Applied Scientist
Microsoft
Our team uses the latest in Generative AI technologies to build models, solutions, and experiences to power search innovations in Microsoft Bing and Microsoft Copilot. We are looking for candidates eager to work on cutting-edge large-scale AI services to power the next-gen AI powered search. In particular, we are seeking candidates who are passionate about Deep Learning and latest AI technologies to light up related scenarios.
The successful candidate will participate in collaborations with relevant product and business groups inside or outside of Microsoft and will provide expertise or technology to create business impact by bridging the gap between research (in Microsoft AI [MAI], other Microsoft divisions, or in the community) and the relevant product teams.
The ideal candidate will work with limited guidance, to create product impact through deep knowledge of AI and ML and will continuously seek to acquire knowledge of industry trends and advances in applied AI/ML technologies. We are looking for Applied Scientists who can research and develop an understanding of relevant tools, technologies, and methods that can be utilized to improve product quality, performance, or efficiency, while reinforcing a positive & inclusive environment by applying best practices, and producing high quality documentation of the work in progress, as well as experimentation results, and plans, along the way. An Applied Scientist should understand and follow ethics and privacy policies when executing research processes and/or collecting data/information.
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.
Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
- Prepares data to be used for analysis by reviewing criteria that reflect quality and technical constraints. Reviews data and suggests data to be included and excluded. Describes actions taken to address data quality problems. Assists with the development of useable datasets for modeling purposes. Supports the scaling of feature ideation and data preparation. Helps take cleaned data and adapts for machine learning purposes, under the direction of a senior team member. Seeks guidance from senior team members when confronted with problems/challenges.
- Uses machine learning algorithms that structures, analyzes, and uses data in product and platforms to train algorithms for scalable artificial intelligence solutions before deploying. Begins to develop new machine learning improvements independently while under the direction of a senior team member.
- Collaborates to leverage data to identify pockets of opportunity to apply state-of-the-art algorithms to improve a solution to a business problem. Uses statistical analysis tools for evaluating Machine Learning models and validating assumptions about the data while also reviewing consistency against other sources. Begins to independently run basic descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive statistics. Assists with the communication of insights under the direction of senior team members.
- Supports the application and use of intelligence created during the training of algorithms for deployment. Seeks information about large-scale computing frameworks, data analysis systems, and modeling environments to improve models. Helps create a model, apply the model to real products, and then verify effects through iterations. Helps with experiments by putting multiple models in production and evaluating their performance. Sets up monitoring and implementation to track production models, under the direction of a senior team member. Addresses models when that break, under the direction of others.
- Leverages or designs and uses machine learning/data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of pipelines (e.g., data collection, cleaning) based on data prepared.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 2+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience.
Other Requirements:
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
- Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of one or more ML/DL frameworks and a deep understanding of the different types of algorithms and their applications with hands-on experience in implementing at least a few of the solutions.
- Solid problem solving and debugging skills.
#MicrosoftAI
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.