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 will focus on human-oriented artificial intelligence, including generative modeling of human behavior, development of AI copilots and teaching tools, and model steerability and interpretability. Example domains we are working in include gaming/sports, the Windows OS, and other productivity tools. Example projects include:

• Working with Xbox game studios or open-source games to characterize player behavior and synthesize human-like NPCs (non-player characters) that can serve as training partners or teammates in multi-player games.

• Working with the Windows OS and Office teams to model and predict human actions in order to automate tasks and boost user productivity.

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 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.

This work will involve extensive design, development, and execution of deep learning pipelines, including transformer-based models. A core goal is to create generative foundation models of human behavior, analogous to what Large Language Models (LLMs) do for text. A significant emphasis will be placed on interpreting and steering these models via human-understandable concepts. We will collaborate deeply with the larger Machine Learning group at Microsoft Research New York City.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program

• Have a demonstrated publication record in machine learning/AI (including but not limited to ICLR/NeurIPS/ICML)

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 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

• Experience with Pytorch

• Experience in related fields such as cognitive science, neuroscience, or behavioral psychology

The base pay range for this internship is 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-intern-pay (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/us-intern-pay.html)

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 (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .