Research Intern - LLMs for Security

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 Special Projects team at Microsoft Research Redmond, along with applied science partners in Microsoft’s Experiences & Devices and Security organizations, is looking for a Research Intern who is working toward a PhD to work at the intersection of AI and Security.   

Artificial Intelligence is changing the nature of knowledge work, providing new capabilities that augment how we produce digital goods and services. Research at the intersection of AI and Security seeks to understand and improve the impact of AI on knowledge work: what is being impacted, in what ways, over what time span, and ultimately how can AI help people generate the most value.   

Building security tools for human-AI collaboration requires methodological innovation to learn from data and translate that learning into advances at all levels of the AI stack, from the model and system level to the application and user interaction. In this quantitative role, the intern will draw on cutting-edge methods from machine learning, natural language processing, and data science to improve Microsoft Security Copilot. 

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
• At least 1 year of experience conducting research, writing peer-reviewed publications and software development. 
• At least 1 year of research experience in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning.

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

• Interest in making real-world impact through a collaboration between MSR and product teams.
• Experience working with large language models, especially in prompt tuning/optimization.
• Experience working on AI security problems.
• Demonstrated understanding of the latest AI models, including fine tuning, prompt optimization, orchestration, and/or use of LLMs for classification and scientific measurement. 
• Strong experimental, modeling, and/or forecasting statistical skills.
• Coding skills in python and other object-oriented programming languages, preferably C#.
• Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.
• Demonstrated ability to author scientific publications.
• Proficient interpersonal and collaboration skills, including ability to present findings.

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.

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.

Additionally, AI & Security Research Interns will draw on cutting-edge methods from machine learning, natural language processing, and data science to improve the Microsoft Security Copilot. Research Interns may also innovate on top of existing methods and draft a manuscript to submit for publication.