Research Intern - Central Engineering, Microsoft Research

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Computer Vision (CV), Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Deep Learning, Large Language Models - LLMs, Machine learning techniques, Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking research interns who are interested in developing novel engineering solutions in a wide variety of problem domains, including (but not limited to) Machine Learning (ML) and deep learning, algorithms and optimization, mobile and web development, human-computer interaction, wearables, cloud infrastructure, and other computing research fields. This is a 12-week summer research internship in the Microsoft Research Central Engineering team. It offers the opportunity to work closely with world-class engineers and research teams, building state-of-the-art solutions in our Research at Redmond lab.

Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research, both theoretical and applied, with access to an extraordinary diversity of data sources, an open publications policy, close links to top academic institutions, and relationships with many Microsoft product groups. We welcome applicants with the passion and ability to craft and pursue engineering solutions supporting a variety of research efforts.

Our team is looking for Research Interns with proficient software development skills in at least one major programming language and a demonstrated capability to work across a variety of problem domains. Research interns pursuing advanced degrees in computer science or related fields are invited to apply. We are looking both for competent software generalists and specialists. Some concentrations include, but are not limited to:

• Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Data Science and Analytics.
• Large Language Models.
• Natural Language Processing.
• Computer Vision, Image Classification, Image Segmentation, Object Detection.
• Model Compression, Pruning, Quantization, Distillation.
• Systems Security, Software Security.
• Operating Systems, Virtualization.
• Distributed Systems, Cloud Infrastructure, Power and Energy Management.
• Systems for ML, ML Support for Systems, Program Verification, Resilient Systems.
• Geospatial Systems, Data Visualization.
• Optimization, Cloud-scale Solutions, Performance Tuning.
• Human-Computer Interaction, Hybrid Work, Future of Work.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD or master’s program in computer science or related field at the time of the internship start, in spring/summer 2024.

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. 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

• Passionate about the latest technologies in computer science related areas.
• Ability to learn new skills and implement ideas quickly.
• Proficiency in C/C++/C#/Python/Java/Go/Rust/JavaScript, or other programming languages.
• Ability to work with others to create innovative solutions and turn ideas into reality.
• Flexibility to develop with a software stack outside of current skillset.
• Have sound algorithmic knowledge (data structures, machine learning, etc.).
• Good debugging, testing, and problem-solving skills.
• Good collaboration and communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

The base pay range for this internship is - Applied Sciences IC2 : USD $5,090 -$10,120 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 $6,690 -$11,030 per month.

The base pay range for this internship is- Applied Sciences IC3 : USD $6,290 -$12,170 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 $8,060 - $13, 240 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-corporate-pay

Responsibilities

As a Research Software Development Engineer (RSDE) intern you will work with other engineers from Central Engineering and research partners on delivering solutions to one or more research projects. Projects can vary in maturity, from ideation to incubation to writing shipping code. Your project placement will be determined at the start of your research internship and may be in any of the aforementioned research areas. You will function as a contributing engineer as part of an engineering team and will be performing one or more of the following duties:

• Work with collaborators to develop and drive engineering plans.
• Write well designed, documented, and functioning code.
• Build software prototypes to test new approaches or develop novel theoretical/practical insights.
• Prepare technical papers and presentations.
• Debug, test, and improve prototype software.
• Contribute to research studies.
• Analyze and resolve performance bottlenecks.
• Architect and design solutions for specific engineering tasks.