Principal Research Manager

Microsoft Copilot Studio is at the forefront of AI-powered business transformation that empowers users to build, customize, and deploy AI agents across enterprise environments. It enables the creation of conversational and autonomous agents that can perform tasks, answer questions, and automate workflows using natural language and generative AI. The Copilot Studio research and design team is a multidisciplinary group of researchers, designers, and content strategists who work closely with product, engineering, and business partners to deliver world-class conversational AI and agent experiences. The team is known for its collaborative culture, commitment to human-centered design, and passion for solving complex enterprise challenges at scale.

As a Principal Research Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Microsoft Copilot Studio. You will lead research strategy and execution, drive innovation in AI UX, and ensure that our products deliver measurable impact for users and the business. Success in this role requires a strong bias for action—translating insights into decisions quickly, proactively removing blockers, and accelerating progress toward ambitious goals. You will also be responsible for building and managing a high-performing research team, fostering a culture of inclusion, growth, and excellence where urgency and ownership are core values.

About the Role:

You will:

• Set Vision and Strategy: Define and communicate a compelling vision for research that aligns with Copilot Studio’s mission and Microsoft’s broader goals. Translate strategy into actionable plans for your team.
• Lead by Example: Model Microsoft’s values and leadership principles, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a growth mindset in all interactions.
• Develop Talent: Attract, hire, and retain top research talent. Provide regular feedback, coaching, and career development opportunities. Invest in the growth of each team member.
• Drive Accountability and Results: Set clear goals and expectations, hold the team accountable for high performance, and celebrate achievements.
• Navigate Ambiguity and Change: Lead the team through complex, ambiguous, and rapidly evolving situations. Create clarity, generate energy, and deliver results even in uncertain environments.
• Champion Collaboration: Facilitate effective cross-disciplinary collaboration with design, engineering, and product partners, also working across the broader Microsoft product ecosystem to drive collective goals.

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. 

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years user experience research experience and/or product development experience or related experience in research
  • OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years user experience research experience and/or product development experience or related experience in research
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years user experience research and/or product development experience or related experience in research
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years people management experience.

Other Requirements:

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8+ years of people management experience, including hiring, coaching, and developing researchers.
• Experience in business applications and enterprise product research.
• Experience leading horizontal initiatives and scaling research impact across multiple teams.
  
• Skilled in foresight methods (e.g., STEEP, trends analysis, scenario planning), futures studies, or strategic design.
  
• Skilled in model evaluations with a focus on end user experience and success.
  
• Passion for learning new technologies and understanding diverse user needs.
• Demonstrated impact in delivering research that has influenced product direction and improved user experiences at scale.
• Experience with foundational and evaluative research methods, including large-scale studies, usability testing, and statistical analysis (R, Python, SQL).
• Deep understanding of trends in generative AI, AI/ML systems, and responsible AI principles.

Research Sciences M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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 for the role until October 7, 2025.

#BIC #AI #UserResearch #Copilot 

• Research Leadership: Define and drive short- and long-term research strategies that inform product direction, identify new opportunities, and deliver value to customers at speed. Champion research perspectives and advocate for the role of research in shaping product outcomes.
• People Management & Leadership: Build, lead, and inspire a diverse team of researchers. Foster an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work. Provide regular feedback, coaching, and career development. Model empathy, humility, and management excellence. Set clear goals and expectations and hold the team accountable for results. Address performance issues promptly and constructively.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner with design, engineering, and product teams to embed research-driven insights into product development. Facilitate collaboration across disciplines and geographies.
• AI UX Innovation: Lead high-priority AI UX research programs, developing frameworks and methodologies for evaluating AI systems, including LLM output, usability, fairness, and sociotechnical impact.
• Community & Culture: Amplify research learnings within Copilot Studio, across Microsoft, and externally through presentations, publications, and workshops. Foster a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and continuous learning.
• Embody our culture and values