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.

Microsoft Research New England is looking for advanced PhD students who are bringing sociotechnical perspectives to analyze critical issues of our time to apply for our summer Research Internship. They will join a team of social scientists who use qualitative or quantitative, empirical or critical methods to study the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape technologies and their consequences. Our work draws on and spans several disciplines, including anthropology, communication, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science & technology studies. Applications are due January 16, 2026.

Our 2026 internships will be in-person, based in our Cambridge, MA lab.

We are especially interested in candidates bringing sociotechnical approaches to the study of:

How are cultural norms of adoption and non-adoption emerging around generative AI in workplace settings?
What do participatory approaches to AI models and tools look like in practice and how might they function in health-oriented, community-based organizations and/or biobank settings?
emerging uses of, norms about, and media representations of artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to shifting work dynamics, creative expression, and social relationships;
the political economies and organizational forms of digital labor – especially hidden data work – whether in community, government, non-profit, creator economy, or private-sector contexts;
alternative approaches to the design and governance of responsible technologies, emphasizing equity, community engagement, and mutual aid;

Your application must include:

1. A short description (no more than 2 pages, single-spaced. You may use a separate sheet for citations.) of 1 project (please, no more than 2 projects) that you propose to do while interning at MSRNE, independently and/or in collaboration with current sociotechnical researchers. Project proposals can be related to, but should be distinct from, your dissertation research. We are looking for projects that can realistically be completed during a 12-week internship, with an eye towards a single publication. Be specific in telling us:

What is the research question animating your proposed project?
What methods would you use to address your question?
How does your research question complement and enhance the themes listed above?
Who do you hope to reach (who are you engaging) with this proposed research?

This is a 12-week internship. We are looking for projects that can realistically be completed during the internship with an eye towards a single publication.

2. A brief description of your dissertation project (no more than 1 page, single spaced; feel free to attach a separate citations page—we will not include that in the page count). 

3. One academic article-length manuscript (~7,000 words or more) that you have authored or co-authored (published or unpublished) that demonstrates your writing skills.

4. Your CV.

5. If available, pointers to your website or other online presence (this is not required).

6. You will be asked to enter the names and email contact information for two potential academic letters of reference (one must be your dissertation advisor). Note: please tell your recommenders that despite the auto-request for a letter of recommendation, they do not need to submit letters unless they are contacted by a member of the search committee, after our initial review of applications.

You can upload documents by going to your profile on the career site and clicking on the Resume Manager tab in the top right of the page, and from there selecting Other Documents.

If you find that the application looks “submitted” before you finish uploading your materials, login to the system and upload the files under your Profile. Likewise, if you’re running into problems with your references, login to the system and go to Action Center, where you should be able to edit your references. If you face struggles with the application system, please go to the bottom of the page and click "Support" and fill out the requested information.

If you have any questions about the internship or the required application materials, you can baym@microsoft.com – please use “2026 Sociotechnical Systems PhD Internship” for the subject line.

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 in a PhD program.
Advanced to candidacy (or the equivalent) in their PhD program by the time they start their internship (approximately May 2026).

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

Trained in any number of disciplines (including but not limited to anthropology, communication, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science & technology studies, or a related field).
Proficiency in social scientific, empirical, or critical foundation – methodologically, analytically, and theoretically.
Interest in social scientific questions related to algorithmic, computational, or data-driven technologies and societies or cultures.
Interest in working in a highly interdisciplinary environment with computer scientists, biologists, and economists.

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 - Sociotechnical Systems