Principal Data Scientist

Join Microsoft’s Azure Solutions and Ecosystem team as a Principal Applied Scientist and help shape the future of enterprise cloud solutions. In this role, you will design and build cutting-edge AI models and architectures that power intelligent solutions for Oracle Database@Azure, VMware on Azure, SAP on Azure, and Nutanix on Azure. Your work will enable IT professionals and Systems Integrators to achieve unprecedented productivity and efficiency, while also enhancing knowledge worker experiences through integration with Microsoft 365. If you are passionate about applying AI to solve complex enterprise challenges at scale, this is the opportunity to make a global impact. This role will directly influence the next generation of Azure solutions, enabling customers and partners to achieve higher productivity and operational efficiency through cutting-edge AI technologies.

By joining us, you will, shape the Future of Enterprise AI: Work on cutting-edge AI models and architectures that redefine productivity for IT professionals, Systems Integrators, and knowledge workers. Impact Global Businesses: Your solutions will enhance operations for Oracle, VMware, SAP, and Nutanix workloads on Azure, influencing thousands of organizations worldwide. Collaborate with World-Class Experts: Partner with top researchers, engineers, and product leaders in a culture that values curiosity, inclusion, and growth. Innovate at Scale: Solve complex challenges in distributed systems and AI integration across Microsoft 365 and Azure, delivering transformative customer experiences. Grow Your Career: Access unparalleled learning opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to publish, patent, and lead in the AI space.

Join us to build intelligent solutions that make enterprise cloud smarter, faster, and more human-centric.

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/Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 7+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 10+ years data science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years customer-facing, project-delivery experience, professional services, and/or consulting experience.
• 3+ years of experience in applied AI/ML research and development.
• Expertise in deep learning, NLP, and large-scale model deployment.
  

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.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 10+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 12+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR equivalent experience.
• Proficient architectural thinking for AI systems in distributed environments.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for product teams.
  
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across diverse teams.
  
• Growth mindset and commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Data Science IC5 - 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 November 21, 2025.

#azurecorejobs

• Design, train, and optimize AI/ML models for managed solutions across Azure workloads.
• Develop predictive and generative models to automate configuration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Define and implement scalable AI architectures integrated into Azure solutions.
• Ensure enterprise-grade reliability, security, and compliance in AI-driven components.
• Build AI capabilities that streamline IT operations and enhance Systems Integrator workflows.
• Contribute to solutions improving knowledge worker productivity alongside Microsoft 365.
• Partner with research, engineering, and product teams to align AI initiatives with business goals.
• Mentor scientists and foster a culture of innovation and inclusion.