AI Researcher Jobs at Microsoft with Visa Sponsorship
Microsoft builds its AI Research function around long-term, foundational work, hiring researchers who publish, prototype, and influence product direction. The company has a well-established immigration infrastructure and sponsors multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for international candidates pursuing research-focused roles.
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At Microsoft AI, we are on a mission to train the world’s most capable AI frontier models, pushing the boundaries of scale, performance, and product deployment. We’re tackling some of the most challenging problems in deep learning at scale. As a team, we will deliver one of the best foundation models in the world and use it to solve real world problems.
Our team is led by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI. Our research team includes some of the brightest minds in the field, responsible for developing many of today’s most influential LLM models. Notably, MAI has launched MAI-1 models, including MAI-1-image debuting in top 10 in LMarena.
As a Principal Product Manager, Foundational Research, you will be advancing the next generation of LLM models working on either (1) pre-training and post-training data and evaluations, (2) training infrastructure, or (3) API and Platform. You will be responsible for working backward from customer needs to prioritize new research, build evals and datasets, and work closely with AI researchers to build and execute project plans.
In particular, we are looking for candidates who:
* Have built data collection or evaluation pipelines for pre-training or post-training AI models
* Have experience in working side-by-side with ML researchers or ML infrastructure teams to build large scale ML / AI models
* Take the initiative and enjoys finding paths through complexity in a fast-paced environment, innovative environment
* Are passionate about managing high stakes time-sensitive large-scale goals, and drive to relentlessly unblock progress
* Demonstrate a proactive attitude and enthusiasm for exploring new methods and are familiar with research and technical advancement in their area
* Have worked backwards from customer needs to deliver robust, scalable solutions that empower developers and enterprise customers.
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.
Starting January 26, 2026, MAI employees are expected to work from a designated Microsoft office at least four days a week if they live within 50 miles (U.S.) or 25 miles (non-U.S., country-specific) of that location. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
- Identify and prioritize language / coding / multimodal issues and work with researchers to find a path to resolution.
- Create novel data collection tasks for taskers to evaluate models and to collect training data for fine-tuning.
- Create model prototypes to prove out new feature directions and scope projects.
- Collaborate closely with teams on infrastructure, data engineering, pre-training, post-training, and product feedback.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and growth.
- Advance the AI frontier responsibly.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's Degree AND 8+ years experience in product/service/program management or software development OR equivalent experience.
* 2+ years direct, hands-on collaboration with model researchers and ML engineers in areas such as training runs, data evaluation, infrastructure, coding, or safety.
* Experience building and shipping data pipelines or evaluation systems personally.
Preferred Qualifications
* A technical postgraduate degree is strongly preferred; a PhD is ideal but not mandatory.
* Demonstrated ability to bring enterprise or developer products to market by deeply engaging with end customers.
Compensation
- The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process.
Overview
At Microsoft AI, we are on a mission to train the world’s most capable AI frontier models, pushing the boundaries of scale, performance, and product deployment. We’re tackling some of the most challenging problems in deep learning at scale. As a team, we will deliver one of the best foundation models in the world and use it to solve real world problems.
Our team is led by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI. Our research team includes some of the brightest minds in the field, responsible for developing many of today’s most influential LLM models. Notably, MAI has launched MAI-1 models, including MAI-1-image debuting in top 10 in LMarena.
As a Principal Product Manager, Foundational Research, you will be advancing the next generation of LLM models working on either (1) pre-training and post-training data and evaluations, (2) training infrastructure, or (3) API and Platform. You will be responsible for working backward from customer needs to prioritize new research, build evals and datasets, and work closely with AI researchers to build and execute project plans.
In particular, we are looking for candidates who:
* Have built data collection or evaluation pipelines for pre-training or post-training AI models
* Have experience in working side-by-side with ML researchers or ML infrastructure teams to build large scale ML / AI models
* Take the initiative and enjoys finding paths through complexity in a fast-paced environment, innovative environment
* Are passionate about managing high stakes time-sensitive large-scale goals, and drive to relentlessly unblock progress
* Demonstrate a proactive attitude and enthusiasm for exploring new methods and are familiar with research and technical advancement in their area
* Have worked backwards from customer needs to deliver robust, scalable solutions that empower developers and enterprise customers.
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.
Starting January 26, 2026, MAI employees are expected to work from a designated Microsoft office at least four days a week if they live within 50 miles (U.S.) or 25 miles (non-U.S., country-specific) of that location. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
- Identify and prioritize language / coding / multimodal issues and work with researchers to find a path to resolution.
