Senior Researcher – Artificial Specialized Intelligence - Microsoft Research

Microsoft Research Asia – Vancouver lab represents Microsoft Research Asia’s exciting expansion into the Redmond and Asia-Pacific region. We’re on a mission to transform the future of artificial intelligence by bridging the gap between cutting-edge general AI and the specialized, real-world applications that drive meaningful impact.  

We are currently seeking a Senior Researcher in the area of Artificial Specialized Intelligence, with a keen interest in developing cutting-edge large foundation models and post-training techniques for different domains and scenarios. This is an opportunity to drive an ambitious research agenda while collaborating with diverse teams to push for novel applications of those areas.     

At our lab, we focus on deeply integrating intelligent systems across every layer of computing—from infrastructure to the physical environment. Our goal is to solve complex, real-world challenges with precision, scalability, and cost-efficiency. This means working at the intersection of AI, human interaction, and environmental context through a dynamic, co-evolutionary process. 

If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of intelligent systems, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. This is an opportunity to drive an ambitious research agenda while collaborating with diverse teams to push for novel applications of those areas.   

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in computer science or relevant field 
  • OR equivalent experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 2+ years related research experience
  • OR equivalent experience. 
• Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor. 
• Experience participating in a top conference in relevant research domain. 
• Background in system and architecture, including experience with computer hardware, software, and networking technologies. 
• Deep knowledge about the latest large model training/inference technology such as instruction finetuning, Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Reinforcement Learning with Hindsight Experience Replay (RLHF), processed and self-reward modeling, low-precision training/inference, etc. 
• A track record of published research in the field of AI or other system innovation is a plus.  
• Keen interest in general AI research, including but not limited to large foundation models and artificial specialized intelligence.

Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. 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 $158,400 - $258,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay


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

• Conduct cutting-edge research in large foundation models, focusing on applying large foundation models in specific domain.  

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate solutions into Artificial Intelligence (AI) -driven system.  

• Develop and maintain research prototypes and software tools, ensuring that they are well-documented and adhere to best practices in software development.  

• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals and present your work at industry events.  

• Collaborate with other AI researchers and engineers, sharing knowledge and expertise to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the team.