AI Researcher Jobs at Microsoft with Visa Sponsorship
AI Researcher jobs at Microsoft focus on long-term, foundational work where researchers 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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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.
Our organization, Microsoft Health Futures, is an interdisciplinary group of researchers, data scientists, computational biologists, engineers, physicians, and user experience researchers who work on moonshot projects in the health and life sciences. We apply the design thinking process and engage with stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and workflows. Our team selects challenges to develop solutions to advance the promise of precision medicine.
We’re seeking Research Interns with a proficient background in research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human-computer interaction (HCI), particularly in healthcare contexts. Ideal applicants will have experience working with clinical data (e.g., imaging, sensing, real-world evidence) and tackling complex healthcare use cases. The role requires experience in foundational discovery research and user-centered design, along with the ability to craft design artifacts, build interactive prototypes, and drive ideation for ambitious, zero-to-one projects. We’re especially interested in researchers exploring generative user interface (UI) and multimodal AI. Successful candidates will demonstrate proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as expertise in user experience (UX) design, machine learning, and data science methodologies. They should understand the unique challenges of working with multimodal data for AI model development and be familiar with the complexities of healthcare user ecosystems.
Note that letters of recommendation are not required for this position.
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
Currently enrolled in a PhD program in biomedical informatics, data science, human-computer interaction, biomedical engineering, machine learning, computer science or related program.
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
- Ability to conduct independent research.
- Knowledgeable in user research methodology, qualitative and quantitative.
- Ability to develop an original user research plan.
- Proficient interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.
- Experience conducting stakeholder interviews in healthcare, life sciences, or public health settings.
- Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to identify stakeholder needs and pain points.
- Experience translating user needs and developing empathy for the user through a deep understanding of user-centered design methods and applications.
- Ability to create customer journey maps, service blueprints, and apply innovative approaches to communicate user insights to diverse teams.
- Biomedical informatics background in healthcare or medical discovery.
- Knowledge of clinical data and generative UI tools/applications.
- Familiarity with design and ideation tools such as Figma, Lovable etc.
The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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 $8,760 - $14,360 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.
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
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.
Our organization, Microsoft Health Futures, is an interdisciplinary group of researchers, data scientists, computational biologists, engineers, physicians, and user experience researchers who work on moonshot projects in the health and life sciences. We apply the design thinking process and engage with stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and workflows. Our team selects challenges to develop solutions to advance the promise of precision medicine.
We’re seeking Research Interns with a proficient background in research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human-computer interaction (HCI), particularly in healthcare contexts. Ideal applicants will have experience working with clinical data (e.g., imaging, sensing, real-world evidence) and tackling complex healthcare use cases. The role requires experience in foundational discovery research and user-centered design, along with the ability to craft design artifacts, build interactive prototypes, and drive ideation for ambitious, zero-to-one projects. We’re especially interested in researchers exploring generative user interface (UI) and multimodal AI. Successful candidates will demonstrate proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as expertise in user experience (UX) design, machine learning, and data science methodologies. They should understand the unique challenges of working with multimodal data for AI model development and be familiar with the complexities of healthcare user ecosystems.
Note that letters of recommendation are not required for this position.
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
Currently enrolled in a PhD program in biomedical informatics, data science, human-computer interaction, biomedical engineering, machine learning, computer science or related program.
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
- Ability to conduct independent research.
- Knowledgeable in user research methodology, qualitative and quantitative.
- Ability to develop an original user research plan.
- Proficient interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.
- Experience conducting stakeholder interviews in healthcare, life sciences, or public health settings.
- Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to identify stakeholder needs and pain points.
- Experience translating user needs and developing empathy for the user through a deep understanding of user-centered design methods and applications.
- Ability to create customer journey maps, service blueprints, and apply innovative approaches to communicate user insights to diverse teams.
- Biomedical informatics background in healthcare or medical discovery.
- Knowledge of clinical data and generative UI tools/applications.
- Familiarity with design and ideation tools such as Figma, Lovable etc.
The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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 $8,760 - $14,360 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.
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.
See all AI Researcher Jobs at Microsoft
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding AI Researcher Jobs at Microsoft
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.
Frequently 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 visa for eligible Chilean and Singaporean nationals and E-3 visa 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 visa, processing moves faster since there's no lottery and petitions can be filed year-round.