Senior Researcher - Physical AI and Robotics

Overview

As one of the world's leading industrial research laboratories, Microsoft Research (MSR) has more than 1,000 researchers and engineers working across the globe. In the past 30 years, Microsoft scientists have not only carried out world-class computer science research but also transferred the advanced technologies into our products and services that have changed millions of people’s lives and ensured that Microsoft is at the forefront of digital transformation.

Part of Microsoft Research, Microsoft Research Asia (MSR Asia), established in 1998, is a leading research lab with major sites in Beijing, Shanghai, Vancouver and Singapore. Over the years, technologies developed by MSR Asia have made a significant impact within Microsoft and also around the world, and new, innovative technologies are constantly being born from the lab. As one of the world-class research labs, MSR Asia offers an exhilarating, supportive, open and inclusive environment for top talents to create the future through their disruptive and cutting-edge research. (More information about  Microsoft Research Lab - Asia - Microsoft Research).

Along with business growth, Microsoft Research Asia (MSR Asia) is increasing its presence in Tokyo, Japan and looking for a Researcher who specializes in AI with an emphasis on Physical AI and Robotics, particularly on Robot Learning and Motion Planning for Manipulation. This is a unique opportunity to lead an ambitious research agenda and work with various teams to explore new applications in those research areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in one or more of the following areas: Physical AI and Robotics.
• Identify important future research directions and articulate a compelling vision to lead the field(s) towards the future, with the potential for significant business and/or societal impact.
• Stay abreast of state-of-the-art insights, tools, technologies, or methods being used in the research community. Apply deep subject matter expert knowledge of specialized tools/methods to support research project planning. Evaluate insights based on their impact and value.
• Drive a research agenda through one or more projects, resulting in the development of new algorithms, prototypes, theories, tools, methods, analyses, insights, or data collections within specific subareas or across a broad research domain.
• Foster collaborative relationships with relevant product and business groups, both internal and external to the organization, and serve as an expert resource, providing expertise or technology to support their needs.
• Collaborate with other researchers or research groups to contribute to and advance a shared research agenda. Review papers, organize workshops or conference sessions, and publish papers as the lead author in high-quality conferences and journals. 

Qualifications

• Doctorate in relevant field and related research experience.
• Is recognized within academia in the research domain.
• Passion for creating real-world impact by accelerating industrial transformation and addressing societal challenges.
• Strong research abilities demonstrated through a track record of impactful contributions in the field, such as publications in top-tier journals and conferences or significant research achievements. 
• Deep expertise and knowledge in Physical AI and Robotics and Machine Learning.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with product and business groups, as well as other researchers or research groups.
• Experience participating in a top conference in the relevant research domain.
• Hands-on experience working with physical robotic systems, including deploying, testing, and debugging algorithms on real hardware.  

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

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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.