsoft on research projects.
Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration skills.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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 $8,760 - $14,360 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

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

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Research Intern - Office of Applied Research