Senior Applied Scientist
Microsoft
We are seeking a Senior Applied Scientist with deep expertise in machine learning, agentic systems, and cloud-scale optimization to build the AI-powered infrastructure of a zero-trust data protection layer to enable modernized engineering process in M365. This role focuses on the design and implementation of the AI-based detection mechanisms to dynamically identify and redact sensitive data patterns with precision and scalability.
You will be the key role of the AI integration framework, and your contributions will directly shape how M365 upholds privacy and security standards in the AI era.
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
- Lead the design and development of AI-based detection mechanisms to dynamically identify and redact sensitive data patterns with precision and scalability.
- Build evaluation system to measure the accuracy of the AI-based detection mechanisms
- Develop closed-loop agentic frameworks that automate decision-making for failover, DR shaping, and runtime allocation.
- Apply reinforcement learning, causal inference, and probabilistic modeling to improve system adaptability and reliability.
- Drive experimentation and model evaluation at fleet scale, ensuring robustness and compliance with resiliency standards.
- Mentor junior scientists and promote best practices in applied science, experimentation, and product ionization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics predictive analytics, research)
- OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR equivalent experience.
- Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR equivalent experience.
- 3+ years experience creating publications (e.g., patents, libraries, peer-reviewed academic papers).
- Experience presenting at conferences or other events in the outside research/industry community as an invited speaker.
- 3+ years experience conducting research as part of a research program (in academic or industry settings).
- 1+ year(s) experience developing and deploying live production systems, as part of a product team.
- 1+ year(s) experience developing and deploying products or systems at multiple points in the product cycle from ideation to shipping.
- 2+ years in customer-facing roles such as consulting, professional services, or project delivery.
- Solid grasp of AI-based solutions, data classification, and compliance frameworks.
- Experience with large-scale telemetry/observability (e.g., Spark, Kusto, Azure Monitor).
- Passion for privacy, zero-trust, and scalable, auditable systems.
- Expertise in NLP, computer vision, or privacy-preserving data mining.
- Proficient in Python and familiar with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Ray).
- Solid foundation in agent-based modeling, reinforcement learning, or systems optimization.
- Proven ability to drive AI solutions from research to production.
- Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
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.