Research Intern - Office of the Chief Scientific Officer

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’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. The mission captures our inspiration, drive, and our continuing pursuit of innovations that can change the world. 

The Office of the Chief Scientific Officer works with senior leadership at Microsoft on strategy and opportunities at the frontiers of science and engineering. The office collaborates closely with teams across Microsoft, including Microsoft Research and divisional R&D teams. The office also does outreach and collaboration with research scientists and students outside of Microsoft, spanning academia, industry, and government agencies. Efforts by the office include coordinative projects, reviews, and syntheses as well as new scientific explorations and deep dives on promising research areas.

We are seeking Research Intern applications for spring, summer, or fall of 2025. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, challenges and opportunities in the areas of artificial intelligence, biology, and biomedicine. 

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an MS or PhD program in CS, EE, biology, biomedical informatics, or a related STEM field or similar level programs in ethics, law, or policy-related fields.
• At least 1 year of experience in conducting research, 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

• Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.
• Proficient interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.
• History of effective collaborations with researchers and other colleagues.
• Passion about embarking on creative, out-of-the-box, unconventional efforts in pursuit of new results and directions. 

Applied Sciences IC2 : The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,460 -$10,680 per month.

There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, with the San Francisco Bay area and New York City Metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $7,040 -$11,640 per month.

Applied Sciences IC3 : 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.

During the 12-week internship, Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and teams including the world’s top research scientists and engineers, interns contribute to exciting research and development efforts. Research Internships are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer. As a Research Intern at Microsoft, you will have the opportunity to develop your research career as a member of a vibrant environment for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary R&D, spanning both theoretical and applied work, and efforts across a spectrum of technical and policy-centric efforts.