Researcher

About Microsoft Research Asia Pacific

Established in 1998, Microsoft Research Asia Pacific (MSR Asia) is a premier research institution with significant centers in Beijing and Shanghai. The lab boasts a talented team of researchers and engineers who tackle challenging computational and interdisciplinary problems daily. MSR Asia offers a dynamic, supportive, open, and inclusive environment for exceptional talents to innovate and create transformative technologies. Over the years, innovations from MSR Asia have influenced both Microsoft and the global tech community.

Position Overview

We are looking for outstanding Researchers, Senior Researchers, and Principal Researchers to join our team focused on advancing artificial intelligence. In this role, you will push the boundaries of AI research by developing next-generation AI models, systems, and products that impact billions globally. You will collaborate with leading scientists and engineers in a fast-paced, cooperative atmosphere where intellectual curiosity meets practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in Large Language Models (LLMs), Multimodal LLMs, Agentic AI, and AI Systems/Infrastructure to enhance model capabilities, efficiency, and stability.
• Design, implement, and assess cutting-edge AI models and systems, including novel architectures, scalable inference methods, and pre/post-training techniques.
• Develop AI-centric products, prototypes, and demonstrations that translate research breakthroughs into user-ready applications.
• Partner with diverse teams across Microsoft—product engineering, applied science, platform groups—to integrate research outputs into large-scale production products.
• Publish influential papers in leading academic venues and contribute to the research community via open source releases, technical blogs, and engagements.
• Identify and propose impactful research directions in line with Microsoft’s mission and product strategies by staying ahead in the evolving AI field.

Required Qualifications

• Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or related disciplines.
• Strong mathematical foundation covering linear algebra, probability, and optimization techniques.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, or other widely-used languages.
• Excellent self-driven learning capacity and intellectual curiosity to master new domains and technologies rapidly.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English for technical writing and team communication.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across teams, disciplines, and geographies within Microsoft and with external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research in LLMs, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Speech/Audio Processing, Multimodal AI, Reinforcement Learning, or AI Systems/Infrastructure.
• Track record of publications in top-tier conferences or journals such as ICLR, NeurIPS, ICML, ACL, EMNLP, CVPR, or ICCV.
• Experience with large-scale distributed training, model optimization, or constructing end-to-end machine learning pipelines.
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and handling large-scale computing resources.
• Exposure to launching AI-powered features or products bridging research insights and practical deployment.

Additional Information

This role will remain open for applications at least five days and continues to accept applicants until filled.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring practices irrespective of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, gender identity or expression, immigration status, disability, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, race, ethnicity, and other protected characteristics as per applicable laws. Candidates requiring accommodations during the application process are encouraged to request them.