Research Intern - Augmented Learning and Reasoning

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 Augmented Learning and Reasoning (~~~/) (ALR) group in Microsoft Research is looking to hire research interns to expand the frontiers of learning and reasoning with foundation models-to both improve the performance of generative AI models and enhance user experiences in copilot systems that leverage those models. In particular, the ALR group aims to create fundamental research advances in search, recommendation, and personalization with generative AI, foundation models, natural language processing, behavioral modeling, and deep reinforcement learning. We work together with our collaborators in research and product teams on fundamental and applied research including topics such as:

• Dialogue state tracking

• Metaprompt optimization / compression

• Personalized text generation

• Preference modeling / post training

• Prompt distillation

• Recommendations with LLMs

• Teaching skills to LLM agents

• Universal search and recommendation

• User satisfaction estimation

We are particularly interested in candidates with a demonstrated desire to advance the state-of-the-art through research and experience in one or more of the following: Foundation Models, Dialog Systems, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Multi-Objective Optimization, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Recommender Systems, or Information Retrieval. Candidates are encouraged to browse some of our recent publications (~~~/) for examples of active areas of research in the group.

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 to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

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 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an MS or PhD program in CS, EE or a related STEM field.

• Have at least 1 year of experience in conducting research, writing peer-reviewed publications and software development.

Other Requirements

• 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 above, 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

• Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.

• Actively conducting research in at least one of the following areas: deep learning, large foundation models, dialog systems, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, multi-objective optimization, recommender systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or information retrieval.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with your mentor and others in Microsoft on research projects.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration skills.

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, 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 $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 differnet 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: ~~~ (http://Certain%20roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: ~~~ )

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (~~~) .