Azure Research – Systems is a world-class research group embedded in Azure that pushes the limits of software systems for cloud platforms. We focus primarily on improving the efficiency of the cloud infrastructure across the entire hardware and software stack. We collaborate very closely with production teams in Azure to deploy our research and have had tremendous impact. We also routinely collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance the state of the art. Finally, we engage with the research community through publications in the top venues in Computer Science, blog posts, open-source releases, patents, and participation in conferences. Our group provides a collaborative, supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment for engineers and researchers. Together, we strive to create innovative solutions to computing’s toughest problems. We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Researcher to work on improving the efficiency of our AI infrastructure, broadly construed. We work across layers of the stack, from AI system software and innovative hardware; to datacenter infrastructure and its interaction with power grids. We use a combination of algorithmic, systems, and architecture techniques, to improve the performance, power and energy efficiency of the infrastructure behind the current AI revolution. You will work with other researchers and engineers, in collaboration with industry partners and workload owners, to drive an ambitious research agenda. The goal is to advance the state of the art and have a large impact in production. You will have the opportunity of mentoring new team members in support of their career goals, as well as research interns. You will also be able to propose, work on, and publish cutting-edge research in computer systems. This opportunity will allow you to gain understanding of the inner workings of a hyperscale cloud. You will have many growth opportunities on our team, you will learn and grow in your career, and gain visibility both internally and externally. If you thrive in environments seeking innovation and fast-paced entrepreneurial execution, then this is the place for you. 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. **Responsibilities** + Advance a research agenda through one or more research projects, with the goal of having impact in production and advancing the state of the art. The research will yield new algorithms, prototypes, insights, and more. + Collaborate with members of the group and relevant product or business groups to help translate research results and prototypes into production impact. + Publish and contribute to top scientific conferences and journals. + Mentor research interns and participate in onboarding new team members. You’ll guide team members in processes and scenarios, research projects, and their careers. **Qualifications** **Required Qualifications:** + Doctorate in relevant field + OR equivalent experience. + 2+ years of experience in a research program demonstrated by one or more publications in top conferences/journals (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ISCA, MICRO, ASPLOS, HPCA, SOSP, OSDI, NDSI, etc.) **Other Qualifications:** + Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:  + Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. **Preferred Qualifications:** + Doctorate in relevant field AND 2+ years related-research experience + OR equivalent experience. + Knowledge in one or more of these areas: datacenter architecture, large-scale distributed systems, state-of-the-art generative AI infrastructure (design and implementation, model architecture, training, agentic systems), power management in computer systems + Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative and lead engagements as required.  + Experience with one or more programming languages: Python, C/C++, Java, etc.  Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $158,400 - $258,000 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 Microsoft will accept applications for the role until July 10, 2025. \#azurecorejobs #research Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .