Principal Researcher

Job ID: 200054393Posted: 2026-09-10Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $142,800 - $274,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Research, Applied, & Data SciencesDiscipline: Research SciencesCompany: MicrosoftOverviewThe Deep Learning Group at Microsoft Research Redmond advances the state of the art on deep learning, foundation models and their applications to neuro-symbolic reasoning, software engineering, program synthesis, question answering, multi-modal intelligence, interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI), and natural language processing. We regularly publish in top-tier computer science venues and collaborate with groups including Experiences and Devices, Core AI, and Bing. We seek a Principal Researcher with a demonstrated ability for independent research and a record of influential publications on deep learning, and its applications. This person would be passionate about the next generation of deep learning technologies, foundation models and their real-world impact on agentic coding, natural language processing, and multi-modality intelligence. We are particularly interested in candidates who thrive in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and can lead independent research in our areas of focus. 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.  ResponsibilitiesAs a Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research, you lead your own research agenda and collaborate with other researchers, engineers, and product groups. As a member of a world-class research organization, you are expected to aim at research breakthroughs in the field and will be given an opportunity to realize your ideas in products and services used worldwide. QualificationsRequired Qualifications: Doctorate in relevant field AND 3+ years related research experienceOR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 4+ years related research experienceOR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 6+ years related research experienceOR equivalent experience.Preferred Qualifications Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experienceOR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 8+ years related research experienceOR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 12+ years related research experienceOR equivalent experience.Research ability demonstrated by a publication record of top-tier journal and conference publications or submitted/accepted papers in top venues (ICLR, ICML, NeurIPS, ACL). Experience with developing original research agendas. Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team. Active participation in the scientific community. Effective communication skills. Passionate about AI research and making real-world impact #Research #MSRRResearch Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $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: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, read more about requesting accommodations.