Research Intern - Cryptography

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.

We pursue research in cryptography to impact the company, industry, and society, by making technology more secure, more trustworthy, and more private for every person and organization. We tackle security and cryptography problems that are in the strategic path for Microsoft, and we strive for positive societal impact. Most recently we have been focused on post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and their software and hardware implementations, zero-knowledge proofs and identity, provenance, end-to-end encryption for communication and messages, and cryptographically protected reputation and accountability systems. We are spinning up new work related to AI and the changes and challenges it brings for cryptography.

Required Qualifications

• Accepted or currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related STEM 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

We are looking for Research Interns with backgrounds in a wide range of topics in cryptography, security, and privacy. This includes but is not limited to:

• Efficient software and hardware cryptography implementations.
• Efficient zero-knowledge proofs for privacy.
• Formal verification of cryptographic software.
• Provenance.
• End-to-end encrypted communication.
• Key exchange protocols and security analysis.
• Cryptographic transparency techniques.
• The intersection of AI and cryptography including backdoored machine learning models
• Verifiable election technologies.

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.