Senior Research Software Engineer

The MSR Future Experiences Team is inviting applications for a Senior Research Software Engineer to join our team in solving real-world problems and pushing the boundaries of Human-Computer Interaction and AI. We are an interdisciplinary group of researchers, engineers, scientists, and designers who are exploring future human experiences through prototyping, system-building, design sketching, and observational study of human behavior. You can learn more about our group and recent research at http://aka.ms/future-experiences.   

We are seeking exceptional candidates to advance the state-of-the-art in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human-Centered AI to help shape future user experiences. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, the following:   

• Human-AI/agent interaction and experiences  

• Generative user interfaces and interaction techniques  

• Multimedia perceptual systems and interaction   

• Accessible and inclusive design  

• Affective computing  

• Responsible AI  

• AI mediated sensemaking  

• Data visualization  

• Spatial computing  

We welcome applicants who focus on the intersection of these areas with generative AI.   

As a Senior Research Software Engineer on our team, you will work on challenging and impactful projects. You will apply your solid software engineering skills and expertise to a range of problems including rapid prototyping and testing of research hypotheses, contributing to, releasing, and maintaining high-quality open-source libraries and frameworks, and building and deploying robust practical solutions to real world problems. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with other researchers and engineers across the company to amplify your impact and grow your career in a supportive and stimulating environment.  

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.  

Location will be Redmond, US.  

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science or relevant field AND 4+ years related technical engineering/research experience
  • OR equivalent experience.     
• Prior industry experience in at least two of the following: Python, modern web development, native, .NET.  
• 1+ year(s) of hands-on experience building applications with AI features, experience with machine learning (ML) frameworks (such as Pytorch, Tensorflow, or scikit-learn), or experience with AI/ML model development or evaluation.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of recent advancements in HCI, including generative AI. Demonstrated software engineering excellence building and deploying prototypes, implementing shipping code, or releasing open-source (OSS) technologies. Providing a link to a GitHub profile (if available) and/or code samples, is highly encouraged.  
• Experience building interactive systems, including those involving AI, visualization, graphics, novel interaction techniques.   
• Experience with Python, ideally for AI-enabled applications/libraries or ML.   
• Experience building and working with large foundation models (e.g., OpenAI GPT models, LLAMA, Stable Diffusion, etc.), frameworks and toolkits (e.g., ICL, CoT, ReACT, Langchain, AutoGen).  
• Experience building user interfaces or front-end development.  
• Experience with Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.  
• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine.  
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams along with a team player mindset, characterized by effective communication, collaboration, and feedback skills.  
• Work independently and in a team, take initiative, and lead engagements as required.  
• Reference letters are welcome, although they are not mandatory. Please include them if available.    

Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $117,200 - $229,200 per year. 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 $153,600 - $250,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

 Microsoft will accept applications for the role until January 29, 2025. 

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

#MSRR

• Apply software engineering skills to build, test, and deploy robust and intuitive AI-based technologies, libraries, and applications. 
• Work closely with researchers and engineers to rapidly prototype and test new AI research ideas driving a high-impact agenda. 
• Collaborate hands-on with other researchers, engineers, and product group partners on high-impact projects that deliver real-world impact to people and society. 
• Embody our culture and values.