PHD Research Sciences INTERN
Microsoft · India
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $60,000 / year
- India
Job highlights
- Conduct cutting-edge research in machine intelligence.
- Analyze and improve algorithm performance on large datasets.
- Implement scalable AI system prototypes.
- Prepare and adapt data for machine learning.
- Collaborate on real-world product innovation.
About the role
About the Role
As an Applied Science PhD Intern at Microsoft, you will be at the forefront of technological innovation, working collaboratively to bring research to life in our products and services. You'll gain expertise in cutting-edge research areas, apply advanced concepts to real-world needs, and use state-of-the-art tools to make a tangible impact on product quality and business outcomes. You'll contribute to the creation of intelligent solutions through data analysis, modeling, and machine learning, ensuring our products remain at the leading edge of innovation.
At Microsoft, Interns work on real-world projects in collaboration with teams across the world, while having fun along the way. You’ll be empowered to build community, explore your passions and achieve your goals. This is your chance to bring your solutions and ideas to life while working on cutting-edge technology.
Responsibilities
- Analyze and improve performance of advanced algorithms on large-scale datasets and cutting-edge research in machine intelligence and machine learning applications.
- Think through the product scenarios and goals, identify key challenges, then fit the scenario asks into Machine Learning (ML) tasks, design experimental process for iteration and optimization.
- Implement prototypes of scalable systems in AI applications.
- Gain an understanding of a broad area of research and applicable research techniques, as well as a basic knowledge of industry trends and share your knowledge with immediate team members.
- Prepare 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 and be able to describe actions taken to address data quality problems.
- Assist with the development of usable datasets for modeling purposes and support the scaling of feature ideation and data preparation.
- Help take cleaned data and adapt for machine learning purposes, under the direction of a senior team member.
Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Must have at least one additional quarter/semester of school remaining following the completion of the internship.
Key skills/competency
- Machine Learning
- Data Analysis
- Algorithm Performance
- Data Preparation
- Prototyping
- Research
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Skills & topics
- PhD Intern
- Research Scientist
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- AI
- Algorithm Analysis
- Data Preparation
- Computer Science
- Statistics
- Internship
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your PhD research, ML skills, and relevant projects.
- Showcase your impact: Quantify achievements in data analysis and algorithm improvement.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on ML concepts, algorithms, and coding.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Emphasize teamwork in your past research experiences.
- Express passion for research: Articulate your interest in Microsoft's innovation areas.
Technical preparation
Master ML algorithms: theory and practice.,Practice Python for data science/ML.,Understand algorithm complexity and analysis.,Review data preprocessing and feature engineering.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging research problem.,How do you handle ambiguity in data?,Tell me about a time you collaborated effectively.,How do you stay updated on research trends?
Frequently asked questions
- What specific research areas does Microsoft focus on for PhD interns?
- While the job description mentions 'machine intelligence' and 'machine learning applications,' Microsoft's research spans many areas. Typically, PhD intern roles can involve areas like natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, responsible AI, and more, depending on the team you join. It's best to research Microsoft Research's current projects for more specifics.
- What is the typical duration of a PhD Research Intern role at Microsoft?
- The duration of a PhD internship at Microsoft is generally around 12 weeks, often aligning with a summer internship program. However, this can sometimes be extended based on project needs and intern performance.
- What kind of mentorship can I expect as a PhD Research Intern at Microsoft?
- You can expect dedicated mentorship from experienced researchers and engineers. Your mentor will guide you through your project, provide technical direction, and support your professional development during the internship.
- How does Microsoft ensure interns contribute to real-world products?
- Intern projects are often aligned with ongoing product development or strategic research initiatives. You'll be working on tangible problems, and your contributions can directly influence product quality and business outcomes, often with the goal of integration into live services.
- What are the key differences between a Research Intern and other intern roles at Microsoft?
- The PhD Research Intern role is specifically focused on advanced, theoretical, and often novel research in areas like AI/ML. Other intern roles might focus more on software development for existing products, testing, or business operations, with a different emphasis on academic depth versus immediate product feature delivery.
- How can I best prepare my resume for a PhD Research Intern position at Microsoft?
- Your resume should strongly emphasize your doctoral research, publications, relevant coursework, and any experience with large-scale data analysis, algorithm development, and machine learning. Highlight any contributions to open-source projects or prior internships.
- Will I have opportunities to present my work during the internship?
- Yes, interns are typically encouraged to present their work through internal tech talks, project demos, or a final intern symposium. This is a great opportunity to share your findings and receive feedback from a broader audience.