Research Intern - Foundation Models and Agentic Systems
Microsoft · Redmond, WA
- On site
- Full-time
- $11,010 / year
- Redmond, WA
Job highlights
- Internship in AI Frontiers Lab focusing on generative AI.
- Work with foundation models and agentic AI systems.
- Contribute to LLM and multimodal AI model development.
- Collaborate with top researchers in a 12-week program.
- Opportunity for career growth in AI research.
About the role
Overview
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 mission of the AI Frontiers Lab is to expand the pareto frontier of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, efficiency, and safety through innovations in foundation models and learning agent platforms. Some of our projects include work on Small Language Models (e.g. Phi, Orca), agentic AI systems (e.g. AutoGen, MagenticOne, OmniParser), new transformer architectures (e.g. Belief State Transformers) and optimizers for scalable Large Language Model (LLM) Training (e.g. Dion).
We are seeking a Research Intern to join our team and contribute to efforts on the advancement of Generative AI and Large Language Model Technologies. As a Research Intern, you will play a crucial role in developing, improving, and exploring the capabilities of LLMs and Multimodal AI models. Your work will have a significant impact on the development of cutting-edge technologies, advancing state-of-the-art and providing practical solutions to real-world problems.
Our ongoing research areas encompass but are not limited to:
- Reasoning method for LLMs and multimodal models.
- Orchestration and multi-agent systems: automated orchestration between multiple agents incorporating human feedback and oversight.
- Evaluation and Understanding of model and agent capabilities.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a MS or PhD program in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
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
- Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.
- Proficient interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.
- Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.
Compensation
- Applied Sciences IC2 - The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,610 - $11,010 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 $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
- Applied Sciences IC3 - The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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
- Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
Application Details
- This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Key skills/competency
- Foundation Models
- Agentic Systems
- Generative AI
- Large Language Models
- Multimodal AI
- Research
- Computer Science
- Machine Learning
- AI
- Deep Learning
Skills & topics
- Research Intern
- Foundation Models
- Agentic Systems
- Generative AI
- Large Language Models
- LLM
- Multimodal AI
- AI Research
- Computer Science
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Microsoft
- Internship
- STEM
- PhD
- MS
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your MS or PhD research in Computer Science or related STEM fields, emphasizing any work with foundation models, agentic systems, or LLMs.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your research interests, ability to develop original research agendas, and how your skills align with AI Frontiers Lab's mission.
- Secure strong references: Request at least two reference letters from individuals who can speak to your research capabilities and collaborative potential.
- Showcase research samples: Submit relevant work or research samples that demonstrate your ability to think unconventionally and derive innovative solutions.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your research experience, problem-solving approach, and understanding of AI concepts.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific AI research areas does Microsoft's AI Frontiers Lab focus on for this Research Intern role?
- The AI Frontiers Lab at Microsoft focuses on expanding AI capabilities, efficiency, and safety. For this Research Intern position, the key areas include work on Small Language Models (like Phi, Orca), agentic AI systems (such as AutoGen), new transformer architectures, optimizers for LLM training, and reasoning methods for LLMs and multimodal models, including orchestration and evaluation of agent capabilities.
- What are the required qualifications for the Research Intern position at Microsoft?
- To be considered for this Research Intern role, you must be currently enrolled in a Master of Science (MS) or PhD program in Computer Science or a closely related STEM field. Additionally, you will need to provide a minimum of two reference letters, a cover letter, and any relevant work or research samples.
- Can I work remotely as a Research Intern at Microsoft?
- No, Research Interns are expected to be physically located at their manager's Microsoft worksite location for the entire duration of their internship. Remote work arrangements are not available for this position.
- What is the typical duration and start time for the Microsoft Research Internship?
- The internship program lasts for 12 weeks. While research internships are offered year-round, they typically begin during the summer. You will be paired with a mentor and expected to collaborate with other interns and researchers.
- What is the salary range for the Research Intern Foundation Models and Agentic Systems role at Microsoft?
- The base pay range for this internship varies by level. For Applied Sciences IC2, it's USD $5,610 - $11,010 per month. For Applied Sciences IC3, it's USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month. Specific locations like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area have a higher range of USD $7,270 - $12,030 per month for IC2 roles.
- How should I prepare my application materials for the Microsoft Research Intern position?
- To prepare your application, ensure your resume clearly details your academic background in Computer Science or a related STEM field. Your cover letter should highlight your research interests and potential contributions to foundation models and agentic systems. Also, proactively arrange for at least two reference letters to be ready for submission.
- What kind of research samples are most beneficial for a Microsoft Research Intern application?