Research Intern - Optical Technologies

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, who 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.

Join our Leading-Edge Architecture Pathfinding (LEAP) team within the Strategic Planning and Architecture (SPARC) organization in Azure Hardware Systems & Infrastructure (AHSI). AHSI is the team behind Microsoft’s expanding cloud business, responsible for delivering the hardware systems and infrastructure for cloud computing across Microsoft Azure, Bing, MSN, Office 365, OneDrive, Skype, Teams and Xbox Live. 

This Research Internship position is for a team focused on optical technologies and their applications in datacenter AI, HPC and analytics systems. Our vision is to build that fundamentally better systems with the best of use optical technologies. A big part of our charter is to survey emerging optical technologies across opto-electronic transceivers, co-packaged optics, optical circuit switches and novel materials that improve the quality of optical communication. Once we find technologies of interest, we define, develop and use Proofs-of-Concept vehicles to address gaps and pave the way towards at-scale deployment Azure's datacenters. Being part of LEAP where we can work with other brilliant technologists who investigate future memory, storage, network interfaces and interconnects makes our directions more wholistic and balanced.

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.