Research Intern - Hardware/Software Codesign

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Research Internships at Microsoft offer a dynamic environment for building research careers within a network of world-class labs led by globally recognized scientists and engineers. Our researchers and engineers pursue innovation across diverse scientific and technical disciplines to address complex challenges in computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

As part of Microsoft’s Systems Innovation initiative, we focus on advancing efficiency across AI systems by exploring novel designs and optimizations across the entire AI stack including models, frameworks, cloud infrastructure, and hardware. We are an applied research team driving mid- and long-term product innovations, collaborating closely with research groups and product teams worldwide. Our work is shared internally and externally through academic publications, open-source releases, patents, blog posts, and industry conferences. We also partner with academic and industry organizations to push the state of the art and deliver impactful solutions that reach hundreds of millions of customers.

We are seeking Research Interns to help advance the efficiency of AI systems. Candidates should have a background in deep learning, model compression, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) architecture, accelerator design, machine learning, or systems research, and the ambition to apply these skills to large-scale production systems. This role combines deep technical expertise with practical implementation skills to create efficient, scalable computational kernels. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience solving technical problems and a motivation to tackle aspects of building end-to-end AI stacks. An entrepreneurial mindset, initiative, and the ability to move fast are essential.

Required Qualifications

• Accepted or currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM 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

• Proficient understanding of GPU architecture, memory hierarchies, parallel computing and algorithm optimization
• Hands-on experience in GPU programming, including performance profiling and optimization tools
• Proficient knowledge of CUDA, ROCm, Triton, PTX, CUTLASS, or similar GPU programming frameworks
• Advanced C++ programming skills

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

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar (September - April).

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.