Microsoft is once again pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence—and they’re inviting top talent to be part of the journey. The tech giant has announced an exciting opportunity for a Senior Applied Scientist within the Microsoft Search, Assistant, and Intelligence (MSAI) organization. This team is the driving force behind the AI capabilities powering Microsoft 365 Copilot, a productivity tool used daily by millions globally.
If you’re passionate about building real-world AI solutions, shaping the future of intelligent search, or working with cutting-edge large language models (LLMs), this role is an incredible stepping stone.
What Makes This Role Unique?
The MSAI team works at the intersection of natural language understanding, machine learning, and applied research. As a Senior Applied Scientist, you’ll help transform advanced research into impactful features used across Microsoft’s ecosystem.
This includes improving conversational AI systems, optimizing recommendations, and creating more intuitive search experiences—all aimed at helping users work smarter and faster.
Core Responsibilities
The successful candidate will take on a wide range of responsibilities:
🔹 Advance AI Research & Development
You’ll design experiments, validate metrics, and build ML pipelines. This includes:
-
Reinforcement learning
-
Advanced reasoning systems
-
Privacy-preserving ML techniques
-
Responsible AI compliance
🔹 Collaborate Across Teams
You’ll work closely with:
-
Engineering
-
Product management
-
UX/UI design
-
Microsoft Research
-
Azure and other AI platform teams
Your contributions will help turn innovative research into features that scale globally.
🔹 Engage With Real Users & Data
Part of your role involves studying user behavior, analyzing product telemetry, and identifying opportunities for improvement in AI-driven features.
🔹 Lead & Mentor
As a senior member, you’ll guide junior scientists and engineers and help establish ML best practices across the organization.
Qualifications You’ll Need
To qualify, Microsoft is looking for candidates with strong academic and practical backgrounds:
✔ Required:
-
Bachelor’s degree + 4 years experience
OR -
Master’s degree + 3 years experience
OR -
PhD + 1 year experience
OR -
Equivalent professional experience
You should have solid experience in:
-
Predictive analytics
-
Statistical modeling
-
Data mining
-
Machine learning at scale
Strong communication skills are also essential.
✔ Preferred:
-
Master’s with 6+ years or PhD with 3+ years experience
-
Deep expertise in ML, AI, or related research fields
Security Requirements
Because the role is tied to Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem, candidates must pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years.
A Workplace That Values Inclusion
Microsoft continues to emphasize diversity, respect, accountability, and integrity. The company encourages applicants from all backgrounds and supports individuals needing accommodations during the hiring process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of AI and want to work with some of the brightest minds in machine learning, this Senior Applied Scientist role offers the perfect platform.
This is your chance to contribute to tools that empower millions daily—while growing your career at one of the world’s most influential tech companies.
