Research Intern

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.
Microsoft Research Asia - Vancouver lab, located in the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC, Canada, our lab represents Microsoft Research Asia’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. We’re on a mission to transform the future of artificial intelligence by bridging the gap between cutting-edge general AI and the specialized, real-world applications that drive meaningful impact.

We are seeking multiple Research Interns working on AI-driven System design, advancing and exploring AI-driven methods for the system design with scalability, precision and cost-efficiency. You will be working with MSR researchers across Vancouver lab, Redmond Lab, Beijing lab and beyond to push forward the boundaries of system design and shape the next generation of intelligent systems.

We encourage students with diverse research backgrounds, including but not limited to multimodality, system, architecture, AI4Code, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Model (LLM) and computer vision, to apply for this position.

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.
Conduct research on state-of-the-art AI-driven system methodologies and identify new opportunities to enhance system design from multiple perspectives.
Leverage interdisciplinary expertise across NLP, LLMs, computer vision, and related domains to accelerate innovation in AI-driven systems.
Develop, prototype, and optimize novel techniques or frameworks that improve the performance, efficiency, and scalability of AI-powered systems.
Disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals, top-tier conferences, and other relevant venues, and present results both internally and externally.
Collaborate with researchers at MSR, across Microsoft, and beyond to advance and propel the research process.

Currently enrolled in a Master, or Ph.D. program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine learning, Mathematics, or a related field.

Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.
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. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.
Stay up to date with the latest developments across systems, large language models, multimodality, and related domains.
Possess programming skills, including rapid prototyping, efficient implementation, and performance optimization.
Experience with LLM pre-training or post-training is a strong advantage.
Intern - MSR- The typical base pay range for this role across Canada is CAD $5,600 - CAD $10,000 per month.

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 est un employeur offrant l’égalité d’accès à l’emploi. Tous les candidats qualifiés seront pris en considération pour l’emploi, sans égard à l’âge, à l’ascendance, à la citoyenneté, à la couleur, aux congés médicaux ou familiaux, à l’identité ou à l’expression de genre, aux renseignements génétiques, à l’état d’immigration, à l’état matrimonial, à l’état de santé, à l’origine nationale, à un éventuel handicap physique ou mental, à l’affiliation politique, au statut de vétéran protégé ou au statut militaire, à la race, à l’ethnie, à la religion, au sexe (y compris la grossesse), à l’orientation sexuelle ou à toute autre caractéristique protégée par les lois, ordonnances et règlements locaux applicables. Si vous avez besoin d’aide avec des accommodements religieux et/ou d’un accommodement raisonnable en raison d’un handicap pendant le processus de candidature, apprenez-en plus sur la demande d’accommodement.
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, read more about requesting accommodations.