Principal Researcher – Computational Social Science – Microsoft Research

The at Microsoft Research NYC is actively seeking a Principal Researcher to join us in advancing the state-of-the-art in computational social science and online experimentation. The ideal applicant will possess awareness of the theoretical and experimental social science literature, experience with experimental design, as well as demonstrated statistics and computer programming expertise. 

Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research with access to an extraordinary diversity of big and small data sources, ample budget for online experimentation, and close links to top academic institutions around the world. We seek applicants with the passion and ability to craft and pursue an independent research program, including a strong publication record at top research venues. 

The in New York includes the following researchers (click on each link to view their respective projects and publications): , , and . We collaborate extensively with the other groups at MSR NYC and New England: , , and ) and with groups across Microsoft Research.

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.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in a social science, mathematical, or computational field AND 3+ years related research experience using advanced computational methods to address social science questions
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Proven computer programming skills demonstrated by the authorship and/or publication of source code and the completion of programming courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Publication record as a lead author or essential contributor at top journals or conferences in areas that overlap with the members of the computational social science group.

Other Requirements

To ensure we receive a complete application from you, please be sure to follow these instructions: 

• Upload your CV.
• When prompted in your application, please provide the names and contact information of at least 2 referees (in most cases one will be from your dissertation advisor; others may be from any other senior collaborators).
• Upload (as separate attachments to your application) 2 conference or journal articles, book chapters, or equivalent writing samples that you are most proud of and which best demonstrate your expertise.
• Upload (as an attachment to your application) one academic statement (min 2 pages) that outlines both your research achievements and agenda, and your service and outreach activities and plans (e.g., those related to mentoring or diversity).

After you submit your application, the system will send a request for letters to your list of referees on your behalf. Note: The application system will not request reference letters until after you have submitted your application. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance so that they will be ready to submit your letter by our application deadline. While you will not be able to view the letters themselves, you can check the status of individual reference requests within your application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
• Experience designing and running large-scale online experiments
• Participation and activity in the scientific community

Research Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $137,600 - $267,000 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 $180,400 - $294,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until January 31, 2025.

#Research

As a Principal Researcher, you will design, develop, execute, and implement technology research projects in collaboration with other researchers, engineers, and product groups.     

As a member of a world-class research organization, you will be a part of research breakthroughs in the field and will be given an opportunity to realize your ideas in products and services used worldwide. 

Embody our and .