Principal Applied Scientist
Microsoft
In Feeds and AI team, we’re building Microsoft Start, a content powerhouse for every person on the planet to be informed, entertained, and inspired. Microsoft Start is the place for all to read, watch, listen, create, connect with people of shared interests, and experience wonders in the world.
We are looking for a skilled and experienced Principal Applied Scientist to join our ranking foundation team. As a Principal Applied Scientist focusing on recommender systems, you will play an important role in contributing to the development and optimization of our online services and offline pipelines within our content ecosystem to achieve product and business growth goals.
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.
Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
- Algorithm Development and Enhancement for ranking algorithms in News & Feeds.
- Work with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement recommendation algorithms to deliver product features and drive user engagement.
- Optimize existing recommendation algorithms by analyzing performance metrics and user feedback, incorporating advanced machine learning techniques including generative AI techniques.
- Innovation in the area of advanced AI solution, and recommender system.
- Perform data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities to improve the relevance and quality of our recommendation systems.
- Build systemic solutions and models to optimize user experience.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor'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 Master'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 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 9+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in recommender systems, search engines, or online advertising, with strong expertise in machine learning algorithms, generative AI and statistics, and data mining techniques applied to personalization.
- Proven problem-solving abilities and a track record of thriving in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Proficient in Python programming, with additional experience in languages such as C# or C++ considered a plus.
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.