Post Doc Researcher - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (Empirical) – Microsoft Research

Microsoft Research New York City (MSR NYC) is seeking applicants for multiple Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) positions with empirical focus in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), both broadly in empirical AI/ML, and specifically in the areas of deep learning, generative AI, post-training and test-time scaling, modular transfer learning/generalization, and in areas that bridge empirical AI/ML interests with other research areas in the lab. We encourage applicants with mixed theory + empirical focus to apply to this posting as well as our parallel posting with theoretical focus.  

For full consideration, all application materials should be submitted by October 22, 2025.   

As a Post Doc researcher, you will have the opportunity to pursue your own research agenda while interacting with our group's diverse array of researchers and contributing to ongoing research projects. We collaborate extensively with groups at other MSR locations and across Microsoft.  

Postdoc researchers receive a competitive salary and benefits, and are eligible for relocation benefits. These positions are for up to two years, starting in July 2026, ending no later than June 30th, 2028.   

Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research, both theoretical and empirical, with access to an extraordinary diversity of data sources, an open publications policy, and close links to top academic institutions around the world.   

Applicants should have evidence of research contributions through conference or journal publications or equivalent work and broader contributions to the research community. Applicants must have fulfilled their PhD degree requirements, including submission of their dissertation, prior to joining MSR NYC. We encourage candidates with tenure-track academic job offers to apply (with the option of doing a one-year rather than two-year postdoc), provided they are able to defer their start date by at least one year to accept our position.   

Microsoft Research is committed to cultivating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the global communities we serve. We actively seek to build an inclusive and equitable research environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a broad range of experiences and perspectives. Our team works collectively to ensure that Microsoft Research remains a respectful, collaborative, and high-impact space for all researchers. 

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we are dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.   

As a Post Doc Researcher, you define your own research agenda in collaboration with other researchers, driving forward an effective program of basic, fundamental, and applied research. We highly value collaboration and building new ideas with members of the group and others. You may also have the direct opportunity to realize your ideas in products and services used worldwide.   

Required Qualifications   

• PhD in relevant field (completed or close to completion by the start date).   

• Research ability demonstrated by two conference or journal publications, book chapters, or equivalent (potentially unpublished) writing samples, requested as part of the application.   

Other Requirements: 

How to Apply   

To be assured of full consideration, all application materials, including reference letters, need to be received by October 22, 2025. Applications received after that date may or may not be considered.   

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 for at least 3 reference letter writers (in nearly all cases, one will be from your dissertation advisor).   

• Upload (as separate attachments to your application) 2 conference or journal articles, book chapters, or equivalent (potentially unpublished) writing samples that you are most proud of, and which best demonstrate your expertise.   

• Upload (as an attachment to your application) an academic statement (no more than 4 pages) that outlines both your research achievements and agenda.   

• After you submit your application, the system will send a request for letters to your list of references 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 of October 22, 2025. 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   

• Research agenda that overlaps with ML & AI research at MSR NYC and/or MSR New England and MSR Montreal 

• The ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.   

• Participation and activity in the scientific community.   

• Effective communication skills. 

Research Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 22, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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