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.

Microsoft Research and the Viva product group are looking for an advanced PhD student for a 12-week paid Research Internship bridging Viva’s user research team and Microsoft Research’s Cambridge, Massachusetts-based group of sociotechnically-oriented social scientists. The internship will be in-person, based in Cambridge, MA.

This Research Intern will work with a Microsoft Research mentor and the Viva Research Team to conduct a qualitative research project to understand how employee connections and organizational culture influence adoption of Copilot. By developing insight into how organizational culture and employee connections impact workforce transformation in the era of AI, this research will shape how millions of enterprise employees using M365 leverage Copilot.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2025

For more information about this research group, visit the About page of our blog. For a list of researchers and postdocs based at the New England lab, see the MSRNE lab webpage. For more information about the Microsoft Viva products, visit Microsoft Viva.

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.

The Research Intern will also have opportunities to present research findings to the product team, while gaining exposure to conducting research within a product development lifecycle. Writing a research article for academic presentation and/or publication is highly encouraged.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program.

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, you’ll need submit the names and email contact information for three potential academic letters of reference (one contact must be your dissertation advisor). Note that candidates should tell their recommenders that despite the auto-request for a letter of recommendation, they do not need to submit letters unless they are contacted and asked to do so personally by a member of the search committee, after the initial review of applications.

• Along with your application, please attach the following:

  • A short description (no more than 1 page, single-spaced) of your qualitative training and research experience. If you have familiarity or depth in other methods, you can include that as well.

  • A short description (no more than 1 page, single spaced) of your training and experience in studying topics related to organizations, new technology, and/or related areas.

  • A brief description of your dissertation project (no more than 1 page, single spaced). Feel free to attach a separate citations page–we will not include that in the page count.

  • An academic article-length manuscript (~7,000 or more) that you have written (published or unpublished) demonstrates your writing skills. We won’t count citations in this word count.

  • A copy of your CV.

  • If available, pointers to your website or other online presence (this is not required).

• We will count your application as ON TIME, as long as we have your materials, minus the letters of recommendation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in a relevant discipline such as communication, business, sociology, information studies, hci, law, media studies, science & technology studies, human-computer interactions, or related fields.
• Proven qualitative methodological foundation.
• Theoretical depth in areas relevant to a research project on social connections at work, organizational culture, and the adoption of new technology in the workplace.
• Applicants from historically marginalized communities, underrepresented in higher education, and students from universities outside of the United States are encouraged to apply.

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.