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Microsoft Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Research Intern - RiSE group (Formal Methods, High-Performance Computing, ML Systems, Programming Languages, Software Engineering) Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic ...

Microsoft Security aspires to make the world safer by empowering every user, customer, and ... The Microsoft Threat Protection Research (MTP-R) Purple Team sits at the intersection of offense ...

Microsoft Security aspires to make the world safer by empowering every user, customer, and ... The Microsoft Threat Protection Research (MTP-R) Purple Team sits at the intersection of offense ...

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Microsoft Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do microsoft researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for microsoft researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration exist for Microsoft Researchers?

Microsoft Researchers often have the chance to work alongside engineers, product managers, and other specialists across various fields, such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and cloud computing. The organization encourages interdisciplinary projects, allowing researchers to contribute their expertise to innovative products and services. This collaborative environment not only enhances research outcomes but also fosters professional growth and networking. Such cross-functional teamwork is a key part of the research culture at Microsoft, enabling researchers to see their work have a real-world impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microsoft Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microsoft Researcher, you typically need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, often supported by a PhD and a robust research portfolio. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), data analysis tools, and experience with research publishing platforms is essential. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are standout soft skills for generating innovative ideas and working within multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable researchers to drive technological advances, publish influential work, and support Microsoft's mission of inventing cutting-edge solutions.

What is the difference between Microsoft Researcher vs Data Scientist?

AspectMicrosoft ResearcherData Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in CS, AI, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in CS, Statistics, or related fields; often a PhD for senior roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, innovation teams, focus on R&DBusiness settings, data analysis, model development
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, academiaTech, finance, healthcare, e-commerce
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Microsoft Researcher primarily focuses on innovative research and development in technology and AI, often working in labs or research teams. In contrast, Data Scientists analyze data to derive insights, build models, and support business decisions. While both roles require strong technical skills and often similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are Microsoft Researchers?

Microsoft Researchers are professionals who work at Microsoft Research, the research division of Microsoft, conducting cutting-edge research in computer science and related fields. They focus on advancing technology by exploring innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, and other areas. Their work often leads to new products, services, and academic publications, influencing both industry and academia. Microsoft Researchers collaborate with other experts globally and contribute to solving complex scientific and technological challenges.
More about Microsoft Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Microsoft Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Microsoft Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Microsoft Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Microsoft Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Microsoft Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Research Intern - Azure Research - Systems

Research Intern - Azure Research - Systems

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

Internship

Posted 27 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 186 rated software companies


Job description

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.
Azure Research - Systems is a research group that brings forward-looking systems research directly into the core of Azure. The group originated from the Systems Research Group at Microsoft Research for a closer integration with Azure.
Our group's research is focused on designing and building next-generation cloud and AI systems, and to bring about non-linear improvements on the cost efficiency, reliability, and usability of Microsoft's online services and datacenters. We work closely with the company's product groups to (1) propose and lead joint projects that improve efficiency (broadly construed), and (2) do research on potential future efficiency improvements. Over the last several years, technology arising from our research has had a major impact in the operation of Azure and of our datacenters and has led to publications in top systems conferences such as ISCA, ASPLOS, OSDI, SOSP, Eurosys, SoCC, NSDI, MICRO, and USENIX ATC.
Current projects for which we are seeking PhD Research Interns include, but are not limited to, memory disaggregation and oversubscription, efficient graphics processing units (GPU)/large language model (LLM) deployments, power efficiency and sustainability from the node to the datacenter levels, artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) and serverless computing.
You will have access to real problems for which the solutions have significant impact; code, datasets and workloads from large deployments of real systems; and the possibility to prototype, evaluate and deploy solutions. Research Interns are expected to clearly document and communicate their ideas and given suitable results, contribute to research publications. Research Interns are also encouraged to show initiative throughout the internship and suggest further directions for research.
We strongly believe in building and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We practice open communication and respectful dialogue. We support multiple social and career building opportunities in our Research Internship program.
#research
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.
Additional Responsibilities
Research Interns are also expected to:
  • Engage early with their mentors to clearly formulate a plan of work for the 12 weeks of the Research Internship.
  • Clearly and frequently document and communicate their progress, making adjustments to the plan as the project evolves.
  • Participate in relevant meetings, and in relevant activities with other Research Interns.
  • Show initiative throughout the Research Internship.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • (i) Currently enrolled in a master's, or PhD program in Computer Science or related STEM field,

OR
  • (ii) Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program in Computer Science or related STEM field and have at least 1 year of experience in conducting research, evidenced by a peer-reviewed publication (as a co-author).
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
  • Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.
  • Ablilty to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.
  • Interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.
  • Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.

Applied Sciences IC2 - The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,610 - $11,010 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 $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
Applied Sciences IC3 - The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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