- Create novel data collection tasks for taskers to evaluate models and to collect training data for fine-tuning.
- Create model prototypes to prove out new feature directions and scope projects.
- Collaborate closely with teams on infrastructure, data engineering, pre-training, post-training, and product feedback.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and growth.
- Advance the AI frontier responsibly.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's Degree AND 8+ years experience in product/service/program management or software development OR equivalent experience.
* 2+ years direct, hands-on collaboration with model researchers and ML engineers in areas such as training runs, data evaluation, infrastructure, coding, or safety.
* Experience building and shipping data pipelines or evaluation systems personally.
Preferred Qualifications
* A technical postgraduate degree is strongly preferred; a PhD is ideal but not mandatory.
* Demonstrated ability to bring enterprise or developer products to market by deeply engaging with end customers.
Compensation
- The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding AI Researcher Jobs at Microsoft Jobs
Align your research profile to Microsoft priorities
Microsoft AI Research publishes heavily in areas like foundation models, responsible AI, and multimodal systems. Before applying, make sure your publications, GitHub contributions, or thesis work map to an active MSR lab focus, not just AI broadly.
Target the right internal team early
Microsoft Research and the Azure AI division hire AI Researchers under different mandates. MSR roles are closer to academic research, while product teams expect deployment-ready work. Identifying this distinction before outreach shapes your application materials significantly.
Prepare credentials for specialty occupation documentation
For H-1B petitions, USCIS evaluates whether the role qualifies as a specialty occupation. For AI Researcher positions, gather transcripts, degree equivalency evaluations if your credential is from outside the U.S., and documentation linking your specific degree field to the research scope.
Understand how Microsoft handles H-1B lottery timing
Microsoft files H-1B registrations in March for an October 1 start. If you receive an offer in, say, November, you may wait nearly a year before your status activates. Confirm with your recruiter whether the offer is contingent on lottery selection or if a cap-exempt path applies.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open AI Researcher roles at Microsoft
Not all Microsoft AI Researcher postings are visa-eligible or matched to active sponsorship pathways. Use Migrate Mate to filter current openings by visa type so you can focus your applications on positions where sponsorship is confirmed.
Ask recruiting about E-3 or H-1B1 eligibility before accepting
If you hold Australian or Chilean or Singaporean citizenship, E-3 and H-1B1 visas sit outside the H-1B cap and can be filed year-round. Raise this with Microsoft's immigration team during the offer stage, since it can shorten your start timeline substantially.
AI Researcher at Microsoft jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find AI Researcher at Microsoft JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft sponsor H-1B visas for AI Researchers?
Yes, Microsoft sponsors H-1B visas for AI Researcher roles. The company participates in the annual H-1B lottery, files petitions through its internal immigration team, and works with outside counsel on specialty occupation documentation. Researchers with a master's or Ph.D. in a directly relevant field are well-positioned, since the advanced degree exemption pool provides an additional lottery draw.
How do I apply for AI Researcher jobs at Microsoft?
Applications go through Microsoft's careers portal at careers.microsoft.com. AI Researcher roles are posted under Microsoft Research, Azure AI, and various product divisions, so searching broadly across those teams is worth doing. Tailoring your CV to highlight publications, research contributions, and technical depth specific to the team's focus area is expected at this level. You can also browse current openings on Migrate Mate, which filters for visa-sponsored positions specifically.
Which visa types does Microsoft commonly use for AI Researcher roles?
Microsoft uses H-1B most frequently for AI Researchers, along with H-1B1 for eligible Chilean and Singaporean nationals and E-3 for Australian citizens. For longer-term sponsorship, Microsoft also supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card petitions, often self-sponsoring researchers once they've established tenure at the company. The appropriate pathway depends on your nationality, degree level, and the specific role.
What qualifications does Microsoft expect for AI Researcher roles?
Most AI Researcher positions at Microsoft require a Ph.D. in computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a closely related field, though some applied research roles accept a master's degree with substantial research output. A publication record at venues like NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, or ACL is a strong signal. For visa purposes, the degree must align specifically with the technical scope of the role, which USCIS scrutinizes during H-1B adjudication.
How do I handle the timeline between an offer and my start date as an international AI Researcher?
If your offer requires H-1B sponsorship and you're subject to the cap, expect a gap between your offer date and October 1 start. Microsoft's immigration team typically initiates the process shortly after offer acceptance. If you're already on OPT or STEM OPT, you can start earlier while your petition is pending. For cap-exempt pathways like E-3 or H-1B1, processing moves faster since there's no lottery and petitions can be filed year-round.
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