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.

The Interactive Multimodal AI Systems (IMAIS) group at Microsoft Research seeks a Research Intern to work on a project related to well-being, productivity, and cognition in the workplace. Our group focuses on creating interactive systems that blend the complexity of human experiences with advanced technology. We leverage multimodal generative artificial intelligence (AI) models incorporating multiple sensing modalities such as video, speech, and physiological signals, as well as models of spatial reasoning, human behavior, and affect. Understanding and influencing well-being in the workplace requires interdisciplinary efforts in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Affective Computing, Machine Learning, Systems, Design, Psychology, and human physiology. We enable interactions through various modalities—including touch, gestures, speech, sound, gaze, smell, and physiological signals—and consider wearables and other devices integral to delivering next-generation computing experiences.

During this Research Internship, you will collaborate with IMAIS members on a research project designed to identify new techniques for understanding and improving people's well-being, productivity, and cognition. Examples of related projects include multimodal processing for behavioral and physiological sensing, image-grounded language understanding and generation, building and deploying agents for productivity and well-being support, and reducing cognitive load for information workers. Our systems span a wide range of devices—including wearables, handheld, stationary, head-mounted, on-body, and midair—and are explored across environments from 2D screens to 3D immersive spaces. We value building and evaluating systems to validate our research and reveal new avenues of innovation.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

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.

Required Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a PhD or equivalent program in Psychology, HCI, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
At least 2 years of experience conducting research and experiments using human-centered approaches in the fields of - HCI, Machine Learning, Psychology, or related areas.

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

Writing peer-reviewed publications.
Ability to collaborate effectively with your mentor and others in the lab on new research projects.
Proficient interpersonal and communication skills.

Recommended to have one or more of the following experiences:

Implementing research prototypes (frontend, backend, or both).
Conducting human-subjects research.
Collect data with wearable devices.
Working with data science or ML tools (e.g., pandas, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, MATLAB), or working with large datasets (e.g., text, vision, physiology).
Working with ML frameworks and/or data analysis tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn or MATLAB)
Working with large datasets (e.g., text, vision, physiology).
Working with Unity3D, Game Development, working with 3D assets or related areas.
Using human-centered design & research methods.
Working with multi-modal data including but not limited to vision and language such as touch, gestures, speech, sound, gaze, smell, and other physiological signals.

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: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

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.