Research Intern - Knowledge and Reasoning

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. Our researchers and engineers 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.

The Knowledge, Reasoning, and Language (KRL) group at MSR conducts fundamental research on the acquisition, representation and application of knowledge for AI, with focus on:

1. Modeling knowledge about the world and the user.
2. Augmenting large language models with factual information, knowledge tools and capabilities.
3. Enhancing scientific research by integrating AI into research workflows for greater productivity, research agility and innovation.
4. Advancing foundational AI modeling capabilities with novel complex reasoning, particularly for enterprise scenarios.

We closely collaborate with teams within MSR and across Microsoft that focus on making and harnessing advances in large language models, machine learning and natural language processing to enable machines to understand natural language, build the next generation of intelligence assistance, and do so while preserving user privacy.

We are seeking candidates for several Research Internship positions with experience in large language models, natural language processing, deep learning, graph modeling, knowledge representation, and document understanding. Our Research Internships tackle a broad range of challenging research problems in the areas of knowledge modelling and infusion, with the aim of developing solutions for real-world, large-scale problems. We also regularly publish findings from internships at top-tier machine learning and natural language processing venues.

Required Qualifications

• Currently accepted or enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
• At least 1 year of experience in conducting research or developing software in one or more areas of computer science.

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. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to execute a research agenda and collaborate effectively with other researchers and engineers.
• Capable of making relevant research contributions, such as peer-reviewed publications in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Proficient communication skills.
• Experience in the areas of natural language processing, deep learning, graph modeling, knowledge representation, or document understanding are strongly preferred, though not required.

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: 

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.