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 Networking Research Group (NRG) at Microsoft Research focuses on basic and applied research in networked systems, including network security, verification, sensing, mobile computing and emerging networking challenges in the age of AI. We build systems, engage with academia, publish scientific papers, publish software for the research community, and transfer cutting-edge technologies to Microsoft’s product groups. Over the years, the work of NRG researchers has resulted in publications in top academic systems and networking conferences (such as SIGCOMM and NSDI) and has had a significant impact on Microsoft products, including Azure Networking, Azure AI, XBOX, the Windows Networking Stack, and many more. NRG members collaborate with adjacent research groups in systems, formal methods, optimization and security. You can see our recent publications at: Networking Research Group: Publications - Microsoft Research. 

We seek Research Interns with research and development skills, with backgrounds in technologies underlying networks, systems, sensing, security, AI, edge computing, optimization and probability theory. The ideal candidates should have the ability to work with researchers at Microsoft to push forward research agendas, work in teams in a collaborative and supportive environment, along with programming skills and familiarity with the latest tools & frameworks. Applicants should demonstrate depth of knowledge in distributed systems and operating systems, and demonstrate experience in low-level programming, experimentation, and modeling.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field. 

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

• Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.
• Have at least one year of experience with systems building.
• Experience in one of the following: network hardware, physical layer technologies, mobile systems and devices, network architecture, operations, and design, network security and privacy, AI/machine learning, analysis and optimization
• Knowledge of large models, and experience training them at scale, or running inference is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with your mentor and other researchers.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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 $8,760 - $14,360 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

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.