Researcher

Overview

Microsoft Research Asia Pacific (MSR Asia), founded in 1998, is a premier research laboratory with principal sites in Beijing and Shanghai. It hosts a talented team of researchers and engineers dedicated daily to developing cutting-edge solutions tackling the most complex computing challenges and interdisciplinary fields. As a globally recognized research facility, MSRA provides a stimulating, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere where outstanding individuals innovate disruptive technologies that shape the future. Over time, innovations emerging from MSR Asia have significantly influenced Microsoft and the global community, continuously generating breakthrough technologies.

We invite outstanding candidates at the Researcher, Senior Researcher, and Principal Researcher levels to join our team to propel the next generation of artificial intelligence advancements. In this position, you will expand AI research boundaries and develop next-gen AI models, infrastructures, and products impacting billions worldwide. You will collaborate closely with top-tier scientists and engineers in a dynamic, collaborative setting where ambition meets tangible real-world innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative and foundational research in areas such as Large Language Models (LLMs), Multimodal LLMs, Agentic AI, and AI Systems/Infrastructure, enhancing model capabilities, efficiency, and reliability.
• Design, implement, and assess next-gen AI architectures and methodologies ranging from pre-training/post-training strategies to scalable inference solutions.
• Develop AI-focused prototypes and products exhibiting novel capabilities, translating research advances into impactful user experiences.
• Work alongside various Microsoft teams including product engineers, applied scientists, and platform developers to transform advanced research outcomes into scalable production products.
• Publish impactful research at prestigious conferences and contribute to the wider scientific community via open-source projects, blogs, and industry engagement.
• Stay abreast of evolving AI trends to identify promising research avenues aligned with Microsoft's mission and product goals, proactively initiating innovative projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related fields; candidates with strong fundamentals in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics are also encouraged.
• Robust mathematical foundation including expertise in linear algebra, probability, and optimization, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Competency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, or other widely used languages.
• Strong aptitude for independent learning and intellectual curiosity, demonstrated by rapid mastery of new technologies and domains.
• Proficient English communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective technical documentation and cross-team collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills to engage effectively across disciplines, internally within Microsoft and externally with the research community.

Preferred Attributes

• Previous research involvement in Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Speech or Audio Processing, Multimodal AI, Reinforcement Learning, or AI Infrastructure.
• Documented publication record in top conferences or journals like ICLR, NeurIPS, ICML, ACL, EMNLP, CVPR, or ICCV.
• Hands-on experience in large-scale distributed training, model optimization, or end-to-end machine learning pipeline development.
• Familiarity with modern deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and operation within large computing environments.
• Experience delivering AI-enabled features or products, demonstrating success in translating research into practical applications.

Additional Information

This vacancy will remain open for a minimum period of five days and will continue to accept candidates until a suitable hire is made.

Microsoft is committed to equal opportunity employment. Applicants will be evaluated fairly without discrimination on any protected grounds including age, citizenship, gender identity, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other attributes safeguarded by applicable laws. Support for religious and reasonable accommodations during the hiring process is available upon request.