Research Intern - Sociotechnical Systems

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.

Microsoft Research New England is looking for advanced PhD students who are bringing sociotechnical perspectives to analyze critical issues of our time, to apply for our summer Research Internship. They will join a team of social scientists who use qualitative or quantitative, empirical or critical methods to study the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape technologies and their consequences. Our work draws on and spans several disciplines, including anthropology, communication, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science & technology studies. 

We are especially interested in candidates bringing sociotechnical approaches to the study of:

• Cultural, political, and ethical implications of our increasing reliance on semi-automated, global, data-centric digital systems.
• Emerging uses of, norms about, and media representations of new information technologies, particularly in relation to shifting work dynamics, creative expression, and social relationships.
• Intersectional dimensions of identity as they entangle with these systems, including race, caste, and indigeneity; genders and sexualities; class and socioeconomic status.
• How existing political and commercial institutions both configure and are configured by sociotechnical systems.
• Political economies and organizational forms of digital labor - especially hidden data work - whether in community, government, non-profit, creator economy, or private-sector contexts.
• Alternative approaches to the design and governance of responsible technologies, emphasizing equity, community engagement, and mutual aid.
• Public responsibilities of algorithms, generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, platforms, metrics, and other manifestations of computational cultures.

Questions our researchers are currently focused on include: 

• How are cultural norms emerging around generative AI?   
• How do platforms, algorithmic intermediaries, and generative AI, through their design and policies, shape public discourse
• How could commercial AI models and tools better account for diverse social settings and labor practices, to promote more equitable outcomes - particularly those that cannot be easily measured?

Applications are due December 6, 2024. Due to the volume of applications, late submissions (including submissions missing elements of the application package, other than letters of recommendation) will not be considered. We will not be able to provide specific feedback on individual applications before or after submission.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program.
• Advanced to candidacy (or the equivalent) in their PhD program by May 2025, before the start of the internship.

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. 
• Along with your application, please attach the following: 
  • A short description; no more than 2 pages, single-spaced (you may use a separate sheet for citations) of 1 project that you propose to do while interning at MSRNE, independently and/or in collaboration with current SMC researchers. Project proposals can be related to, but should be distinct from, your dissertation research. We are looking for projects that can realistically be completed during a 12-week Research Internship, with an eye towards a single publication. Be specific in telling us: 

• • • What is the research question animating your proposed project?
    • What methods would you use to address your question?
    • How does your research question complement and enhance the themes listed above?
    • Who do you hope to reach with this proposed research?  
  • A brief 1 page single-spaced description of your dissertation project (you may use a separate sheet for citations). 
  • One academic article-length manuscript (~7,000 words or more) that you have authored or co-authored (published or unpublished) that demonstrates your writing skills.   
  • Your CV.
  • If available, pointers to your website or other online presence (this is not required).
  • You will be asked to enter the names and email contact information for two potential academic letters of reference (one must be your dissertation advisor). Note: please tell your recommenders that despite the auto-request for a letter of recommendation, they do not need to submit letters unless they are contacted by a member of the search committee, after our initial review of applications.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,550 - $12,880 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 $8,480 - $13,920 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 

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

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.

MSRNE is looking for candidates who may be trained in any number of disciplines (including but not limited to anthropology, communication, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science & technology studies, or a related field), but should have a strong social scientific, empirical, or critical foundation - methodologically, analytically, and theoretically. They should be interested in social scientific questions related to algorithmic, computational, or data-driven technologies and societies or cultures, and be interested in working in a highly interdisciplinary environment with computer scientists, biologists, mathematicians, and economists. 

In addition to pursuing their proposed research project, Research Interns are also expected to give short presentations on their project, attend the weekly lab colloquia, and contribute to the life of the lab through weekly lunches with fellow PhD interns and the broader lab community. There are also natural opportunities for collaboration within our group, and with others currently working at MSRNE.