Applied Research Assistant

The Chief Scientist in Experiences and Devices (E+D) and head of the Office of Applied Research (OAR) is hiring an Applied Research Assistant to help translate research and engage with both research and broader, non-academic audiences. This role will partner closely with E+D's Chief of Staff and her leadership team, as well as the broader team of researchers and technical advisors in OAR.

The core responsibilities for this role will be in researching, synthesizing, translating and communicating research and development around ArtificiaI Intelligence (AI) /Machine Learning (ML)-related topics so that Microsoft can empower our customers to do more. In particular, the role will have the opportunity to work on topics including emerging technology around Large Language models (LLMs) and other generative AI models.

Work will include speaking and collaborating with researchers across Microsoft, as well as pulling in external research; summarizing and communicating that research to non-research and non-engineering audiences in white papers, presentations, and other deliverables; working directly with the Chief Scientist and her Chief of Staff on messaging for academic and executive presentations; and helping support the push and pull of information around core research areas from OAR to the E+D engineering organization and more broadly across Microsoft. Additionally, this person will work in collaboration with E+D's executive office on leadership communications on research topics and insights for large scale audiences.

To be successful, the candidate will have the ability to understand complex research themes and communicate them to non-research audiences in different mediums including white papers, PowerPoint presentations, web pages, and for speaking engagements. They will be able to work collaboratively and interface with a broad range of internal stakeholders and external partners, and be familiar with working with researchers and academics. Knowledge of key topics in AI/ML or a foundational understanding of AI and Human Computer Interaction (HCI)-related topics is necessary, alongside a passion and interest in the future of work and technology.

Candidates will build productive working relationships and accommodate the work styles and perspectives of diverse individuals and will be able to take feedback and adapt to constantly changing environments. A degree or significant academic coursework around research methods is preferred; demonstrated skills in research, communication, and organization are essential, as is the ability to switch contexts quickly between themes and topics.

The Office of Applied Research supports applied research within E+D by conducting original research in collaboration with E+D product groups, supporting the broader Applied Research community across E+D, and driving programs that connect the applied research E+D does to support our products with the work happening in Microsoft Research and the academic community.

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.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer, Information or Research-sciences, Social Sciences with a focus on research methods, or policy, or related field AND 2+ years related experience (e.g., research, statistics, policy)

• OR Master's Degree in Computer, Information or Research-Sciences, Social Sciences with a focus on research methods, or policy, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., research, statistics, policy)

• OR equivalent experience.

• 1+ years experience translating and communicating about research or applied research organizations working with academic and technical colleagues, particularly for non-academic or technical audiences;

• Knowledge and passion around AI/ML and HCI topics, with a demonstrated ability to engage with the current research and developments in key areas listed above;

• 1+ years of experience communicating complex ideas to others, including executive leadership, in a clear, effective, and motivating manner that makes sense for their knowledge level;

• 1+ years experience writing white papers, creating power point presentations, and creating content for webpages like SharePoint;

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in research methods and engaging with public and non-academic audiences on research topics around AI and technology

• Experience working closely with a technical or academic leader on their communications around technical or research-related topics

• Experience working in a technology or productivity-related company on productivity-related or AI/ML-topics

• Experience engaging with engineering or applied research communities and audience, as working across social media platforms

• 1+ year(s) experience helping to create publications (e.g., patents, peer-reviewed academic papers)

• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff and community members;

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills;

Applied Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $94,300 - $182,600 per year. 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 $120,900 - $198,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until March 30th, 2024.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

• Work with E+D's Chief Scientist to translate AI/ML and HCI-related research for non-academic audiences both within Microsoft engineering organizations and externally; gains deep understanding in one or more subareas of research (e.g., Object Recognition, Text Classification) and understands the corresponding literature and applicable research techniques.

• Engage with, research, collect and synthesize cutting-edge research and work on course topics within AI/ML, including: Generative AI models including LLMs and HCI;

• Maintain an overview of relevant areas of research and seek out appropriate opportunities to develop further knowledge and networks, and keep team leadership up to date;

• Provide research and drafting support on non-academic publications and presentations for the Chief Scientist and OAR; own the end-to-end creation of working papers, blogs, webpages and other content to translate and synthesize research;

• Communicate complex research themes in easy-to-consume content for a broad audience through vehicles like SharePoint sites, newsletters, and talk series; identify core audiences to target and engage with them in order to understand research themes more deeply;

• Ensure there are a diverse set of perspectives and balanced approach to the research-related findings presented to non-academic audiences, and champion both diverse and inclusive approaches to engaging with research in E+D;