Research Intern - Societally Safe and Secure AI

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.

Recent advances in the development of generative artificial intelligence create both new possibilities and unprecedented challenges for digital communication. Our team uses mixed methods approaches to drive technical implementations grounded in sociotechnical insights. We identify opportunities to make existing systems robust against the misuse of AI technologies and develop core theoretical principles and technical implementations for models that are safe when deployed at population scales. We also explore methods that facilitate self-determination, giving people a voice in the models they use.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Statistics, Social Science, or related field.

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

• Preference for candidates with prior experience conducting research in Global South and other non-US contexts, as well as for applicants who have conducted multilingual research.
• Should have completed coursework in social scientific methods and have previous experience conducting computational social science research.
• Expertise in a statistical programming language, e.g., R or Python.
• At least one year of professional experience in a civil society or policy role.

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.

Research Interns will contribute to the theoretical and technical advances needed to ensure that societally safe and secure models can succeed in global marketplaces. Potential research projects include identifying opportunities to make existing information and communications systems more robust to the misuse of AI technologies; establishing theoretical principles for societally safe and secure models and converting these theoretical principles into technical implementations; and exploring positive applications such as the potential of AI tools to improve facilitation and sensemaking processes.