Research Intern Jobs at Microsoft with Visa Sponsorship
Research Intern jobs at Microsoft span AI, machine learning, systems, and human-computer interaction, typically through structured programs tied to PhD and graduate pipelines. The company has a strong track record of sponsoring international candidates for both internships and full-time conversion, making it one of the more accessible paths into sponsored tech research work.
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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.
The Catalyst Lab at Microsoft Research is seeking a Research Intern to work on applied studies of power system behavior under extreme conditions, such as space weather and geomagnetic disturbances. The Research Intern will use existing power-system and physics-based models to analyze system responses, assess operational risk, and study the impact of external drivers (e.g., solar storms) on grid reliability.
This role is application-focused: you will run simulations, analyze results, and connect physical phenomena to real-world power system operations.
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
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
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
- Interest in power systems, energy infrastructure, or space/environmental effects on engineered systems.
- Comfortable with coding and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia).
Compensation
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,610 - $11,010 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 $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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.
The Catalyst Lab at Microsoft Research is seeking a Research Intern to work on applied studies of power system behavior under extreme conditions, such as space weather and geomagnetic disturbances. The Research Intern will use existing power-system and physics-based models to analyze system responses, assess operational risk, and study the impact of external drivers (e.g., solar storms) on grid reliability.
This role is application-focused: you will run simulations, analyze results, and connect physical phenomena to real-world power system operations.
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
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
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
- Interest in power systems, energy infrastructure, or space/environmental effects on engineered systems.
- Comfortable with coding and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia).
Compensation
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,610 - $11,010 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 $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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 55+ Research Intern Jobs at Microsoft
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Intern Jobs at Microsoft.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Intern Jobs at Microsoft
Align your research to Microsoft's active labs
Microsoft Research spans labs in Redmond, New York, Cambridge, and Montreal. Targeting a specific lab and aligning your application materials to published work from researchers there signals fit in a way generic applications don't.
Clarify your visa status early in recruiting
Microsoft's recruiting process for Research Interns moves fast. Disclosing your visa type and authorization timeline during the initial screen gives the team time to route your offer through the right sponsorship workflow before deadlines tighten.
Build publications before applying to strengthen your case
Research Intern roles at Microsoft are highly competitive among international PhD students. A peer-reviewed publication or workshop paper, even under review, materially strengthens an H-1B or O-1 petition by demonstrating the specialized contribution USCIS looks for.
Understand how OPT timing affects your internship window
If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm your remaining authorization covers the full internship period. Running out of OPT mid-internship creates complications for both you and Microsoft's immigration team that can delay or void a return offer.
Confirm cap-subject status before accepting a return offer
A Research Intern converting to full-time at Microsoft will typically require an H-1B petition subject to the annual cap. USCIS registration opens in March, so if your OPT expires before October 1, you'll need a bridge plan to maintain status.
Browse open Research Intern roles through Migrate Mate
Filter for Microsoft Research Intern positions specifically by visa type on Migrate Mate to see which roles have active sponsorship. This helps you prioritize applications where Microsoft is already set up to file for the visa category you hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft sponsor H-1B visas for Research Interns?
Yes, Microsoft sponsors H-1B visas for Research Intern roles, particularly for PhD students and candidates converting to full-time positions. For the internship itself, most international candidates work on F-1 OPT or CPT. H-1B visa sponsorship typically becomes relevant at the full-time offer stage, when Microsoft files a cap-subject petition through the annual USCIS lottery.
Which visa types are commonly used for Research Intern roles at Microsoft?
Most international Research Interns at Microsoft work under F-1 CPT or OPT during the internship. For full-time conversion, Microsoft sponsors H-1B, E-3 visa for Australian citizens, and H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals. Candidates with extraordinary ability may also be considered for O-1 visa sponsorship depending on their publication and research record.
What qualifications are expected for Research Intern positions at Microsoft?
Microsoft Research Intern roles are almost exclusively targeted at PhD students, typically in computer science, electrical engineering, statistics, or a closely related field. Active research in areas like machine learning, systems, natural language processing, or computer vision is expected. A publication record, even one paper under review, is a practical differentiator in a competitive international applicant pool.
How do I apply for Research Intern jobs at Microsoft?
Applications go through Microsoft's careers portal, but most Research Intern offers come through direct outreach to Microsoft researchers whose work aligns with yours. Attend NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, or similar conferences where Microsoft Research maintains a visible presence. You can also browse and apply to current openings filtered by visa sponsorship on Migrate Mate before reaching out directly.
How do I plan my timeline if I want to convert my Microsoft internship into a full-time sponsored role?
If your internship ends in August or September, a return offer needs to account for H-1B cap timing. USCIS opens H-1B registration in March for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October 1 and you don't have a cap-exempt option, you'll need to discuss a gap plan with Microsoft's immigration team well before your internship ends.