Research Intern

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.

This Research Internship provides an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team at the intersection of research, engineering and product incubation. The Research Intern will work with the primary project mentors to formulate well‑scoped deliverables for the 12‑week internship (e.g., a functional demo, proof framework, and/or technical report). As a part of the multi-disciplinary team, the Research Intern will also have opportunities to influence the next-generation device design through their empirical findings.

This Research Internship will include the following:

(1) Conducting research and evaluation in the area of multi-modal sensing.

(2) Prototyping on Mobile OS and Android application development.

(3) Innovating on device security and authentication.

(4) Working with multiple device form-factors to optimize for real-world constraints (battery life, sensing fidelity, user workflows etc.).

(5) Performing preliminary user evaluation towards optimization.

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 PhD program in computer science, electrical engineering or a closely related 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

• Research & Prototyping: Candidates with a background in sensing with experience in prototyping and evaluation for mobile human-centric sensing devices are especially well suited for this project.
• Multi-modal sensing: Demonstrated ability to work with multi-modal sensor data and ML for multi-modal sensing.
• Mobile & user-device: Experience with mobile OS, application development and performance optimization for resource-constrained operation.
• Privacy & identity: Familiarity with identity management and privacy such as privacy‑preserving authentication and authorization (for applications in human-centric devices). 
• Some familiarity with speech interface to agents and LLMs can prove useful
• Proven ability to communicate and present research clearly and collaborate in a diverse team.

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.