Applicants should demonstrate an interest in studying AI and human systems, a desire to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, and experience using AI to thoughtfully enhance their own research. We welcome applicants pursuing a doctoral degree in technical fields (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, statistics, computer science), economics, computational social science, or sociotechnical fields (e.g., human–computer interaction, information science, law, linguistics, science and technology studies) as well as JD candidates. Applicants should be proficient with AI tools.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend submitting by December 1, 2026.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a Doctorate Degree program in a 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.
All applicants must submit a cover letter, which we will use to route your application to the appropriate researchers for review. Our group collaborates frequently across disciplines, but we also understand the value of pairing interns with mentors who work with similar vocabularies and tools. Because this document is for routing only, please do not invest much time in it and include only the information requested below. We are hiring for a wide variety of projects, and different projects require different skills, so it is fine to answer "not applicable."
Please explicitly list in your cover letter
A link to your research website/publications
Which of the following topic areas you are interested in (list all that are applicable): AI measurement and evaluation; measuring the impacts of AI on individuals, organizations, and society; human–AI interaction and meaningful human engagement with AI; or the design of agentic systems, markets, and institutions that shape how AI participates in the economy and society
What field is your PhD in
What kinds of methodologies you have applied in your research or are most familiar with (e.g., coding, statistics, large scale data analysis, theoretical/mathematical analysis, user studies, experimental design, ethnography)
Key toolkits, if applicable: web development (e.g., JavaScript, React.js, D3.js, etc.), analytic toolsets (e.g., R, Python, etc.), etc.
If appropriate, a link to any online code repositories (e.g., GitHub, OSF, Hugging Face)
Any researchers you are particularly interested in working with (and explain why in one sentence)
To submit your cover letter, please navigate to the Action Center in your Careers Profile. You can upload other documents under the “Resume Manager” tab in the top right.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to conduct original research.
Ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and cross-group and cross-cultural collaboration.
Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.
Proficiency with AI tools.
The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,810 - $13,480 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 $8,920 - $14,610 per month.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay
Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar (September - April).
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
